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Skipping Breakfast ? Think Twice

Submitted by Stella Morgan on December 8, 2009

Breakfast is without a doubt, the most important meal of the day. With the increase in high pressure lifestyles that are abundant in long working hours, unhealthy eating habits and high stress levels, breakfast is an indispensable component of your food intake. Missing breakfast leads to several problems like stomach ulcers, acidity and also very often, weight gain. It is a common myth that skipping breakfast helps in losing weight, but in fact it may slow your metabolism and thereby result in weight gain.

If you are on a weight loss diet, skipping breakfast means you will get hungry enough for a big, unhealthy meal at lunch, thereby decreasing your chances of losing weight.

Breakfast is thus important for maximizing metabolism. Skipping breakfast essentially means a very long gap between your last meal (dinner) and the next (lunch). This may lead to several problems like indigestion, flatulence, acidity and even has a negative effect on one’s mood.

Stomach problems that arise as a result of skipping breakfast manifest over a period of time and may turn into potentially harmful situations.

Coffee or tea on an empty stomach in the morning also leads to acidity and stomach discomfort. If you find you have no time in the morning, pack a snack for yourself when you have the time the night before so you can eat before starting your daily work. It is important at this point to clarify what constitutes a good breakfast.

Eating cereal for breakfast is an effective way to keep off hunger pangs for a long time. Foods like cereal digest slowly and release energy over a period of time and are hence an ideal choice for breakfast. Ensure that you eat cereals with milk but with limited sugar.

Moreover, breakfast foods like cereal and whole grains supply nutrients and vitamins you may not get for the rest of the day. The ideal breakfast meal consists of an essential mix of carbohydrates and protein that helps enhance mental performance and memory – both crucial for a busy day at the office or school.

There are several ways to make your breakfast low on calories and high in nutrition content. For instance, a fruit salad won’t add to your calories but is a rich source of protein, iron, calcium and minerals that you may not be able to fit into your day. Fruit is also useful as a low calorie topping on pancakes. Try and substitute your coffee and tea in the morning with some fruit juice. This boosts your energy levels for the day and supplies you with important vitamins.