We all know that following a good and nutritious diet is paramount to leading a healthy lifestyle. The food we eat fuels our body, so it is important to nourish our bodies with healthy and wholesome food to keep ourselves fit and fine. With that being said, the meals that we eat and the timings at which we eat them also have a significant role in the proper functioning of our bodies [1]. The average person eats three meals throughout the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Advertisers have placed a large emphasis on the importance of breakfast. We often see breakfast cereal commercials on television focusing on how it’s the most important meal of the day. But is there any truth behind this?
Is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day?
Breakfast is the first meal of the day. It can be considered the most important meal of the day as it is the first meal after a long fast. After sleeping for 7 to 8 hours, your body needs fuel to recharge and restabilize its blood sugar levels. You might have found that when you skip breakfast, you tend to feel weak and dizzy. This is because staying on an empty stomach causes your blood sugar levels to drop drastically, thereby reducing your energy levels as well. Hence, it’s crucial to eat a wholesome and hearty breakfast to replenish our bodies with glucose and provide the required fuel to function properly.
Advantages of Eating Breakfast
Research has shown that there are several advantages to eating breakfast. Here are some of them:
Increased productivity and concentration: Eating breakfast provides your body with the necessary energy it requires. Breakfast replenishes your body with glucose, the brain’s main energy source which allows it to function properly.
Stabilized weight: People who eat breakfast get the food they need at the most crucial hour. This prevents them from eating unnecessary snacks later in the day and thus keeping their weight stable.
Better strength and endurance: Eating breakfast automatically gives you higher energy levels which contribute to better strength and endurance.
Reduced risk of heart disease: People who eat breakfast consume less cholesterol-rich foods which are present in unhealthy snacks. This greatly reduces their risk of developing heart disease.
What are some Healthy Breakfast Options?
In order to have a healthy breakfast, we should include a variety of foods from different food groups to get the essential nutrients. Here are the major food groups you should be including in your breakfast with examples:
Protein: Protein contains amino acids and it is a critical part of the processes that fuel your energy. Include healthy protein sources in your breakfast such as lean chicken, eggs, soya chunks.
Vegetables: Vegetables are a great source of essential vitamins. Green leafy vegetables should also be included for iron.
Fruits: Fresh fruits provide the body with vitamins and minerals. They can be consumed whole or juiced but artificially sweetened fruit juices should be avoided.
Fibre: Fibrous foods keep your stomach full for a long time. Some options include oats, nuts, and sweet potatoes.
Whole grains: Whole grains are an excellent source of fuel and energy. Some examples are atta, legumes, barley, ragi, quinoa. Refined grains like maida should be avoided.
Conclusion
We can conclude that not only is it important to eat breakfast, it’s also important to eat a healthy breakfast that contains key nutrients. [3] This includes a good amount of protein, fibre, and vitamins to sustain your body for peak performance. Skipping breakfast is highly discouraged as it accounts for an unhealthy lifestyle. Make sure you always eat a nutritious breakfast to start your day in the best way possible.
Four Healthy, Easy, And Nutritious Recipes For Your Wholesome Breakfast
