Why is Breakfast Important?

The reason that breakfast is beneficial, is because it breaks the fasting state that we were in while we were asleep. If the body doesn’t get fed enough calories, it will intentionally reduce the metabolism (also known as your resting metabolic rate). This is a natural reaction and it occurs because the body isn’t getting enough calories for your everyday normal activities: breathing, walking, eating, etc. All of these activities and natural bodily functions expend/burn calories. This is why the body needs fuel (calories).

I usually notice a trend with people who struggle to lose weight or even maintain their weight-loss. Most often, they are skipping or delaying their first meal of the day because they aren’t hungry or they don’t have time to eat. My typical recommendation is to have breakfast early on… within the first hour or so after waking tends to be ideal. After a couple of weeks of being consistent, you may notice yourself naturally getting hungrier around that breakfast time. I consider this to be a good sign as it’s your body’s way of telling you that it is expecting to get fed.

A healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. A few easy breakfast options include:

• 2 eggs and a slice of whole grain toast

• 1/2 - 1 cup plain yogurt with 1/2 cup fruit, add a sprinkle of nuts/seeds/granola

• A yogurt and fruit smoothie