You’ve heard the famous saying: “Breakfast is the healthiest meal of the day.” But is that really true? Is it really that bad if you skip breakfast? You might be telling yourself, “who has the time to make eggs and toast with avocado on top?” In reality, there are many serious risks to skipping breakfast, ranging from your mood to obesity. Some even claim it can threaten your life to put off having a breakfast. Sacrificing ten minutes of sleep for a hearty breakfast is well worth your time for several reasons.
Moody
Skipping breakfast makes you more moody than necessary. According to a 2002 BBC News World Edition article, a moody temperament was improved if they ate breakfast. Furthermore, 26% of people had a large change in temperament by changing their diet. This included making breakfast a daily meal. Elizabeth Somer, author of Eat Your Way to Happiness, she admitted to being a “breakfast avoider for many years,” especially while working full time. When she stopped working full time, people said she would “gain tons of weight.” But she proved them wrong by making sure she ate a “sane breakfast and a light lunch,” which led to actually losing 30 pounds. Losing weight and having more energy makes her “a much happier human being.” Her changes can be implemented, even as a full time employee with enough effort.
Slowed metabolism
By skipping breakfast, you might be increasing your risk of obesity. In addition, losing weight may be harder for you, simply because you are skipping breakfast. There are many benefits to eating breakfast. For example, you are less likely to overeat by making breakfast a priority in your day. It also quickens your metabolism and increases your energy throughout the day. This makes sense because when you are sleeping, you are fasting. “Prolonged fasting,” Leah Cahill warns, “leads to increases in diastolic and systolic blood pressure, blood concentrations of insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acids and LDL-cholesterol, and to decreases in concentrations of HDL-cholesterol.” In an attempt to correct this, you are more likely to make unhealthy choices as your cravings, leading to obesity. Of course, obesity comes with a slew of problems, such as infertility. Fasting for extended periods of time can be stressful on your body – even life-threatening. Clearly, breakfast is worth implementing into your daily life.
Menstrual Irregularities
College students are guilty of skipping breakfast in exchange for a few more minutes of sleep. This certainly can apply to many adults in the workforce, who may work late nights and have early mornings. Female students who skipped breakfast, according to a 2010 survey study by “Appetite,” had more menstrual irregularities than those who ate breakfast. Pain, irregularity, and even constipation was heightened by choosing to forgo breakfast.
Heart Problems
This is accompanied with a slower metabolism. But the problem is quite serious, apparently, according to a Harvard study evaluating eating habits and its influence for coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. In a group of 27,000 male healthcare professionals, they evaluated their lifestyle choices (such as skipping breakfast) and their health over 16 years. They were 45-82 years old at the beginning of the study. During the 16 years, 1527 CHD cases were diagnosed. In fact, men who skipped breakfast had a 27% higher risk of CHD than those who did not skip breakfast.
Slower Cognitive Development
In a Centers for Disease Control report, they found that children skipping breakfast had more trouble problem-solving. Students who ate breakfast, however, tested higher in standardized tests, missed less school, and were timelier to classes. This does not apply exclusively to children, though. As an adult, your body needs the energy to work effectively. Skipping breakfast is like going on a trip without a suitcase – it is a lot harder. While many see the problem with unhealthy food, the significance of eating healthy food may prove to be just as important.
What do you think? Do you focus better by having breakfast? Do you notice a difference? The results seem to indicate a strong case for eating breakfast. While it’s an easy meal to skip, especially in the beginning of the day, your mind and body will thank you later for taking the extra time for breakfast.
If you are looking for breakfast options for your Tulsa and Oklahoma City breakroom, call Blue Sky Supply at (918) 599-9100 for a free, no obligation consultation.