For years, nutrition experts have said that a healthy breakfast is a key start to the day. Not only do we think and perform better on the job, they tell us, it supports our well-being in many other ways.
And the research shows that there are good reasons to eat breakfast.
Fuel and Nutrition
The basic formula for breakfast: Pair carbs with proteins. The carbs give your body energy to get started and your brain the fuel it needs to take on the day. Protein gives you staying power and helps you feel full until your next meal.
It can be as simple as a combo of:
Whole-grain cereals or bread for carbs
Low-fat milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese for protein
Fresh fruit or veggies, again for the carbs
Nuts or legumes for even more protein
Healthy Weight
The bulk of the science favors a healthy breakfast. “It’s not just about your weight. It’s also about vitamins, minerals, and muscle mass. We have to think of larger pictures, of what food is really doing for your body versus ‘I want a quick fix for weight loss.’ “
Control Blood Sugar
Eating breakfast helps keep your blood sugar steadier throughout the day, whether you have diabetes or not. For people with normal glucose test results, this might help you avoid insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes. Drops and spikes in your blood sugar can also affect your mood, making you more nervous, grumpy, or angry.