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Why Breakfast really is the Most Important Meal of the Day

Are you one of those people that just doesn’t see what the big deal is about eating breakfast? Despite the fact that nutrition experts and health professionals have always said how important a hearty breakfast is, I continued to skip breakfast on a regular basis.

I know I’m not the only one to do this. A large percentage of us who avoid eating regular breakfasts say it’s because they don’t have time to eat in the morning. A similar proportion say they don’t eat breakfast because they just don’t feel hungry when they first wake up. Whatever your reason for avoiding breakfast, I’m here to say I no longer plan on missing out on the whole range of health benefits this one little meal can bring. Benefits like;

Better Concentration
Eating a breakfast with complex carbohydrates has been shown to increase concentration and brainpower throughout the day. High-quality carbohydrates that release energy slowly, such as those found in wholegrain breads and cereals, are far more nutrient-rich than white bread and refined grains that are often high in sugar. Eating just one slice of wholegrain toast in a morning can improve your cognitive abilities throughout the whole day.

Weight Loss
I’ve discovered that some of my very own clients would skip meals, especially breakfast, in the mistaken belief that it would help them to lose weight. However, skipping breakfast has been shown to have the opposite effect, with many studies suggesting that eating breakfast is an essential component of long-term weight loss. Eating breakfast helps you to maintain control of your appetite and reduces the risk of food cravings later in the day. If you are trying to lose weight, choose a low-fat breakfast with plenty of lean protein and a small amount of complex carbohydrates. Eating a small breakfast is far more likely to help you achieve your weight loss goal than skipping breakfast completely.

Increased Energy
The human body is a complex mechanism that needs fuel in order to function properly. Skipping breakfast means your body is trying to work without the fuel it needs and this leads to a significant reduction in your energy levels – and a greater dependency on caffeinated drinks like our morning coffee. However, a breakfast with good quality protein, such as eggs, lean meat, or low-fat dairy, will give you consistently higher energy levels throughout the day. Add some fresh fruit for an extra energy boost.

Improved Mood
Adding to the theme of increased energy, skipping breakfast puts your body into a “fasting” state, where it has to work harder to function properly because it has no fuel. This leads to irritability, anxiety, and low mood. Eating a breakfast complete with complex carbohydrates and high-quality protein can help to stabilize your moods for the day and leave you better able to deal with the problems you may face at home and work.

Preventing Serious Diseases
Having regular meals, including a balanced breakfast, are essential for keeping your blood sugar levels stable and balanced. Stable blood sugar levels help to prevent diabetes and improve your long-term health. Regularly eating a balanced breakfast also reduces your risk of developing heart disease and cardiovascular problems.

So there you have it. My five reasons I (and YOU) should have breakfast daily. I encourage you to eat a breakfast that incorporates complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and fresh fruit or vegetables for a health-boosting start to the day.

As always – enjoy your life.

John Aaron Villarreal


Bio: I am a Houston based, male massage therapist and wellness coach specializing in pain management and health programs for individuals over the age of forty. I laugh - a lot. I'm quirky but sincere. And, while I'm not a counselor, I do listen and I do care: Except for the times that I don't. That’s a joke - Did I mention that I like to laugh? Anyway, visit my website, call or email me and let's get together to talk about you, and the many ways to live life better!

The Legal Stuff: I write to inform, inspire and encourage my readers to enjoy all that life has to offer.
The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.
Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise, diet or wellness program.
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