Many of us have been brought up with the notion that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. As the name implies, we break a fast. We constantly see references made across the media and baked into family values. To start the day fresh with a good brekkie is a must.
But is it?
When reading various articles around breakfast, the sentence “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” regularly comes up. It was originally launched by the current Kellogg’s brand – the one from the cornflakes – as a marketing tool to promote its cereal.
This ‘belief’ dug itself into society and became a household name in the world of breakfast.
With the years came a more profound knowledge of the influence that breakfast has on the human body. To date, nutrition remains a relatively young branch of the science world. We continue to learn new things on how nutrients work.
New papers and resource material is popping up like mushrooms where both old fables are (partially) debunked. anew findings may spin certain aspects of nutrition upside down. But the foundations of good nutrition are solidified.
Has breakfast been a part of this caloric solidification process?
While many adhere to this firm belief that a morning meal is essential to function for the rest of the day, we also have noticed a strong trend towards individual approaches on how breakfast fits in one’s daily life (and goal).
To answer the question – it actually depends from person to person.
We do not move much when we are asleep even though our internals systems continue to work. So the volume of breakfast calories needed in the form, type and volume may not be needed. Others etch breakfast into their daily routine either as an essential family affair or take something on-the-go before another working day arrives.
A croissant with a take-away coffee, a healthy shake, or a big bowl of rainbow coloured cereal, floating in creamy chocolate milk. We all have our own preferences when brekkie time arrives.
There is lots of data available related to those eating and those not eating breakfast. Some move their conclusions into a similar direction, other scientific reports head 180 degrees the other way around.
But when adding it all up, it shows that there is no solid proof that breakfast is the day’s most important meal.
Why?
Because we are individuals, each with our own goals, personal beliefs and physical hunger queues.
For example, when losing weight is your goal, skipping breakfast may be an option. I want to highlight ‘may’ as breaking a habit that may not lead to a goal can affect other meals during the day. This is merely one of the many examples of how breakfast can be put in a slightly different light.
And a coach can guide you through the process and see what outcomes this may have on you personally. And can propose sustainable suggestions in reaching a goal.
I personally skip breakfast 99% of the year for reasons aplenty.
But when the time is coming for a good breakfast during a holiday, being among family or friends, or simply because I know my body can use it, I am not holding back and will enjoy it to the fullest.
Expect problems and eat them for breakfast. | Alfred Armand Montapert
