It’s known as the “most important meal of the day” for a medley of reasons. Breakfast sets the tone for the rest of your day. Eating a healthy breakfast gives you energy, helps you focus and boosts your metabolism.
Health benefits of eating breakfast
Besides giving your brain a healthy dose of energy, eating breakfast has a number of other health benefits. According to WebMD, eating a healthy breakfast (not a donut!) can:
- Lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease
- Lower levels of bad cholesterol
- Improve memory and concentration
Some studies even suggest that regularly eating a healthy breakfast can help you maintain your ideal weight. This is because it keeps you full through the morning, so you’ll be less likely to snack throughout the day.
The downfalls of skipping breakfast
If you skip breakfast, your body may pay the price. You may be more likely to snack throughout the day, adding unnecessary calories, sugars and carbs to your diet. You may also have a harder time concentrating at work or school.
People who regularly skip breakfast are also at a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Studies have also found a link between skipping breakfast and being at a higher risk for stroke.
Healthy breakfast ideas
When we’re talking about a “healthy” breakfast, we’re not talking about donuts. A healthy breakfast is high in protein and fiber. A donut may give you a short burst of energy, thanks to the sugar, but it won’t keep you full or provide sustained energy.
Healthy breakfast ideas include:
- Low-fat yogurt with berries and nuts
- Whole grain toast and avocado
- Oatmeal with brown sugar or berries
- Eggs and turkey bacon
