Your mom always said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. And yet, here you are, a fully grown adult who regularly skips breakfast. Some of you are just too busy in the morning and can’t be bothered, while others skip breakfast on purpose, thinking that skipping meals will help you lose weight. But not only will skipping breakfast not help you drop pounds; it can also be hurting you in other ways.
When you skip breakfast, you put yourself at risk of greater blood sugar fluctuations throughout the day. This can trigger cravings, low energy, and over-eating in the afternoon. Then you go to bed on a very full stomach, and since your metabolism drops while you sleep, those calories go to (fat) storage instead of being used as fuel for your daily activities.
If you haven’t been hungry in the morning, it’s probably because you’re eating too much at night or too close to bedtime (or both). Remember that dinner should not be your largest meal of the day, and stop eating anything three to four hours before you go to bed. When you wake up, eat a breakfast high in protein, to keep your blood sugar levels more even throughout the day.
If you’re running short on time in the morning, remember that a healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. Prep for the meal in the evening, so that all you have to do in the morning is throw together a quick, nutritious breakfast. Chop some onions and grate some cheese, for example, and you can cook up a tasty omelet in only five minutes or so.
And as always, call us for an appointment to discuss your nutritional needs. We can review your weight loss plan, identify potential problems, and recommend changes that help you reach your goals.
