Debates continue to swarm around whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day or just an opinion from one side of the aisle. Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast swear by the positive results while others say eating in the morning hours makes them feel ill. From the time we were children, we were told by our parents, teachers, and everyone else in between how important breakfast is. Without breakfast, we lose the ability to concentrate and will have an enormous lack of energy to get through the day.
Science seems to be less sure than it used to be, so for now, the jury is still out. Let’s look at both sides and you can decide.
Kids And Breakfast
Kids in school are taught that morning without breakfast can have a negative impact on their day. Children are not able to concentrate as well as those who have breakfast and will not perform as well with their school assignments. Many studies have shown that kids who eat breakfast first thing in the morning, do have an increased performance level during the day, especially children who under the age of 18.
Your Health
It has been shown that eating breakfast in the morning offers several benefits. One scientific study showed that breakfast significantly lowers the chance for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Also, in a research paper published in 2013, it was discovered that eating breakfast will lower the risk of other diseases including heart disease.
The Metabolism Myth
One myth about eating breakfast will speed up your metabolism which can lead to weight loss but there is no scientific evidence to back up that claim. A study at the University of Bath, volunteers were monitored in two groups, breakfast yes and breakfast no. The study showed there was absolutely no difference between either group regarding the metabolism.
Many researchers have come to the conclusion, whether you eat breakfast or not, is totally your call. Some people who eat breakfast first thing in the morning will become physically ill while others who eat late at night will not be hungry in the morning.
What Is Considered Breakfast?
This can be a very grey area when it comes to what foods should be considered breakfast. Do you consider fruit breakfast food? How about bacon and eggs, or pancakes? Trying to define what breakfast is can cause complications and whether breakfast really is that important a meal or not.
In Conclusion
If you wake up in the morning and are hungry, by all means, eat! This is your body telling you it needs food but if you eat late at night, chances are you will not be hungry in the morning. Therefore, is breakfast the most important meal of the day? If you want breakfast then go for it, if not then let it go. There is enough scientific proof that supports both sides of the aisle. The bottom line, breakfast is a personal choice along with your eating habits during the course of the day. If you are someone who stays up late and eats late at night, chances are you will not be hungry in the morning hours and therefore breakfast will not be significant to you. Just like so many other choices in life, we are all different and one size does not fit all.