It is National Breakfast Week so it seemed appropriate to write about it and hopefully inspire readers to make some changes. I frequently hear patients complain about breakfast:
· It’s too much of a rush in the morning.
· I don’t feel hungry.
· I am up too early to fancy eating.
· I am on the ‘starve’ phase of the diet I am on.
So why is it so important ?
- Breakfast provides the body and brain with fuel after an overnight fast - that's where its name originates, breaking the fast! Without breakfast you are effectively running on empty, like trying to start the car with no petrol!
- Nutritionists advise that breakfast should be eaten within two hours of waking and a healthy breakfast should provide calories in the range of 20-35% of your guideline daily allowance (GDA).
- Excellent sources of vital nutrients such as calcium, iron and B vitamins as well as protein and fibre. The body needs these essential nutrients and research shows that if these are missed at breakfast, they are less likely to be compensated for later in the day.
- Fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals, so try to include a portion of your daily five at breakfast, eg, small banana, small glass of fruit juice.
- Individuals who skip breakfast are far more likely to graze before lunch or over eat during the day generally, in order to compensate. Their cravings can be greater too, as their body cries for energy.
- Breakfast restores glucose levels, an essential carbohydrate that is needed for the brain to function. Many studies have shown how eating breakfast can improve memory and concentration levels and it can also make us happier as it can improve mood and lower stress levels.
- Studies have shown that for children, breakfast can improve achievement, concentration, behaviour and grades. So, to put it simply, the brain needs that kick start in the morning, to help it work.
The NHS says:
"Eating breakfast has long term health benefits. It can reduce obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes."
Written By Victoria Shorland, Eat To Live, 07789512825 or www.eattolive.org.uk. Allergy Testing/Food Intolerance Testing/Nutritionist.