After Eid celebrations, many people feel like they’ve overindulged and look for ways to get back on track. One common strategy is skipping breakfast to “cut calories“. But here’s the thing skipping breakfast can actually lead to overeating during lunch or dinner, which completely defeats the purpose.
Why Is Breakfast Important?
Breakfast isn’t just about filling your stomach, it’s about setting the tone for your metabolism. After 6 – 8 hours of sleep, your body needs fuel to get moving. Skipping breakfast sends your body into “energy-saving mode,” slowing your metabolism.
What Happens When You Skip Breakfast?
- Your blood sugar drops.
Without morning fuel, your blood sugar levels decrease, making you feel tired, dizzy, or irritable. - Hunger hormones kick in.
Your body increases the hunger hormone ghrelin, making you feel extra hungry by lunchtime. - You crave high-calorie foods.
When you finally eat, you’re more likely to reach for sugary, fatty, or carb-heavy foods for quick energy. - You may overeat in the evening.
The excessive hunger might carry into the evening, leading to heavy dinners or late-night snacking bad news for digestion and sleep.
What Science Says
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that people who eat breakfast regularly tend to have more balanced calorie intake throughout the day and a lower risk of obesity compared to those who skip it.
What Makes a Good Breakfast?
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Focus on balanced, whole foods that provide long-lasting energy:
- Oatmeal with banana and chia seeds
- Boiled eggs with whole wheat toast and cherry tomatoes
- Smoothie with fruit, Greek yogurt, and a drizzle of honey
- Brown rice with eggs or tempeh and veggies
Tips to Make Breakfast Easier
- Prep something simple the night before
- Wake up 15 minutes earlier just for breakfast
- Start small if you’re not used to eating in the morning
- Drink water first, then eat
Conclusion
Skipping breakfast might seem like a quick fix for calorie control, but it often backfires. You end up feeling ravenous and eating more than you intended. Starting your day with a simple, healthy breakfast can help balance your appetite and energy levels and it’s a smart way to reset your eating habits after a festive season.
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