Why Breakfast Is Kind Of A Big Deal

We’ve all heard the claim that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Why is that? Does breaking your fast in the am make a difference in your day?  For some, absolutely.  Starting your day with some type of food or episode of eating, sets things up for more consistent hunger cues throughout the day and less chance we will get 'hangry' at some point. Here are a few reasons why eating after you wake is kind of a big deal.

1. It can improve your overall intake.  Research shows that people who eat breakfast regularly have higher intakes of several important nutrients that many people are lacking, including calcium, potassium, fiber, folate, iron, and vitamin B-12.
2. It may make it easier to honor your body's hunger cues. When we skip meals regularly your body adapts and may inadvertently change the way you burn energy to conserve itself and keep you afloat. If we eat regular meals and snacks our body learns to be more efficient and sends you more accurate hunger cues.
3. Eating breakfast can help regulate energy levels. One study found that eating at least three meals per day was associated sustain energy throughout the day. 
4. It can boost brainpower! Eating breakfast has been linked to improved academic performance and mood.

With all these benefits there are still individuals that just don't wake up hungry or even feel nauseous at the thought of eating a meal that early.  This could be an opportunity to reframe what you mean by "breakfast" it could be something small like a granola bar,  soup, or a smoothie.  Then your first "meal" meaning there are usually 3 or more nutrients (carb, protein, fruit/vegetables) is closer to lunch. The main point is also that coffee isn't breakfast and can actually suppress your appetite, so try some experiments and see what works for you.  Just skipping eating all together doesn't usually set us up for a positive relationship with food and can make for erratic eating long-term.

Lastly, eating regularly will require that food is available, which can take some planning ahead. If you are needing resources consider Campus Pantry for those staples.  If you are looking for quick ways to fuel up in the morning here are some ideas for making breakfast simple and nourishing.