Why Optimising your Breakfast will Supercharge your Health (Part 2)

You probably remember being told as a child that ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’.

Well, it turns out that there is some truth to this. Obviously, we don’t want to put a ‘health halo’ on breakfast and ignore our needs for consistent nourishment throughout the day. But, in my experience, when we optimise our breakfasts, we lay the foundations for great overall nutrition; we give ourselves a head-start on the road to supercharging our energy & wider wellbeing...

Our circadian rhythm is often known as our body’s internal clock. It’s how our body knows when to wake & energise us, when to make us sleepy and when to dial up/down other bodily systems.

So, what’s breakfast got to do with this?

Well, our circadian rhythm relies on external cues to help it figure out what time it is and, therefore, which systems need to be dialled up/down. The no. 1 cue it relies on is light; no. 2 is food.

When we ‘break our fast’ by eating breakfast, we’re giving our bodies important information that it’s morning. I.e., it’s time to ENERGISE (reduce melatonin, increase cortisol, kickstart digestion etc.).

If we get out of bed, jump straight to our desks and opt for coffee > breakfast, it’s no wonder that we feel tired and groggy! Our bodies are missing out on key signals that it’s time to switch from ‘sleepy mode’ to ‘energy & focus’.

Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein & fibre goals, complex carbs, probiotics & fermented foods…if we want to maximise our nutrition, there are SO many types of nutrients which we'll want to get on our plates. But, in order to do this effectively and consistently, we need to give ourselves ample opportunity.

Skipping breakfast = taking away 1/3 of the opportunities you have to nourish yourself each day.

On the flip side, by having breakfast you’re starting your day with a nutritional boost. So, when it comes to lunch and dinner – there’s less pressure to cram all your nutrients into these meals! Plus, when you eat breakfast, you’re less likely to feel extremely hungry by midday – so making healthy choices at lunch time, rather than reaching for something quick & energy-dense, will be far easier.  

In my experience, the first hour of our day often sets the tone for the next 23. That’s why I’m a big fan of morning routines! It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive – just a series of small habits which help you feel positive, energised and ready for the day ahead.

One of these habits? A balanced, nourishing breakfast.

Separate to the health benefits of eating breakfast (mentioned above and in Part 1), there’s a separate benefit here in terms of mindset. By eating a nourishing breakfast each morning, you’re telling yourself that you’re someone who prioritises your health; it's an act of self-respect. Yes, you’ll make time for other people during your day, but you’ll also make time for yourself.

So, whilst it might seem like a 'just' a bowl of oats, fruit, eggs etc., eating breakfast could help you set the right tone for your day; one of nourishment & self-care.  

If you’d like a helping hand in taking the first few steps towards optimal energy, stress management & wider wellbeing, I’d love to help. Simply schedule a free catch-up (linked at the top of the page) & we'll discuss exactly what you're looking for.