Skipping breakfast isn’t the weight loss secret you may think it is. While most people who do skip breakfast claim they do it to be healthy, it is actually one of the most unhealthy things you can do, both for weight loss and general wellness. But why?
Why should we eat breakfast for weight loss?
Well, contrary to popular belief, skipping breakfast is not actually associated with healthy eating, but rather with obesity and being overweight! That’s right, one major study found that missing out that morning meal actually increases your risk of obesity or being overweight.
Part of the reason for this is that the first meal of the day actually jump-starts your metabolism, allowing your body to burn more calories across the entire day. So despite the fact you may be attempting to consume less calories by skipping breakfast, you are preventing your body from burning as many of the calories you do eat, thus defeating the purpose of weight loss entirely.
Starting your day with a healthy breakfast is also proven to stave off your appetite over the course of the day. One study found that people who had substantial breakfasts reported feeling little hunger by the evening, while those who skipped breakfast were much more hungry. This appetite suppressing side effect can positively impact any weight loss goals, as feeling less hungry over the day will mean less snacking and fewer calories consumed.
Are you convinced yet? What about the overall impact of skipping breakfast on your general health and wellbeing?
Breakfast for general wellness
Eating breakfast doesn’t just boost your chances of successful weight loss – it is also beneficial for your heart health. The American Heart Association reports that those who eat breakfast have a lower risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
In addition, one study found that on days we miss breakfast inflammation and insulin resistance increases. Insulin resistance is an early sign of diabetes, and should be avoided if we can help it.
Both heart disease and diabetes risks will also be much higher for someone who is overweight or obese, therefore skipping breakfast should not be the go to solution for weight loss as this would only increase their risk of such problems.
If you are perimenopausal or menopausal, skipping breakfast can be even more debilitating, as it has been shown to lead to stress hormones being released, further adding to uncomfortable experiences and symptoms. It is important that when going through such a change you reduce the amount of stress your body is going through. If you’re worried about how menopause may be impacting your overall health, read all about our bespoke HRT treatments at Bodyline.
Struggling on your weight loss journey?
If you find that your attempts to lose weight don’t seem to be working, perhaps you need a healthy helping hand along your journey. Bodyline offers personalised medical weight loss programmes, providing appetite suppressants along with continual support and guidance while you seek to lose weight. Find out more by calling our helpful customer service team on 0800 995 6036 or filling in our online contact form for a call back.
Healthy breakfast ideas you won’t want to be skipping for weight loss
Protein is the most important ingredient for the perfect weight loss breakfast. It will boost your metabolism, keep you fuller for longer in the day, and stamp those cravings out to prevent snacking!
Here are a few ideas you can use in the mornings to get you excited for breakfast.
- Overnight oats made with protein powder
Make it the evening before, store it in the fridge, and get excited for the morning ahead. Stir the oats with your choice of milk and flavoured protein powder. In the morning, take it out and sprinkle it with fruit and nuts for an extra nutritional boost!
- Protein smoothie
You can mix up your breakfast smoothies with a variety of different fruits, yoghurts and nut butters, but be sure to include protein yoghurt to fill you up.
- Eggs, any way you like!
Boiled egg, poached egg, scrambled egg, even an omelette! All eggs are packed full of protein and will ensure you are satisfied. Just ensure you season well and cook with low calorie oil sprays to reduce the calorie intake.
Read more about healthy breakfasts here!
