Why You Should Consider Eating Breakfast

Are you someone who skips breakfast most days? If so, you’re not alone, but I’d encourage you to reconsider. Eating a balanced breakfast within about an hour of waking up can support your overall well-being in a number of ways. Let’s explore why breakfast matters and how it may positively impact your energy, mood, and metabolism.

While you’re asleep, your body enters a natural fasting state. This means that by the time you wake up, your blood sugar levels have typically dropped, and your body is running low on readily available fuel. At the same time, your cortisol levels often referred to as your "stress hormone" naturally peak in the early morning. This is part of your circadian rhythm and helps you feel more alert and awake. However, when you skip breakfast, the body may interpret the continued lack of food as a stressor, potentially triggering an even greater cortisol response.

Over time, consistently elevated cortisol levels may contribute to symptoms like fatigue, irritability, or blood sugar imbalances especially when combined with other stressors or irregular eating habits. Starting your day with a nourishing breakfast may help support a more balanced stress response and provide your body with the fuel it needs to function efficiently.

Eating a balanced breakfast that includes a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can help stabilize blood sugar levels after the overnight fast. This may lead to more steady energy throughout the morning and fewer cravings or energy crashes later in the day. Skipping breakfast, on the other hand, can sometimes lead to increased hunger later in the day, which may influence how much or what types of food you reach for. While this doesn’t apply to everyone, especially those following specific eating patterns like intermittent fasting, it’s something to be aware of when considering your own routine.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be a large or complicated meal. Even something as simple as a smoothie with greens and protein, a slice of whole grain toast with avocado, or a bowl of oatmeal with nuts and berries can make a meaningful difference. The key is to choose whole, nutrient-dense foods that support your body’s needs.

While everyone’s body and lifestyle are different, eating breakfast can be a supportive habit for many people especially when it comes to managing stress, maintaining balanced energy, and encouraging healthy eating patterns.

As a holistic nutritionist, my goal is to support individuals in tuning into their bodies and finding what works best for them. If you currently skip breakfast, try experimenting with a small, balanced meal in the morning and see how you feel over time.