Skipping Breakfast Everyday: Does It Really Affect Your Health?

Fast Facts

• Occasionally skipping breakfast doesn’t cause any harm to the body but doing it every day could make you feel low energy and harder to receive the nutrients your body requires.
• Some people find skipping breakfast makes them weary, angry or unfocused. You may also get headaches, or have trouble concentrating for the rest of the morning.
• Regularly skipping breakfast has been related to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But that doesn’t mean skipping breakfast directly causes these illnesses.
• Skipping breakfast isn’t a guaranteed way to lose weight.
• Eating balanced meals during the day is more important than having a set breakfast schedule.

What If You Don’t Eat Breakfast?

Several hours of sleep, and your body must still run on stored energy. Breakfast is a time to replenish energy and to get important nutrients.

If you habitually skip your breakfast, you may find yourself tired, hungry or less alert during the day. Others may get a headache, or eat larger portions later on.

But that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone.Skipping breakfast is not good for you, but how bad it is depends on your food, lifestyle, physical activity and health issues.

Skipping breakfast: is it bad for you?

Skipping breakfast from time to time probably won’t do any real harm. But if you skip it consistently without following a balanced diet, it can affect several areas of your health.

Difficulties concentrating or low energy

Some people find that skipping breakfast leaves them feeling lazy, grumpy or unfocused particularly on busy mornings when they need to be attentive and energized.

Blood sugar levels go up and down.

When you skip meals your blood sugar can drop. People with diabetes who use insulin or other diabetes medicines may be at higher risk for low blood sugar if they skip a meal.

More hunger later in the day

If you skip breakfast you can become hungry later on. This can result in larger lunch servings and more snacking throughout the day.

Poor nutrition intake

Missing breakfast regularly may mean you miss out on the chance to eat key nutrients including protein, fiber, calcium, iron and vitamins, particularly if the rest of your meals are not well balanced.

Skipping Breakfast: Is It Linked to Health Problems?

Research has discovered that skipping breakfast is often linked with a number of health problems. But these findings don’t suggest that skipping breakfast causes them directly.

Type II Diabetes

A few observational studies have suggested a link between regularly skipping breakfast and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This risk can also be modified by diet, body weight and lifestyle.

Cardiovascular disease

There have been studies linking regularly skipping breakfast to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Other factors include smoking, poor sleep, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating patterns.

Weight Fluctuations

While some people may eat fewer calories throughout the day if they skip breakfast, others may compensate by eating more later on. Weight control is primarily a matter of your overall eating patterns and physical activity.

Does Skipping Breakfast Help You Lose Weight?

Many people skip breakfast, believing that eating less will help them lose weight.But skipping breakfast doesn’t mean you’ll lose weight. What counts more is your total calorie intake, food quality, portion sizes and physical activity.When you want to reduce weight , do not miss food to decrease calories , eat balanced meals .

Who Should Not Skip Breakfast?

Some healthy adults can easily skip their first meal.But for some, regularly skipping breakfast could be an issue.

We recommend extra caution for:

• People who have diabetes, particularly those who take insulin or other drugs that reduce blood sugar.
• Pregnant and nursing ladies who need complete daily nutrition.
• Kids and teens require adequate nutrients for their growth.
• People who often become dizzy, weak or have headaches when they don’t eat on time.- People having a history of an eating disorder.

If you have an existing health condition, talk to your doctor or dietitian about any big changes to your eating routine.

What is a healthy breakfast?

A healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple combination of protein and fiber rich carbs and healthy fats can keep you full and your levels of energy up.

Some examples of healthy breakfast include:

• Idli/dosa, sambar or chutney
• Oats, with nuts.
• Boiled eggs with wholemeal toast.
• Plain curd with fruits, seeds.
• Peanuts vegetable poha.
• Whole wheat toast with paneer or eggs.

If you don’t feel hungry when you first get up, don’t force yourself to eat a big meal; just wait till later to have breakfast.

When to Visit a Doctor?

If you consistently get sick when you skip a meal, you should discuss your eating habits with your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms :

• Frequent headaches or dizziness.
• Severe unexplained tiredness or weakness.
• Repeated attacks of hypoglycemia.
• Weight loss for no reason.
• Difficulty in maintaining a healthy diet.
• digestive upset that recurs.

Based on your symptoms, medical history and dietary needs your doctor may order additional tests.

Make Your Breakfast Nutritious

Sometimes you don’t have to eat breakfast. The important thing is that your body gets the energy and nutrients it needs throughout the day.

If you feel tired often, or have irregular eating habits or unexplained weight changes, visit the specialists at MGM Healthcare for proper health assessment and personalized nutritional advice.

A good routine is not about forcing yourself to eat at certain times.It’s all about knowing what your body needs and feeding it on a regular basis.