"I need to pack my kids' school boxes."

"I'm running late for work, not getting a cab."

"Its a busy day at work with back to back meetings."

Thoughts like these run constantly in our minds early in the morning almost everyday. In all this rush, we hardly spare a thought for breakfast. The fact is, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as the saying goes “Eat breakfast like a king”. A well balanced diet should have breakfast as one of the main meals of the day. 

Why is breakfast important?

• Breakfast helps kick-start our metabolism. 

It helps in effective burning of calories throughout the day. When you skip breakfast, your body conserves energy rather than burn it.

• It stimulates the functioning of the brain.

Eating breakfast helps replenish the glucose stores in the body which in turn increases alertness, helps your ability to focus, reason, and process information.

• It boosts energy levels.

It is observed that people who eat breakfast are more energetic than those who skip it. Eating breakfast energizes your body and increases activity level.

• It encourages healthy eating.

As the name indicates, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting. People who eat breakfast make better food choices through the day. Skipping breakfast can increase your chances of overeating or snacking later in the day.

There are various reasons why people skip breakfast, including lack of time, wanting to have extra bed time, being bored with eating or cooking the same food, not being hungry, too tired to cook or religious reasons etc.

• Quick fixes like fruits with nuts or smoothies

• Preparation done the previous night

• Set alarm 10-15 mins earlier

• Swap non-essential activities for later 

• Shift the timing a little to suit your schedule / hunger pattern

• Reducing portion size

• Having an early dinner

• Adding variety 

Remember that all healthy breakfast choices have a combination of macro and micronutrients put together. With so many breakfast options, there really should be no excuse for skipping breakfast. Please speak to the dietician for any specific requirements you may have.