Full breakfast

15 reasons why breakfast is still the most important meal of the day

It can be a real struggle to cut back on calories throughout the day, and with morning usually being the most hectic part of the day, it seems like the perfect opportunity to eliminate the trouble of breakfast prep. It may feel like skipping out on those extra calories in the morning will actually help you ditch those last few pounds, but research shows that skimping on breakfast actually does more harm than good. We’ve compiled a list of reasons why something as simple as starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal could actually make you healthier, happier and maybe even a couple pounds lighter!

Here are 15 great reasons you shouldn’t ever skip your breakfast:

1. It lowers your metabolism

Your metabolism is your body’s furnace, so if you don’t feed it fuel it’s not going to burn any calories!

2. Is linked to coronary heart disease

Prolonged fasting gives rise to a collection of risk factors, such as increases in diastolic and systolic blood pressure, that raise heart risks.

3. Causes unhealthy mid-morning cravings

While you may think you are sparing yourself the extra calories, people who skip breakfast are more likely to grab something unhealthy as a midmorning snack. Learn how to curb your cravings and check out our favorite snacks here.

4. Makes you forgetful

A study on elementary students revealed that skipping breakfast reduced their spatial and short-term memory. Professionals believe this is just as true for adults as well.

5. Makes exercise hard

Getting up off our butts is hard enough as is, so why make it even harder on yourself if a bowl of oatmeal or a Greek omelet will solve your low-energy crisis?

6. Causes weight gain

Even a quick breakfast will help you ward off cravings throughout the day. A morning meal suppresses insulin to keep us from packing on the pounds.

7. Increases your risk of type 2 diabetes

Studies have shown that irregular or no breakfast consumption puts women at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

8. Makes you cranky

Nope, it’s not just the morning that makes you irritable. Breakfast food contains important nutrients that will give you that boost of positive energy you need to start your day.

9. Increases your cholesterol levels

Without a nutritious breakfast, studies have shown that cholesterol levels spike, and insulin levels are much higher.

10. Prevents you from getting important nutrients

Research reveals that people who skip out on breakfast also skip out on important nutrients like calcium and fiber. In addition, these individuals actually end up consuming more fat than breakfast eaters.

11. Negatively impacts mental performance

Studies have shown that those who opt out of breakfast are more likely to be disinterested and irritable, which affects work performance and relationships.

12. Depletes your energy levels

Breakfast foods are packed with healthy carbs and fiber, which are essential sources of energy in the morning.

13. Makes it harder to concentrate

Since breakfast replenishes your energy levels, skipping out can lead to the inability to concentrate throughout the day.

14. Turns you into a bad role model

Come on, moms. If you aren’t willing to add a couple extra calories to your morning, your kids will follow suit. That’s not setting a very healthy example!

15. Inhibits calorie burning

Spreading your food intake out over the course of the day keeps the metabolism revved and ready to go. If you limit your food consumption in the morning, your metabolism goes right to sleep…along with your weight loss goals!

We know how hectic mornings can be, but take a couple minutes out of your busy schedule to eat a simple yogurt parfait or a tasty fiber-packed cereal. You’ll feel better and look better in no time!