Why You Shouldn't Skip Breakfast—Even If It’s Just a Granola Bar
- Piece of Cake Staff
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Written by Sara Spangler
When I was a little kid, I always felt like breakfast was the least exciting, most pointless meal of the day. I hated having to get up early for school and scarf down a piece of toast or a banana, especially since I wasn’t ever really hungry first thing in the morning. But I’d always been told, as most of us have, that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It wasn’t until college that I started believing this was true.
Settling into college my first year, I wasn’t accustomed to getting up much earlier than twenty minutes before a class, and would often skip breakfast so I had enough time to get myself together before sitting down to learn. But I began to notice that paying attention in class or even interacting with other people wasn’t too easy, as around halfway through my morning class, I would start to get incredibly hungry. Not to mention, my stomach would be growling! I’d try to ignore it and groggily pull myself through class to lunch. Quickly, I came to realize this wasn’t the way to do it.
I began setting my alarm just 30 minutes earlier and making my way to the dining hall a few minutes from my dorm. At first, I had the same issue I’d had growing up—I was never hungry enough and felt like I had to force myself to eat. But after a month or so of consistently getting breakfast, I started to notice that I was hungry in the mornings. I began to look forward to it, sometimes falling asleep dreaming of the avocado toast or oatmeal bowl that awaited me in the morning. My morning classes became much more enjoyable, as I finally felt like I had the energy to get through them and really pay attention. Not to mention, the social time first thing in the morning, as I started seeing friends in the dining hall, would set up my day in such a lovely way. Now I cannot imagine going without it!
Eating breakfast has tons of benefits for your health, and it really does make a difference in the day. If you are someone who frequently skips breakfast, maybe try to get a little meal in there first, even just a granola bar, to get your body used to it. Read on to learn about what glorious things breakfast can do for your body—breakfast is an awesome way to take care of yourself!
The Benefits of Eating Breakfast:
Gives you lasting energy throughout the day, especially after fasting overnight
Stabilizes blood pressure
Improves your metabolism
Provides essential nutrients like fiber, calcium, and vitamins
Boosts brain power: "Studies show improved memory, attention span, and information processing in both children and adults who eat breakfast” (Dietician Live).
Linked to lower disease risk: Better cholesterol profiles, improved insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure
Putting Together a Healthy Breakfast:
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a good breakfast is one that “supplies plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.” Protein is important because the amino acids it is composed of help your body with its essential functions, including hormone production, energy provision, immune system support, muscle recovery, and maintaining healthy hair, nails, and skin. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains contain important vitamins, protein, and fiber. Healthy fats help increase energy and improve heart health, as well as blood sugar control. Further, incorporating fruits and vegetables into your breakfast improves digestion and gives your body important nutrients and vitamins.
Protein
Eggs
Yogurt
Cottage cheese
Nuts/nut butters
Chia seeds/flax seeds
Complex Carbohydrates
Whole grains/healthy cereal
Old-fashioned oats
Buckwheat
Quinoa
Healthy Fats
Avocado
Pumpkin seeds
Smoked salmon
Fruits and Vegetables
Berries
Mangoes
Spinach
Kale
Celery
Easy Breakfast Ideas:
Whole-wheat toast with avocado
Omelet with spinach and goat cheese
Cottage cheese and berries
Overnight oats with chia seeds, honey, and fruit
Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts
Oatmeal with banana and peanut butter
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