Why Skipping Breakfast Is a Bad Idea – Tips from Dr. Brahma

If you ask me one health tip that you must not miss, then that would be – ‘Never skip Breakfast!’

Oftentimes, we blame our busy schedules for messing up our mornings. But actually, it’s the other way around. A messy morning is followed up by a screwed day. And the cycle goes on repeating every day taking your health down the spiral.

Waking up a few minutes early may be the key to health and happiness.

It’s those moments of calmness before the chaos that keeps your energies guarded. Walking up without the rush. Sipping a cup of green tea or lemon juice. Meditating for a few minutes. Soaking in the morning sun.

A few minutes of early rising could be so much more rewarding.

But above all, it will give you ample time to bake your breakfast.

Most millennials have this pattern of life. Rushing behind the clock, they often skip their breakfast. Some pick a packed breakfast on to go. But only a few make an effort to make breakfast.

Studies show that skipping breakfast can cause irreversible damage to your health!

Research quotes: Never skip breakfast!

1. Skipping breakfast hampers your heart

Research says skipping breakfast may raise the risk of heart disease by 87 percent. Another research conducted by Harvard revealed that men who skipped breakfast have a 27% higher risk of CHD. 

2. It impacts your memory

The Journal of Adolescent Health studied the effects of skipping breakfast in adolescents. This study examined 319 adolescents aged between 13 to 20 years for the relationship between High Energy Breakfast and Memory.

Breakfast has an immediate impact on short-term memory. 

3. It increases the risk of chronic diseases

Researchers conclude that breakfast is the most or at least one of the most important meals of the day. Skipping breakfast can increase the risk of several cardiovascular disorders. This includes diabetes, hypertension, and lipid disorders.

4. Skipping breakfast leads to weight gain

Studies also revealed that skipping breakfast can be associated with an increased risk of obesity. And you probably already know that obesity is one of the main culprits of most modern diseases.  From cancer to diabetes to hypertension, obesity is a major risk!

Why is breakfast so important?

A study published by the Journal of Physiology and Behavior has identified that Breakfast such as Oatmeal is credited for improving short-term memory in elementary school children. It can improve concentration, energy, and focus.

A nutritious supply of food for breakfast is equally beneficial for children and adults. Though people most often think that healthy eating is just a child’s requirement that’s wrong!

It is even more important for grown-ups and working professionals to eat a healthy breakfast. Skipping the most important meal of the day has several health ramifications associated with it.

Eating regular breakfast helps in preventing heart attacks and reduces LDL cholesterol. In addition, timely breakfast helps with weight loss and improving memory in adults too.

What’s an ideal bowl of breakfast?

Ideally, your Breakfast options should be natural and nutritious.

Whole grain cereal, mixed sprouts with yogurt. Scrambled eggs. Rotis with vegetables. Idlis with coconut chutney and rasam. These are some good options. Try to add a plate of salad or fruits to your breakfast.

You can also go for nutritious idlis. Idlis are great for weight loss. The idea is to keep the breakfast light but healthy. Eating deep-fried, heavily cooked meals might not be proper to start the day!

Common Indian breakfast items like moong dosa, plain dosa, rotis, poha, sabudana bring great benefits. It is always better to go for the whole meals that are traditionally a part of the breakfast routine. 

Remember, morning is not the time to count your calories.

Your body needs the fuel and you must supply the best nutrition for a energetic day!

Also Read: Eating Idli can help in weight loss

7 breakfast tips you should never forget:

1. Prefer whole fruits over juice.
2. Go for green tea, black tea, chaas or milk over milk tea or coffee.
3. Eat your breakfast hot and fresh.
4. Have a cup of curd or a glass of milk to complement your breakfast. 
5. Eat your breakfast in a calm seated position. Don’t rush out of the door while gobbling on the meal.
6. Avoid heavy chicken, fish, and rice for breakfast.
7. For quick bites go for oats, cornflakes, milkshakes, etc.

Ayurvedic Doctor’s verdict: Never skip your breakfast

It’s not just me but ask any doctor or for that matter any healthcare provider, and they will all say in one unanimous tune – Never Skip Breakfast!

After a long night of fasting, you need to replenish your energies for a day’s long hustle. Skipping or even delaying your Breakfast can have both short-term and long-term implications. While having your breakfast on time is proven to be highly beneficial both from health and career perspectives. 

So, here is what I recommend for a great start to your day:

1. Drink a glass of warm water.
2. Follow it with lemon juice, ginger juice, cabbage juice or any other juice of your choice. Try to pick a different juice every day to keep the variety.
3. Go for a healthy punch of nutritious breakfast. You can go for dosa, idli, sabudana khichdi, or any other Indian breakfast meal. 
4. Don’t drink milk in the morning with your breakfast.
5. Also, avoid having fruit juice with your meals. You can have your juice 30 minutes before or after your breakfast. However, I would suggest you go for the whole fruit rather than juicing it!