4 Bad Excuses for Skipping Breakfast
We all have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but at least 15% of Americans skip it! Studies flip flop on the impact of breakfast on weight loss but there is no denying that breakfast eaters tend to have more nutritious diets, snack less, and are more focused and energetic throughout the day.
Let’s do some excuse-busting and make breakfast part of your normal routine.
Excuse #1: “I’m not hungry”
Your body may be used to skipping breakfast, you may have eaten too much the night before, or you may just not be hungry first thing in the morning. There is no rule that you have to eat breakfast first thing when you wake up, it’s okay to wait an hour or two. Also, look at how your hunger plays out throughout the day…did you enter lunch starving, make bad choices, and overeat? If so, having breakfast may help you by getting ahead of your hunger.
Excuse #2: “I have no time”
There are so many options for quick grab-and-go breakfasts. Overnight oats, smoothies, yogurt parfaits, chia pudding, pre-washed fruits and so much more. It just takes a little planning ahead and preparation. There are also great options of items you can stash at your desk or keep in your bag such as almonds, dried fruit, or fruit and nut bars.
Excuse #3: “I need to skip meals to save calories”
If you’re trying to lose weight, skipping meals can backfire significantly. Studies have demonstrated when people skip meals oftentimes they end up eating more calories throughout the day and make less healthy food choices. Research from Cornell University found that 96% of people who maintained a normal BMI, without actively trying or dieting, ate breakfast rather than skipping or just having a cup of joe. Another interesting point from this study…the most common breakfast item for regular breakfast eaters was fruits and vegetables.
Excuse #4: “I don’t like breakfast food”
If your taste buds just don’t crave breakfast foods, that’s okay. Who says you can’t have leftovers, a veggie wrap, or crackers and hummus for breakfast? When you look around the world at what different cultures eat for breakfast, you can see there is no limitations. In Mexico, traditional breakfasts include tortillas, beans, and shredded meat. Israelis’ munch on olives, cheese, vegetables, bread and fresh juice. In India, they mix cream of wheat with vegetables such as onions, carrots, and green beans and spices like ginger, curry, mustard seeds and cumin. Experiment!
While breakfast might seems like a hurdle in your busy morning, nutritious food doesn’t need to take extra time to prepare. Get organized, keep it simple, and don’t make excuses.
Interested in eating healthy? Hungry for more?