Breakfast is the most important meal of the day…
Is it?
Why?
It’s funny how some things are so often thrown out there, when they don’t really have a basis. Like – pregnant? You’re eating for two. If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it! Really?
You don’t have to eat breakfast. It’s also fine if you chose to. Personally I usually eat it. But that’s because it suits my personal preferences, and the structure of my day/my eating pattern.
This morning I wasn’t hungry. So I didn’t eat breakfast (I did have two cups of coffee!). I think it’s important to listen to your hunger cues. If you aren’t hungry then there’s no reason to eat just because of the thought it’s healthier to eat breakfast, or you’re not “setting the day up right” if you don’t.
In research there is an association between breakfast eaters and having a lower BMI and better health markers. But it’s an association, we cannot say eating breakfast is causal to those things. This correlation is likely because in observational studies breakfast skippers are generally less health-seeking and also go to bed later.
Another factor is do you currently have a goal that your diet can support/influence? For muscle gain spacing out your protein feedings may mean it’s better to get the first in earlier. For weight loss skipping breakfast can help reduce your daily intake and save more calories for later. Although the flip is if you’re hungry in the morning and skip, does it lead to you actually eating more?
As usual with nutrition it’s down to individual preferences and choices. There simply isn’t one way that is best for everyone. Structure your day, and your way of eating to what works for you.
References: Mac Nutrition Uni, Uemura et al 2015, Cho et al 2003