You may have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So if you’re someone who typically doesn’t eat breakfast, you may be feeling like you’re doing something wrong. The truth is, there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to nutrition, and eating breakfast is no exception. Research shows that eating breakfast will not cause weight loss or weight gain. With these facts in mind you may be wondering, is breakfast right for me?

Listen to your body.

Do you wake up in the morning feeling hungry, or does the thought of eating turn your stomach?  Check in with yourself each morning to assess your hunger level. If you’re not hungry don’t force yourself to eat. Try drinking some water and pack a snack like yogurt and fruit so you’ll have something handy later on when you’re ready. If you do feel hungry in the morning, don’t deny what your body is asking for.  It’s also important to be flexible.  Some mornings you may wake up hungry, and others you may not.  Listen to your body and respond accordingly.

Are you overly hungry at lunch?

If by lunchtime you’re so hungry that you overeat or can’t control your food choices, you’ve likely gone too long without eating.  Sometimes we skip breakfast because we’re too busy to eat in the mornings or we don’t feel like eating so early.  If you’re not eating breakfast and then overeating later, try a light breakfast or mid-morning snack to see if that helps keep you on track for your lunch choices.  Further, if you find that on days you skip breakfast you’re eating more throughout the day, try adding it back to see what happens.

Do you have low energy?

If you’re feeling sluggish throughout the morning or find it hard to complete your morning workout, you may benefit from breakfast.  You may find that your morning tasks or workouts will be more productive and lead to better achievements.

Like most things when it comes to nutrition, it’s a personal decision that can be influenced by many factors.  If you’re wondering whether breakfast would benefit you, try talking to a Registered Dietitian. He or she could help you make a choice that works best for your lifestyle and health goals.

In Good Health,
Caitlin