Eat Your Breakfast

Now that the weather has broken, and our chilly rain days seem to be a thing of the past, it is getting hotter earlier in the mornings. Many people site skipping breakfast in the summer months stating that it is too hot for them to eat so early in the mornings. The heightened temperatures make them uncomfortable enough to skip this very important meal. However, this is a poor choice in terms of health and here’s why.

When you skip breakfast you sacrifice your body’s ability to undergo certain key functions to the best of its ability. First and foremost you are denying your brain nutrients which will sacrifice its peak function. Breakfast is the first opportunity we have to re-nourish ourselves after an 8-12 hour fast; depending on your dinner, bed, and rising time. When you break this fast, hence “breakfast,” you are giving your brain its first fuel for the day.

When you eat breakfast your body comes out of “famine mode.” This means that your body will be cued to stop holding onto your stored nutrients, which it automatically does once you have not eaten for at least 3-4 hours, because you are eating new ones. What this does is keep your metabolism working which will translate to an energy kick start to get your day started. Even though the best way to kick start metabolism is exercise, having a good breakfast will fuel your body with nutrients needed for energy for that morning workout!

If you’re a heavy breakfast eater in the fall/winter and you trail off in the summer because you can’t fathom eating a whole lot on those hot summer mornings try a lighter breakfast that still packs a nutritional punch. Below are a few examples. As always, be careful of food allergies and intolerances and talk to your primary care physician or nutritionist to make sure you’re making choices that are appropriate for you and your family.

  1. Banana split with yogurt (instead of ice cream) and fresh berries/jam(instead of chocolate/strawberry/butterscotch sauces)
  2. Yogurt parfait
  3. Breakfast fruit salad (if you’re on the go you can even do a fruit kabob)
  4. Smoothie (another on the go option. Pick your favorite fruit and greens and toss them in a blender with some ice!)
  5. Cold oatmeal made with your favorite fruits and yogurt. (You can let the mixture sit in the fridge overnight to soften the oats.)

You Might Also Enjoy...

Degenerative Disc Disease in the Neck

Degenerative Disc Disease in the Neck: What You Need to Know

Cervical degenerative disc disease affects many as they age, causing neck pain and nerve compression. Learn about diagnosis methods like x-rays and MRIs, along with non-surgical and surgical treatment options for relief and improved quality of life.
Bulging Disk vs Herniated Disk

Bulging vs. Herniated Cervical Discs: Key Differences

Bulging disc in neck can lead to significant discomfort. Learn how bulging disks differ from herniated disks, and why understanding these distinctions is key to effective diagnosis and treatment in managing back pain. Get informed for better health!
How Spinal Cord Stimulators Work

How Spinal Cord Stimulators Work

How Does a Spinal Cord Stimulator Work? Discover how this device manages chronic pain by altering the brain's pain perception with electrical pulses, providing significant relief and personalized care despite potential risks.
Neck Pain Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Neck Pain 101: Causes, Symptoms & When to Seek Treatment

Discover the causes and symptoms of neck pain, which impacts 10%-20% of adults. Learn about effective conservative treatments like therapy and remedies, and understand when to seek medical attention for more serious cases. Gain insights into managing this