Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day?
Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day, but doctors and experts in the field of longevity can’t seem to agree on its significance.
Expert Opinions
Breakfast “can be an opportunity to get a lot of healthy foods into your body to start the day,” longevity researcher Dan Buettner told CNBC Make It in January. “We have a saying, ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.'”
However, some experts don’t prioritize breakfast in the same way. In fact, many of them practice intermittent fasting — typically, eating within an eight-hour window and fasting for 12 to 16 hours — which can mean they aren’t having that first meal until long after their day has started.
Can Skipping Breakfast Impact Your Health?
Opinions on the effects of breakfast on one’s health and longevity are pretty mixed. People who skip breakfast may have a higher risk of death from any cause, especially cancer, according to a 2021 study published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control.
However, Dr. Peter Attia, a physician and longevity researcher, pointed out that the study also found that people who don’t eat breakfast are less health-conscious in general, compared to those who eat breakfast regularly.
The Study’s Findings
The study found that breakfast skippers were nearly three times as likely to smoke cigarettes than breakfast eaters. This makes it difficult to determine if skipping breakfast has an impact on longevity or if it’s due to lifestyle choices like smoking.
Research on Breakfast and Sleep
Not eating breakfast was associated with an alteration of sleep chronotypes and an increase in depressive symptoms, which led to worse sleep quality, according to a 2023 study with over 700 college students.
Another study published in 2019 found similar effects. The small study with 66 healthy participants in their 20’s found a possible connection between breakfast consumption frequency and mood, sleep quality, and eating habits.
Conclusion
If better sleep and a better mood are important to you, then consider making breakfast a part of your morning routine. While opinions on the importance of breakfast are mixed, research suggests that eating breakfast regularly may have positive effects on sleep quality and mood.
FAQs
Q: Is skipping breakfast bad for my health?
A: The effects of skipping breakfast on health are mixed. While some studies suggest that skipping breakfast may be associated with a higher risk of death from any cause, other studies have found that people who don’t eat breakfast are less health-conscious in general.
Q: Can skipping breakfast affect my mood and sleep?
A: Yes, research suggests that skipping breakfast may be associated with an increase in depressive symptoms and an alteration of sleep chronotypes, leading to worse sleep quality.
Q: Is intermittent fasting a healthy option?
A: Intermittent fasting can be a healthy option for some people, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or fasting regimen.
