I don't think there's anything that gets me more than when people tell me that they never eat breakfast. I've heard every excuse in the book.
I don't have time.
I'm not hungry in the morning.
I hate breakfast.
Breakfast is so important when living a healthy lifestyle. It jumpstarts your metabolism and gives you energy to make it through the day (until lunch that is). When you don't eat breakfast your body goes into a sort of panic mode. After fasting for 6-8 hours while you sleep, your body is expecting to be nourished right when you wake up. If you don't, your metabolism actually slows down to conserve energy. This is exactly what we don't want when trying to be healthier, lose weight, etc.
Your body is naturally inclined to crave fats and sugars. This is mainly due to survival because these nutrients give you the most energy. So guess what happens when you don't eat breakfast (or lunch or dinner)? You will crave fats and sugars! This leads to picking unhealthy foods and overeating. Not what you want.
I don't have time.
I'm not hungry in the morning.
I hate breakfast.
Breakfast is so important when living a healthy lifestyle. It jumpstarts your metabolism and gives you energy to make it through the day (until lunch that is). When you don't eat breakfast your body goes into a sort of panic mode. After fasting for 6-8 hours while you sleep, your body is expecting to be nourished right when you wake up. If you don't, your metabolism actually slows down to conserve energy. This is exactly what we don't want when trying to be healthier, lose weight, etc.
Your body is naturally inclined to crave fats and sugars. This is mainly due to survival because these nutrients give you the most energy. So guess what happens when you don't eat breakfast (or lunch or dinner)? You will crave fats and sugars! This leads to picking unhealthy foods and overeating. Not what you want.
Skipping meals also causes your body to hold on to extra fat for as long as possible. It all goes back to the concept of energy. Your body will use up carbohydrates that it saved before using fat. This is because it burns through the carbohydrates so quickly! However, it doesn't burn through the fat as easily. It slowly breaks down the fat and retains as much as it can because it has no idea when you'll be eating again.
Now, I know sometimes you can't help skipping meals. Last semester, I had classes straight through lunch. It was awful! Instead of skipping lunch altogether though, I packed small snacks and sandwiches I could eat between my classes. It kept my energy up and my metabolism going.
My biggest piece of advice when it comes to meals is be flexible! Sometimes you aren't in the ideal situation (like having class through lunch) but instead of giving up, find your way around it. I promise that in the end, your body will thank you! Listen to your body. Nourishment is key. :)
Good Luck! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below. :)
-Rachel
Now, I know sometimes you can't help skipping meals. Last semester, I had classes straight through lunch. It was awful! Instead of skipping lunch altogether though, I packed small snacks and sandwiches I could eat between my classes. It kept my energy up and my metabolism going.
My biggest piece of advice when it comes to meals is be flexible! Sometimes you aren't in the ideal situation (like having class through lunch) but instead of giving up, find your way around it. I promise that in the end, your body will thank you! Listen to your body. Nourishment is key. :)
Good Luck! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below. :)
-Rachel