Skipping breakfast to lose weight – does it work?
If you want to lose weight, it can be tempting to delay or skip breakfast: by delaying your first meal, you hope to consume fewer calories, for example by eating only two meals that day. But does this actually work?
in practice?
Does skipping breakfast help with weight loss?
Skipping breakfast does not automatically lead to weight loss. It might seem logical that skipping a meal would mean you consume fewer calories, but this is not necessarily the case. In fact, some people actually get hungrier later in the day and consequently (unconsciously) eat a larger portion than they normally would, or they snack more often.
What’s more, there’s much more to losing weight than meets the eye. For example, your overall eating habits, your total energy intake, the nutrients you consume, exercise and your wider lifestyle all play a part. Everyone is different, too. What works well for one person may not work at all for another.
Do I have to have breakfast, then?
Whether you want to lose weight or not, a good breakfast remains an important meal of the day. After a night’s sleep, your body needs energy and nutrients again to function properly throughout the day.
Breakfast can also help to stabilise your blood sugar levels, which is important for your mood, energy levels and concentration, amongst other things.
In addition, a proper breakfast can help ensure you get enough nutrients and mean you’re less likely to sit down to a meal later in the day feeling very hungry.
What makes a good breakfast?
A good breakfast consists of a combination of carbohydrates, protein, fats and vegetables or fruit. A good option, for example, is a bowl of yoghurt with wholemeal cereal, nuts and fruit. Another good (and quick) choice is a slice of wholemeal bread with peanut butter and banana.
Are you not used to eating breakfast, but would like to start doing so? Then why not try out a few different breakfasts and see what suits you best? Take it one step at a time and give your body time to get used to it.
