Do you want to have a day when you feel energetic, joyful, creative, productive, be in a good mood and avoid weight gain? Most people will say yes to all. Skipping breakfast will cause the opposite results. As my good friend says: skipping breakfast is not negotiable. 

I will summarize the reasons why you should wake up a little earlier and feed your body.

In order to have optimum levels of energy throughout the day, you may want to start understanding what controls energy in your body. One of the main energy “managers” of your body is a hormone called cortisol, the stress hormone produced by your adrenal glands. When you skip breakfast, the cortisol level is elevated because your body senses that you are in starvation mode. 

That will cause a cascade of effects, such as:

• - Raising of blood sugar levels 
• - Increase body fat
• - Energy crashes through the day
• - Slow down metabolism
• - Stress of adrenal glands
• - Consume more calories during the day
• - Decrease brain function
• - Decrease mood levels
• - Increase irritability
• - Fatigue

When you experience a few of these symptoms once in a while it’s not a big deal. Now think of the effects on your overall health and well-being when this becomes your “normal” routine every day. In the long term, this cycle may lead to chronic illness or other conditions. For instance, studies have shown that the rate of diabetes and obesity is higher for people who skip breakfast. 

Let’s think in a more holistic way now, meaning when you wake up, think about what is your intention for the next 24 hours. The first meal you eat sets the tone for your entire day. My intention for the day is that I feel energetic, that I have enthusiasm to motivate my clients, that I feel creative and focused, that I have energy for a great work out and energy to play with my family in the evening. 

So when we look at the big picture, having breakfast is more than just eating, it is about treating your body and mind in order to have a day with optimum levels of vitality, happiness and success. Starting your day in a rush, with a giant cup of coffee and a scone in the car, catching up calls and emails, you only set yourself up to poor health, high stress and poor performance levels. So choose a positive attitude and health. Eat a breakfast that contains high quality proteins, fats and carbohydrates.  Take the time to eat, set your intentions for the day, be the best you can be!

by Ale Gil