To Breakfast, or not

Power porridge - RECIPE

Do you Breakfast? 

This is a topic that causes a lot of debate in the world of health nuts. 

On top of that, there is also a lot of confusing messages on what to eat for breakfast; carbs, no carbs, eggs, no eggs, smoothies, dairy vs plant-based milk yoghurts etc. I wanted to share my thoughts on this topic, plus provide you some inspiration on healthy breakfast options. 

Personally, I love breakfast. I'll lay in bed dreaming of what I want to make the next morning. So the hype of no breakfast really threw me for a loop. 

My advice is, if you feel in tune with your body’s signals, listen to them. If you feel hungry in the morning and you had dinner 3-4 hours before bed and, if skipping breakfast makes you feel lightheaded and spacey or even nauseous, eat breakfast.However, if you feel no hunger, and you have more head space and energy without morning fuel, skip breakfast. There are a handful of times when I have skipped breakfast, this has been when I feel my system is backed up and sluggish. Skipping breakfast can then help a lot, just for one day. It's like a reset. 

Experiment, and see what works for you.

There are many health benefits in allowing the digestive system an extended rest. Which happens automatically if you stop eating 3-4hours before bed and leave 12-14 hours between dinner and breakfast. 

We are all built differently, with different metabolic needs. So when it comes to health fads always keep in mind that a one-fits-all approach doesn’t fit everyone. Once you know your constitution and you feel tuned into your body, you will know what will work well for you and what won’t.

Having said that, what I would like to share is this….

1. 

The first meal you eat sets the tone for your metabolic rate & energy levels for the rest of the day. So let it be a good combination of; FAT, FIBER, PROTEIN.

Each of these will help stabilise your blood sugars and help you satiated longer. This reduces cravings and snacking, which in turn means you will be less likely to experience brain fog, fatigue, and or an unfocused, frazzled state of mind. We need fat for healthy hormone balancing, brain and nerve health plus fat help increase vitamin & mineral absorption. While the fiber will also help feed your good gut bacteria which helps optimising digestion (breaking down foods to moving food down your intestine) and thereby also supporting your immune system (70% of our immune system lies in our gut!). 

2. 

The body is primed to eat between 07:00-11:00 (google body clock).

Just like our body is synced to day & nighttime it is so also for receiving food. 

3. 

If you do eat breakfast, and you have a sluggish digestion, let it be a warm breakfast.

Cold foods drain your digestive energy and reduce your digestive ‘fire’. If you imagine your digestion as a burner on a stove, turn it up too high you will burn the food, if it’s too low you get uncooked food. Either way, you will not be getting the best nourishment out of the food you eat, even if it’s of high quality.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a strong and nourished digestive system is at the heart of optimum health. In fact it is seen as the gateway to optimal health. The stronger our digestion, the better we are able to extract nourishment from any food to support the body’s needs.

I put together a pdf of healthy breakfast combinations, to help inspire you.