by Michael Plank
It’s not why you think.
You’ve probably heard that breakfast “kickstarts your metabolism” for the day. Or maybe that it decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Or that it increases concentration and mental function.
And all of that might be true. But not all breakfasts are created equal, and you probably aren’t alone if you start questioning some of those claims.
(Side note: there are many perfectly healthy, fit people who never eat breakfast. These days it’s very fashionable to skip breakfast… it’s called “Intermittent Fasting.”).
But for my money, the real benefit of breakfast – especially a nutrient-dense breakfast – is this: it sets you up for success for the rest of the day.
If you start your day with an egg white, asparagus, mushroom, and spinach omelet, and a bowl of berries, you’re probably less likely to pull through a drive-through at lunch time. If you roll out of bed to a big glass of water and a protein shake, you’re starting your day well on the way to protein and hydration goals you might have. If you start with yogurt and chia seeds, you’ve got a big chunk of your daily fiber intake knocked out before you even go to work.
Breakfast is important. But not because it’s some magic bullet or secret fountain of youth. It’s important because habits are powerful. And starting your day with good habits builds momentum that keeps you going and yields powerful changes long-term.