What if breakfast didn’t exist?
We’d be an unhealthy and lethargic nation if we don’t start our mornings right.
“BREAKFAST is good for you”... You must have heard this before. It’s usually our mothers who remind us to have breakfast before we rush off to school. Or perhaps it was our teachers preaching to us the importance of starting our day right with breakfast while explaining about nutrition with an illustration of the food pyramid.
Maybe some of us stopped listening after awhile. But their advice on the importance of breakfast is based on solid facts.
So, here’s food for thought ( pun intended) – what if breakfast never existed?
Here are some likely outcomes.
In Sport Nutrition: An Introduction to Energy Production and Performances, authors Asker Jeukendrup and Michael Gleeson wrote that we lose about 80% of our energy reserves during sleep. This may vary depending on age, size, body fat, physical fitness level and diet of the individual
That is why breakfast is important to refuel our body.
“It’s just like our phones. We need to recharge our battery when the red light blinks. Our body works the same way. Without replenishing the energy reserves lost overnight with a wholesome breakfast topped withMilo, our sugar levels will drop resulting in reduced cognitive and physical exercise performance,” explained Nestlé’s Corporate Wellness Manager Cher Siew Wei.
An ideal breakfast provides about 25% of our daily nutrient needs. That is why having a nutritious and balanced breakfast will give the body the energy needed to regulate internal body condition ( such as body temperature, organ and muscle health) after an overnight fast.
Observational studies show that children below 12 years old who eat breakfast regularly have a higher level of physical fitness, muscle power and better results in distinct motor function skills that allow them to perform particular tasks.
Breakfast eaters above 12 years old, on the other hand, do better in physical activity and cardio respiratory fitness such as walking for exercise or bike riding.
Without replenishing the energy lost with a balanced breakfast, it is likely that our children ( and most adults) will avoid engaging in sports and outdoor activities. They would be less active and more lethargic and, oh dear, should we even mention weight gain and health issues.
What’s more, studies have highlighted that children who drink malted drinks such as Milo are more likely to meet the Recommended Nutrient Intake ( RNI) for total energy intake, protein and other vitamins.
Breakfast skippers are prone to snacking and overeating to satisfy hunger pangs. Eat breakfast regularly to avoid snacking as it could lead to weight gain and obesity.
“It is important to eat the first meal of the day as early as possible, ideally within an hour of waking up and no later than 10am to effectively replenish the energy lost during sleep,” shared Cher.
Our children may be tempted to eat more than usual during lunch or nibble on high calories snack foods to stave off hunger if they skipped breakfast, she added.
Mealtimes are occasions for us to bond and communicate with our family. In today’s busy world, we often overlook the fact that mealtimes with the family are opportunities to bond.
Breakfast rituals also provide routine and structure that give the child a sense of stability and security which are important for their development.
Without breakfast, there’s a lost window of opportunity to connect with our children. Our mornings will only entail dragging our- selves out of bed, prepping for school or work and rushing out the door. Our communication may then only boil down to one- liners, “Where’s your school bag?”
Don’t forget that we tend to get cranky when we are hungry. Imagine a world filled with tired, cranky, and impatient people – definitely no one would Own their Day.
With this grim view of a world without breakfast, perhaps we will learn to appreciate this morning meal more.
Let us be inspired to continue this habit of having healthy ( and happy) breakfast with our family and friends.
So, go ahead and savour that crunchy bite of toast with the goodness of Milo to energise and Own the Day!
Keep a look out for more information on breakfast and upcoming activities of the MILO ® Breakfast Movement, at www. milo. com. my/ breakfast
This story was brought to you by Nestle Milo.