Is breakfast a must for weight loss?
Two years ago my answer would have been an absolute yes. No argument. End of discussion. And this is exactly what I told my clients to ensure they started the day ‘correctly’… turned on their metabolism, avoided brain fog and broke the fast their body was in overnight.
This is what I believed…
Now?
No breakfast is not a must for weight loss!
And furthermore, breakfast is not a must. Period.
Why the dramatic 180 degree turn?
I’ve read, researched and read some more. Nutrition science is advancing incredibly fast each and everyday. We are learning so much more about our bodies, our brains, the effect of food, metabolism etc etc. New findings are being announced often because there is so much to discover and we now have the tools and the people to do so.
What I have been saying for quite some time however – definitely more than 2, more like the last 10 years – is that we ALL eat too much. Yes I appreciate this is a generalisation, but I am talking about the general population, not those at the pointy end of the spectrum.
Everything has been super-sized, but our bodies simply do not need that much food.
You will discover this if you eat mindfully. When you truly eat mindfully you only eat when you’re actually physically hungry, not because the clock tells you its time to eat, or you’re bored, or you’re satisfying a craving or if you’re stuck in the habit rut.
And breakfast is my case in point.
This morning I woke, had a glass of water, went for a long walk and talk with a girlfriend, then by the time I got home and whipped myself up a yummy brunch it was 11am. Yes this is a photo of today’s breakfast.
I was genuinely hungry. My tummy was rumbling and my combination of vegetables, healthy fats – avocado, egg and sesame, and healthy proteins – egg and avocado, ensure I’m satisfied and keep me going until late arvo. Then I’ll eat again – depending on what I feel like – probably a small greek yoghurt with some nuts as a snack…or not. I may just wait for dinner.
I will wait and listen to my body and it will happily tell me when I need to refuel…
Do you see how when you choose to eat mindfully you actually end up eating less?
Now I appreciate I’m working from home today so I have the luxury of prepping and eating food when I want to, and you don’t necessarily have this freedom in your workplace. But the rules and regulations in the work environment have changed considerably over the past few years, most are much more relaxed and can accommodate people eating at times that suit them. Try it you may be pleasantly surprised.
If you want to discover how to eat mindfully you can grab my free Mindful Eating Guide here. And be excited because if you’ve only been eating breakfast because someone like the ‘old’ me had been telling you to…. ignore! And may your first meal of the day be when you are actually hungry.
Be Healthy, Happy & Amazing!
Caroline x