You'll experience drops in blood sugar that result in poor concentration, irritability and lethargy. If you skip your morning meal in the interest of cutting calories, this strategy ironically backfires. In addition to slowing your metabolism, if you forego breakfast, you're more likely to overeat as the day goes by. You'll be more prone to snacking and especially to over-eating at night. The trick to combating this is choosing the right breakfast foods.
Carbohydrates are important in the morning, as they provide crucial energy for the body.
Simple, or refined, carbohydrates such as those in packaged baked goods and other high-sugar foods may provide a quick energy boost, but leave you feeling drowsy within a few hours. Overconsumption of refined carbohydrate foods also contributes to excessive weight gain and serious health problems such as diabetes. Refined carbohydrate foods are also nutrient poor, crucial nutrients such as B vitamins and amino acids having been stripped during processing. The key to a good breakfast is choosing complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, that the body digests more gradually so they promote an even blood sugar level. Paired with lean protein, you'll maintain healthful blood sugar levels to keep you going throughout the day.