Is Breakfast Really the Most Important Meal of the Day?

We have definitely heard that statement before.

The reasons why we are often told this is because it is supposed to jumpstart calorie burn, because it'll keep you from being super hungry later, etc. etc.

And then we hear about intermittent fasting, which may tell you to do the opposite!

Or hearing about how someone who added breakfast actually gained weight.

So now what? Uggghhh too much conflicting information!

So how should you think?

Maybe my first answer is biased. I'm and have always been a huge breakfast fan. I love the foods, and I really feel like crap if I skip. I don't wake up and I don't focus well.

Which leads me to my second answer, the real answer.

What would your body prefer?

If your body responds better to breakfast in regards to energy and how the nourishment sits and is digested, then likely yes, breakfast may be your most important meal of the day.

If your body responds to dinner with sleepiness, like you're winding down, like it doesn't have the healthiest food selections, then maybe dinner shouldn't be considered the most important.

Food is fuel. That's why we need it. We don't need it to feel happy, we need it to survive. We need nutrients first, not pleasure.

Which fits that definition better: breakfast, lunch or dinner?

Then that's the meal that is benefitting you the most, helping you the most.

So listen to your body. Pay attention to how your body makes you feel.

Remember that every calorie counts in the energy exchange, right down to that mini Snickers you ate.

So plan accordingly.

And if a larger, balanced breakfast is the way to go, disperse the other foods to intend to eat the rest of the day....

... remembering that it isn't a requirement to eat larger meals as the day goes on!

But you do have to do what feels right for you, even if it has to take some trial-and-error to get there.

Meal importance and serving designation is a HUGE thing I work on with clients and can be a quick way for people to feel in control with their daily meal planning. It's nice to not have to worry about wasted time with trial-and-error this way.