There is an old adage that says, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper,” yet most people do the exact opposite. The average American skips breakfast, has a small lunch, and binges at night to make up for not eating enough earlier in the day. If they do eat breakfast, it is something like milk and cereal. I would like to have a talk with the person that decided milk and cereal should be the typical American breakfast, because this is the worst idea ever.
Cereal is processed, often high in sugar, and typically low in fiber and protein. Similarly, cow’s milk is also high in sugar, low in fiber, and is both allergenic and inflammatory. Both milk and cereal are hard to digest and don’t provide sustained energy and stable blood sugar. In turn, this causes obesity, lack of mental focus and energy. When our blood sugar crashes because we either skipped breakfast or had a poor breakfast, our hunger rises and we tend to binge.
The right breakfast dictates the entire day. It should be high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It should be real food and not processed fake food. Food such as bagels, muffins, cereal, and milk are not part of an optimal breakfast.
The theory that carbohydrates are needed for energy upon waking may not always be true, especially if the carbohydrates are processed, high in sugar, or hard to digest.
Instead, healthy fats are a great source of energy and don’t negatively affect blood sugar or insulin levels.
Healthy fats actually help your body burn fat! One of my favorite healthy fats is MCT oil, which is the primary ingredient in coconut oil. Having just a tablespoon a day can make a difference in your mental focus and energy. I have this before I work-out, with almonds or cashews and either a grass-fed beef patty or eggs. I have plenty of energy to work-out, and burn fat instead of glycogen from carbohydrates.
If you think it sounds weird or crazy to have a low carbohydrate breakfast, consider the definition of insanity.
You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result. If you are seeking a change in your body or well-being, you can’t be afraid to try something new and go against the grain.
Glenn J. White
