A High-Protein, High-Fat Breakfast: Why Is Breakfast Important?
So you started a gym membership at BBCT? GREAT! We are so happy you have taken the first step in overhauling your health and wellness. You may have quickly learned already that working out is not the only key to success. You were probably asked on day one of your training if you are a breakfast eater, and if so, what you eat for breakfast. This is one of our favorite conversations to have and more than likely your least favorite.
Why We Are Obsessed with Breakfast
Why do we love breakfast so much? It is absolutely essential to our clients’ success in their health and wellness journey. What you eat for breakfast is the easiest way to take control of your diet and sets the stage for your daily caloric intake. We suggest a high-protein, low-carb breakfast to start your day. This means right when you wake up, not after you’ve gotten to work or finally found the time to eat. When you consume protein and fat at breakfast, your hunger is more satisfied, body composition improves, motivation increases, fat burning elevates and brain performance improves substantially compared to a high-carb breakfast.
A study found that college students who skipped breakfast and had their first meal at lunch consumed significantly more high-calorie, high-carb foods than students who had eaten breakfast. The students that skipped breakfast started their meals with high-carb foods 75% of the time compared to 44% in students that chose to eat breakfast. The foods you start your day with are the foods you will turn to the rest of the afternoon and evening.
A High-Protein, High-Fat Breakfast
What does a high-protein, high-fat breakfast look like? We love the meat and nuts breakfast. It raises both dopamine and acetyl-choline, the most important neurotransmitters for focus and drive. Meat creates a slow and steady rise in blood sugar and nuts give a healthy source of smart fats that allow the blood sugar to remain stable. Athletes and the corporate executives swear by the increased mental acuity and focused energy they experience from this breakfast. When carbs are consumed for breakfast, it causes a huge spike in blood sugar. The bigger the spike, the bigger the crash, which is why you’re probably aching for a coffee or more carbs a couple hours after your last meal. Unfortunately, this will continue throughout your entire day, almost identical to a withdrawal in an addiction. So instead of choosing pastries, cereal, pancakes, and yes even yogurt, fruit or a smoothie, go for a nice steak and eggs, bison and almonds, salmon and cashews, or any combination of your favorite meats and healthy fats! Choosing a healthier breakfast combination will set the rest of your day up for success and in turn give you the results you’re looking for.
Source:
Wansink, B., Tal, A., et al. First Foods Most: After 18-Hour Fast, People Drawn to Starches First and Vegetables Last. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2012. 172 (12), 961-963.
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