Is breakfast your favourite meal of the day or are you someone who regularly skips it?
While some see breakfast as an essential start to their morning, others rush out the door with just a coffee in hand.
However, local nutritionist Wendy Middleton from A Cut Above Nutrition warns that skipping breakfast could have a bigger impact than you realise.
Why Skipping Breakfast Can Work Against You
Breakfast isn’t just about filling your stomach — it’s about providing your body with the fuel it needs to start the day.
When you wake up, your blood glucose levels are naturally low due to the overnight fast. If you don’t eat, your body compensates by increasing cortisol levels, a stress hormone that stimulates glucose release from stored reserves in your liver and muscles.
For those already experiencing high cortisol levels — whether from stress, poor sleep or a busy lifestyle — skipping breakfast adds another stressor to the body.
Skipping breakfast can also lead to sugar cravings and overeating later in the day.
“I recently skipped breakfast and found I was hungry all day, constantly craving carbohydrates,” Wendy shares. “It was really difficult to get back on track.”
Beyond hunger, skipping breakfast has been linked to reduced concentration and memory.
Studies consistently show that children who eat breakfast perform better academically than those who don’t and the same principle applies to adults. A nourishing breakfast supports cognitive function, helping you stay focused and energised throughout the day.
From a nutritional standpoint, skipping breakfast also increases the risk of deficiencies.
Many people already find it challenging to meet their daily nutrient needs, and limiting food intake to just two meals a day makes it even harder.
What Makes a Good Breakfast?
Not all breakfasts are created equal. A quick slice of toast and a cup of tea won’t provide the lasting energy your body needs. The key, according to Wendy, is a well-balanced meal that includes:
Protein + Carbohydrate + Healthy Fat
When carbohydrates are eaten with protein and healthy fats, they are digested slowly and glucose enters the bloodstream at a moderate rate over a period of several hours. Eating in this balanced way prevents energy dips, reduces cravings and supports better concentration throughout the day.
Wendy’s Go-To Breakfast: Healthy Granola
One of Wendy’s favourite breakfasts is homemade Healthy Granola, a simple and nutritious option lower in carbohydrates than store-bought mueslis and free from inflammatory seed oils.
“I make a big batch and store it in the fridge. I enjoy it with full-fat Greek yoghurt and berries to ensure I balance protein, carbohydrate and healthy fat,” she says.
Wendy’s Granola Tips:
- Use any nuts and seeds you have on hand. Storing them in the fridge helps prevent rancidity
- Swap maple syrup for honey if preferred
- Choose rolled oats over instant oats as they are less processed and have a lower glycaemic impact.
Start Your Day Right
By consciously eating a nourishing breakfast, you set yourself up for better food choices throughout the day. A well-balanced breakfast reduces the need for mid-morning snacks, keeps energy levels steady and makes maintaining a healthy diet much easier.
So next time you think about skipping breakfast, remember — it’s more than just a meal; it’s the foundation for a healthier, more energised day!
If you’d like some more healthy breakfast recipes you can download Wendy’s Healthy Breakfast ebook here.
Wendy Middleton: Nutritionist and Experienced Caterer
Wendy Middleton, a qualified nutritionist and experienced caterer based in Lane Cove, combines a passion for health with a love of cooking to help her clients embrace healthier lifestyles.
Emphasizing sustainable, life-long eating habits rather than quick fixes, Wendy focuses on empowering her clients to find the foods that best nourish their bodies and recognise those that don’t.
Wendy offers nutrition consultations. To book go to A Cut Above Nutrition.
Wendy Middleton
Caterer and Nutritionist
Adv Dip Nut Med, ATMS 50532
Phone: 0403 861 117
Web: wwwacutabovecatering.com.au www.acutabovenutrition.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: @acutabovenutriton
Instagram: @acutabovenutriton
A Cut Above Catering and A Cut Above Nutrition are ITC Business Supporters. ITC has known Wendy for a long time and has been at many functions she has catered. We always enjoy watching Wendy share her healthy love of food.
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