Breakfast - a waste of calories?

HonkyTonks

No matter what I do I can't help but feel like breakfast (for me!) is a waste of calories. I know some people enjoy it, but I am neither hungry nor do I enjoy eating breakfast. So I usually don't eat it and save those calories for later in the day.

Just wondering if there are other like minded folk who don't think much of breakfast and prefer to save their calories for later in the day?

Or if you are a big breakfast fan, what you like about it?

MzLisa25

I agree. I have a small yogurt or hard boiled egg a few hours after I wake up at 9 or 10 am. But breakfast is a waste of calories for me too. I tried eating a good breakfast with protein and was still just as hungry later in the day so I prefer to save those calories

catcrazy

Its very rare I eat breakfast, !'m rarely hungry in the morning but even when I am I will usually see it again if I eat within 2-3 hours of waking. Always been the same so for me it is a total waste of calories.

I wake at 7.30 and my "breakfast" is usually around 11.00am. "Lunch" is then around 3.30pm, dinner around 7pm and if calories/appetite allow I have a supper/snack around 11pm. It doesnt matter (for the vast majority of people) when you eat as long as you are getting the required calories in.

thebigcb

I think you'll find mymost health experts will tell you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Personally, I can eat all day every day(thats the probelm)

htmlgirl

For breakfast I usually have a serving of cereal (no milk) and/or a piece of fruit. They are about 100 calories each. Most days, I have to eat breakfast or I'm starving, but eating something small and drinking a bottle of water helps a lot.

MissYogapants

I'm not a breakfast person either, but I understand how important breakfast is so I usually force myself into having a bowl of Kellogs K with some milk. It's better than nothing at least. Also, I find that on the days I do eat a sturdy breakfast (400-600 kcal) I "automatically" eat less during the rest of that entire day; I don't feel the "need" to snack and I'll eat much more balanced.

Neenbean02

Since I was a little kid if I would eat breakfast I would get sick a couple minutes later. This would usully happen on the bus to school so I gave up and have not eaten breakfast since I was about 12 years old.

x__abbi__x

I always eat breakfast and its usually a small bowl of cereal or a bit of toast with a cup of tea. It seems to set me up until lunch time and its not a huge amount of my calories. Breakfast is meant to get the metabolism started thats why its so important xx

CaseRat

Breakfast isn't a necessity. Health 'experts' say that it's the most important meal, and there's the whole myth about breakfast skippers being fatter, but that's simply because most people that don't eat breakfast tend to pig out and eat more throughout the rest of the day.

http://www.leangains.com/p/my-transformation.html
^ This bloke here does intermittent fasting, eating only for 8 hours a day from around 1pm-9pm. He looks pretty damn good to me. A lot of people I know doing IF are succeeding in their goals of muscle gain or fat loss.

Masterdo

Well, there is a reason why the breakfast is said to be "the most important meal". Whether you are running or sleeping, you burn calories. You BMR is in fact the higher calorie burner in a given day, and that doesn't stop while you are sleeping. You need to eat stuff to stop the catabolism (your body getting nutrients from its reserves) back into anabolism (repairing muscles from workouts, etc).

Just another step to a better health in general, and a very easy way to experience better rest and recovery days in general.

EDIT : To give an extreme example, bodybuilders will eat slow to digest proteins before bed or even wake up to eat, "nocturnal eating" to prevent that from even happening. It's not a myth, it's just not "that" important for the average person, but there is no denying the benefits, however small they can be for you particularly

tamsinwhitfield

I don't particularly like eating breakfast, but I force myself to do it regardless - doesn't need to be heavy, and it does seem to be important for kickstarting metabolism, particularly if you train in the morning (I usually work out at 8am, so try to eat breakfast around 6.30am).

Weetabix with skim milk, yoghurt with banana sliced into it, boiled egg and some fruit - none of these are hugely filling or calorific. I also swear by a mug of hot water with a bit of lemon juice first thing.

swat1948

I'm an early riser, usually up at 5 a.m. but I don't eat till around 8. Instead I drink black coffee. I have hypothyroidism so I have to wait an hour to eat after I take it. Weekdays I have to deliver my grandsons to the school bus, so I eat when I get back home. I guess in the long run, it doesn't really matter as long as you stay in your calorie range. LOL I have to wait an hour after I take my thyroid pill...geez

DellG85

No matter what I do I can't help but feel like breakfast (for me!) is a waste of calories. I know some people enjoy it, but I am neither hungry nor do I enjoy eating breakfast. So I usually don't eat it and save those calories for later in the day.

Just wondering if there are other like minded folk who don't think much of breakfast and prefer to save their calories for later in the day?

Or if you are a big breakfast fan, what you like about it?

To an extent, I am of a similar mindset. I can quite easily go without breakfast and not even thin twice about it. However, I make a point of having breakfast nowadays as to me, it's just keeping my metabolism ticking over, if nothing else. I usually only have a yoghurt or some fruit but I think even that's better than nothing. I don't really like the idea of skipping meals x

Siannah

I need my breakfast. If I don't, I will eat rubbish mid-morning. But if you don't, I wouldn't worry about it and eat when you're ready for it.

CaseRat

Well, there is a reason why the breakfast is said to be "the most important meal". Whether you are running or sleeping, you burn calories. You BMR is in fact the higher calorie burner in a given day, and that doesn't stop while you are sleeping. You need to eat stuff to stop the catabolism (your body getting nutrients from its reserves) back into anabolism (repairing muscles from workouts, etc).

Just another step to a better health in general, and a very easy way to experience better rest and recovery days in general.

You're not going to start withering away by not eating for another 4 hours or so until lunch. Breakfast isn't needed.

Martucha123

it is a waste of calories
I skip it and have huge lunch
(and I mean it, I experience food coma after lunch LOL)

morganadk2_deleted

I need my breakfast. If I don't, I will eat rubbish mid-morning. But if you don't, I wouldn't worry about it and eat when you're ready for it.

^ This

Have to say , you would not run your car on empty , why do it to your body?

Masterdo

Well, there is a reason why the breakfast is said to be "the most important meal". Whether you are running or sleeping, you burn calories. You BMR is in fact the higher calorie burner in a given day, and that doesn't stop while you are sleeping. You need to eat stuff to stop the catabolism (your body getting nutrients from its reserves) back into anabolism (repairing muscles from workouts, etc).

Just another step to a better health in general, and a very easy way to experience better rest and recovery days in general.

You're not going to start withering away by not eating for another 4 hours or so until lunch. Breakfast isn't needed.

Well of course that is not that fast, but the benefit exists, however small they may be for a non athlete. The reverse though, the benefits or not eating breakfast is not shown anywhere. Ignoring a small benefit definitely won't kill you though, and probably won't affect your life if you are not specifically working out seriously, but you can't just go and say it's useless, because it is not

Leanne3552000

I don't function properly without something in the morning. I also love breakfast foods. I'm pretty sure I could live on breakfast foods especially yogurt. Now I can't wait for my breakfast in the morning mmm

HonkyTonks

Interesting, good to see there are some like minded folk who feel this way.

I can understand the importance of breakfast for some, particularly if you are prone to overeating if you skip meals due to being extra hungry. I can also understand some people just like eating breakfast cause it's yummy or enjoyable or part of their habit.

But I don't believe that your body won't run if you don't have it, because your body will still be using food from what you ate as energy, plus your fat stores etc.

Leanne3552000

And also it's not a myth that breakfast is important!

HonkyTonks

Well, there is a reason why the breakfast is said to be "the most important meal". Whether you are running or sleeping, you burn calories. You BMR is in fact the higher calorie burner in a given day, and that doesn't stop while you are sleeping. You need to eat stuff to stop the catabolism (your body getting nutrients from its reserves) back into anabolism (repairing muscles from workouts, etc).

Just another step to a better health in general, and a very easy way to experience better rest and recovery days in general.

You're not going to start withering away by not eating for another 4 hours or so until lunch. Breakfast isn't needed.

Well of course that is not that fast, but the benefit exists, however small they may be for a non athlete. The reverse though, the benefits or not eating breakfast is not shown anywhere. Ignoring a small benefit definitely won't kill you though, and probably won't affect your life if you are not specifically working out seriously, but you can't just go and say it's useless, because it is not

There have been studies that going for quite a while (eg fasting) up to a point has additional fat burning benefits, as well as good for your overall health. So I guess one could say that in that sense skipping breakfast might bring you health benefits. There are other studies that show a link between skipping meals and obesity, however, I think that is more to do with compensating for skipped meals with high calorie meals.

mswillems

For the longest time I struggled with finding something that didn't make me feel awful after eating it, but the experts say you need breakfast. So I would eat something... eggs, oatmeal, cereal, toast, yogurt, but always felt sickly after. For the last week I have actually been either skipping breakfast or having a cup of watermelon. I feel sooo much better and go into my workout with more energy. Then I have a spinach/carrot/almond milk/protein shake after my workout.

JadeRabbit08

The bulk of my calories are eaten at 1st and second breakfast. I love it. I have dinner at breakfast time. So its usually a huge salad and cooked chicken and brown rice. Second breakfast is 2 to 3 frozen bananas with almond milk and raw cacao thrown into a blender. {Thickshake for breakfast yes I know its wrong. }

Anywhere between 800 to 100 calories all up. It took a while to build up to that level of calories. I feel great. I often have busy days with only time to grab some raw almonds and a piece of fruit during the day so I appreciate the energy.

jj3120

I think it's a matter of choice and doesn't matter as long as your eating enough and the right foods!

Personally I am starving when I wake up!! I could probably eat all my calories at the beginning of the day and wouldn't be bothered later on!! I usually have a big bowl of porridge in the morning with various toppings of nuts/fruits/yogurt.

HonkyTonks

The bulk of my calories are eaten at 1st and second breakfast. I love it. I have dinner at breakfast time. So its usually a huge salad and cooked chicken and brown rice. Second breakfast is 2 to 3 frozen bananas with almond milk and raw cacao thrown into a blender. {Thickshake for breakfast yes I know its wrong. }

Anywhere between 800 to 100 calories all up. It took a while to build up to that level of calories. I feel great. I often have busy days with only time to grab some raw almonds and a piece of fruit during the day so I appreciate the energy.

That thickshake looks yummy

foxbat2828

Don't look at breakfast as a benefit from the value of enjoyed calories if you aren't a big breakfast fan ... instead, look at it as the start to losing/maintaining weight each and every day.

By the time you wake up and get your day finally started, your body has probably gone between 8-12 hours without anything driving its engine. Do this too often and you body starts making changes and converting food more quickly to fat stores that it can use to cover these "deficient" periods.. Your metabolism gets into a pattern of realizing that "it's on its own" with regard to providing for energy needs ... especially as you day kicks off.

I've never really been a big breakfast person, at least not since I was in junior high, and it's taken a lot for me to break that habit. Even today, I still have to consciously remind myself and push myself to do breakfast in some form as I'm usually not hungry in the morning. Couple that with having reduced calories and, like the OP, I would also try to hoard my calories for later meals. With that said, I've since become a believer in the idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day even though it's my least favorite. I've often stalled out on weight loss when I don't eat breakfast and go into mini-plateaus. Once I get back on eating breakfast, the weight starts coming off again doing nothing else differently.

Breakfast doesn't have to be a big meal, but should certainly focus on proteins to jump-start your metabolism engine. Something as simple as a handful of almonds in the morning gives you 6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and while high in fat, they are are high in the good fats, mono-/poly- and low in saturated fats ... about 1 gram of saturated in an ounce. They also come in a variety of flavors like chocolate mint, butter toffee, hickory smoked, so whether you want something sweet or savory, they've got you covered. I also make my own sausage/biscuits with Banquet turkey sausage links and Pillsbury country biscuits ... the little ones that come 10 to a can. Three biscuits and three sausage links work out to 250 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 2 grams of saturated fat. Really light starts to the day that will kick-start your metabolism without weighing you down in the morning if you aren't a big breakfast fan.

CaseRat

Well, there is a reason why the breakfast is said to be "the most important meal". Whether you are running or sleeping, you burn calories. You BMR is in fact the higher calorie burner in a given day, and that doesn't stop while you are sleeping. You need to eat stuff to stop the catabolism (your body getting nutrients from its reserves) back into anabolism (repairing muscles from workouts, etc).

Just another step to a better health in general, and a very easy way to experience better rest and recovery days in general.

You're not going to start withering away by not eating for another 4 hours or so until lunch. Breakfast isn't needed.

Well of course that is not that fast, but the benefit exists, however small they may be for a non athlete. The reverse though, the benefits or not eating breakfast is not shown anywhere. Ignoring a small benefit definitely won't kill you though, and probably won't affect your life if you are not specifically working out seriously, but you can't just go and say it's useless, because it is not

True, but benifit of not eating breakfast not shown anywhere?
Look up Intermittent Fasting. Plenty of results there.

If eating breakfast makes someone feel terrible, then why make them eat it? For them, it's useless. For others, it's needed and they can't function without it. Everyone differs. I like eating; I eat breakfast.

dignan10276

By saying you think breakfast is 'a waste of calories', it demonstrates a lack of understanding of food and why we eat it. As has been said breakfast is the most important meal of the day for several reasons.

Your body been in a state of rest all night, meaning it needs a 'kick start' to have you functioning properly. By eating breakfast, you not only fuel your body for the day, it also gets your metabolism going to start burning those calories straight away. If you try and function on an empty tank, it just starts a chain reaction off that will set back all of your attempts to lose weight.

By not eating breakfast, you are effectivey running on empty until lunch, meaning when you do eat, you will want more and in between times, your body will crave sweet or carb laden food to get you going, thus making sticking to any diet more difficult and you more prone to eating 'bad' foods and falling off the wagon. This will continue through the day as your body is always playing catch up, until you have your last meal at night, maybe even being hungry before bed, thereby making you eat late at night when your body is supposed to be shutting down for the night.

That then means your body is forced into working overtime during the night, when it is supposed to be resting and this results in poorer sleep quality and more lethargy when you do wake up, at which point you exacerbate it by not eating to get you going again, and then you start the whole cycle off again.

By eating breakfast, you not only give yourself a greater chance of losing weight, but also less risk of wanting to eat the crappy foods that set you back.

I can easily go without eating breakfast, and did for years but now I don't, I make sure I have something, however small and my sleep is better, I eat less and can get by easily, without feeling hungry, on 1200 calories a day. I am a 36 yr old male who weighs 175lbs and have lost 30lbs in 4 months with little effort or will power just by following a eat better, eat regulalrly, move more diet.

Seriously, behaving like a squirrell harevesting calories like nuts is not a healthy attitude towards food and is totally counter-productive.

DellG85

Breakfast isn't a necessity. Health 'experts' say that it's the most important meal, and there's the whole myth about breakfast skippers being fatter, but that's simply because most people that don't eat breakfast tend to pig out and eat more throughout the rest of the day.

I dont think it's a case of tending to pig out through the day, I think it's a case of skipping meals and therefore slowing your metabolism, making it much more difficult to lose weight.

As a recovering eating disorder sufferer, it blows my mind to see people on here encourage others to fast. I'm sorry, but no-one will ever be able to tell me fasting in any way, shape or form is good for them. That will never wash with me. As Morgan said, you cant run a car with no fuel, so how can you expect to run your body with no food?

For me personally, I workout on a morning so breakfast is very important even if Im not hungry. I cant workout without something in my system, I really lag badly. BUT if you don't want to eat it, it's a personal choice and so long as your cal intake is spot on throughout the day, all well and good x

MrsR0SE

I need my breakfast. If I don't, I will eat rubbish mid-morning. But if you don't, I wouldn't worry about it and eat when you're ready for it.

I'm exactly the same - if I miss breakfast I'm tempted to snack and eat all morning, so I'm trying to always eat something like porrige to keep me going and keep temptation at bay!