You must eat breakfast if you want to lose weight

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Replies

  • bpotts44
    bpotts44 Posts: 1,066 Member
    I thought the only authorized way to lose weight was to lift heavy and eat in moderate calorie deficit.
  • Ms_Steel
    Ms_Steel Posts: 125
    Meal timing is crucial to health. You may lose weight when not eating breakfast, but your brain suffers and so do your organs. Look at the word: "Break - fast". In other words, you have not provided nourishment to your body for an average of 8-10 hours. To go even longer without food, especially once you are out of bed and active, is punishing to your body. The body will go into starvation mode and begin to break down muscle rather than fat, so it's more harmful than eating just about anything.

    this is completely false...you can "break your fast" a few hours later without any of the effects you mention. wow
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    I MUST, huh? Please tell me what constitutes breakfast . . . is it a time of day? a specific time frame after I wake up? Is it simply the first meal I decide to eat?

    Quite frankly I eat throughout most of the day, but I'm curious if what i consider my breakfast you would consider breakfast. And then there's the fact that I like to eat normal breakfast foods throughout the day (pancakes and eggs and sausage around what I consider my dinner for example) so does that make it breakfast or dinner?
  • servilia
    servilia Posts: 3,452 Member
    I lost weight without eating breakfast. I must be a freak!
  • yksdoris
    yksdoris Posts: 327 Member
    I call BS. Everybody's different, you might as well say that in order to lose weight one must never eat after a workout.

    While it's true that the body is still burning calories after the workout, and theoretically anything you eat right after the workout will get burned rather than the fat you wan tot get rid of... Well, I get really tired really fast if I eat a proper meal before a workout. My heart rate goes through the roof and I end up unable to do anything, feeling like I'm going to just emit everything I've eaten if I have to do another movement involving my stomach or core (that is, almost every excercise I do). So I eat after a workout.

    Likewise, if I have a big breakfast I end up eating A LOT during the day. Seriously, the bigger the breakfast, the more I eat, overall.

    And no, it has nothing to do with junk or clean or carbs or protein, it has to do with personal rhythm. Mess with that, and the whole day goes crazy. To each their own, I say. And knock down all Preacy McKnowitalls ;)
  • joejccva71
    joejccva71 Posts: 2,985 Member
    Didn't read the whole OP because the subject line and first few sentences were just too silly. There are NO "musts" in weight loss.

    You MUST eat a calorie deficit under TDEE for weight loss.
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member


    This is also complete BS. As everyone has just stated, its about calories in VS calories out. However, I'm a huge advocate of eating breakfast, not because I believe it spikes metabolism, but because I believe it sets the tone for my entire day of eating. If I eat a ****ty breakfast or skip it completely, my body will either crave more crappy foods or will push me toward a dense calorie source for energy & satiation while looking for nutrients.

    For this reason, I think its important for people who are trying to lose weight to eat breakfast. It is a great way to develop a healthy mindset & eating schedule...and when you consider the fact that there are plenty of studies to back up that naturally thin people eat breakfast, then why deprive yourself of something small in the morning upon wakening, or if you're like me, something substantial? I stop eating a few hours before bed so I do be starving when I wake up.

    And I've lost over 50lbs, nearly at goal. :tongue:

    cals in vs cals out works for achieving average results. theres nothing wrong with it.

    But hormone levels rise and fall throughout the day, so overlooking the fact that there are beneficial times to consume certain things just shows that you have a remedial understanding of nutrition and how the body works.
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    Some people require proof: Here you go. It's a scientific fact. You can choose to skip breakfast if you choose; it's your life. Just do so as an informed skipper. http://www.livestrong.com/article/526247-what-effect-does-skipping-meals-have-on-the-body/
  • squirmmonster
    squirmmonster Posts: 98 Member
    You should eat when you're HUNGRY. Not before. Not after. What you eat when you are hungry, should include proteins, whole grains or fruits, and vegetables of course. But that's a no-**** statement.
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    First of all congratulations on your awesome dedication to lose weight and get healthy!

    I agree with you. I hate eating breakfast, but if I do, I don't crave food after dinner! I'm not sure that what I eat helps me lose weight but I'm positive that it keeps me from eating more later, when my body is telling me,, hey you missed a meal. When that starts, I start looking for popcorn and snacks rather than that healthier meal I should have had earlier in the day. I know that some people will argue and say that it's calories in/calories out and maybe that works for them, but it's not that way for everyone. I'm proof!

    Thanks for pointing this out. Could you use another friend on here? I would love to have someone with your experience coach me along. I'm down 40lbs but still have a stubborn 15 to go.
  • Boshnivay
    Boshnivay Posts: 74 Member
    I understand. I realized that when I had a bigger, healthy breakfast than just a piece of fruit it made me less likely to crave lots of high calorie foods later in the day. As for the person who was fasting, calories in vs calories out is all that "matters" but if you jump your blood sugar levels too high too often when you eat your two large meals, it could lead to type 2 diabetes. Spreading your meals out prevents the spikes and drops in blood sugar levels, and for me this is important so I don't feel awful.
  • legs_n_bacon
    legs_n_bacon Posts: 478 Member
    Meal timing is crucial to health. You may lose weight when not eating breakfast, but your brain suffers and so do your organs. Look at the word: "Break - fast". In other words, you have not provided nourishment to your body for an average of 8-10 hours. To go even longer without food, especially once you are out of bed and active, is punishing to your body. The body will go into starvation mode and begin to break down muscle rather than fat, so it's more harmful than eating just about anything.

    You're so pretty!
  • AngryDiet
    AngryDiet Posts: 1,349 Member
    If you don't do squats and other full body exercises, you will turn orange and then die.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    I could have phrased the post title a bit different. I probably would be better understood if I used “for me it is very important to eat breakfast” instead of “must eat breakfast”.

    Had you done this I'm sure the thread would have taken on a completely different tone.

    There's a big difference between: "I prefer this method" and "You must do this method".
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    I understand. I realized that when I had a bigger, healthy breakfast than just a piece of fruit it made me less likely to crave lots of high calorie foods later in the day. As for the person who was fasting, calories in vs calories out is all that "matters" but if you jump your blood sugar levels too high too often when you eat your two large meals, it could lead to type 2 diabetes. Spreading your meals out prevents the spikes and drops in blood sugar levels, and for me this is important so I don't feel awful.

    Please show me where you read this...............

    I've read studies showing that blood sugar can be regulated better by not eating carbs constantly.
    Think about it, you're constantly elevating blood sugar, then letting it fall. 6 + times per day.
    But you think me spiking mine once every night is going to lead to my cells becoming insulin resistant?
  • mericksmom
    mericksmom Posts: 222 Member
    I get sick if I eat within 4 hours of getting up. Doesn't matter if it is fruit or eggs and toast, cereal. Even water makes my stomach turn. But to each their own.
  • Ms_Steel
    Ms_Steel Posts: 125
    Didn't read the whole OP because the subject line and first few sentences were just too silly. There are NO "musts" in weight loss.

    You MUST eat a calorie deficit under TDEE for weight loss.

    Boom.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    Not nessesarily true. See the attached links.

    Insulin spike from protein in normal doses is pretty comparable to insulin spike from carbs.

    "75 grams of protein and 75 grams of carbohydrate" in the first study.
    "11 grams of carbohydrate, and 51 grams of protein"

    Not quite the "normal" dose if you're eating a small protein/fat meal later in the morning. Plus the studies included carbs with protein......granted they used varying amounts and still saw a rise in insulin, you have to account for the fact that 75 grams of carbs and 75 grams of protein is a ****ton of food to be eating early in the morning.

    A small meal in the morning would be 2-3 eggs and a couple strips of bacon........

    Without derailing the thread as this is not what the thread is about, I'm going to suggest you take a closer look at the graphs here:
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/66/5/1264.full.pdf+html
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    Some people require proof: Here you go. It's a scientific fact. You can choose to skip breakfast if you choose; it's your life. Just do so as an informed skipper. http://www.livestrong.com/article/526247-what-effect-does-skipping-meals-have-on-the-body/

    Linking to an article on livestrong isn't scientific proof, it's just another article with another person's opionion.
  • RunHardBeStrong
    RunHardBeStrong Posts: 33,069 Member


    This is also complete BS. As everyone has just stated, its about calories in VS calories out. However, I'm a huge advocate of eating breakfast, not because I believe it spikes metabolism, but because I believe it sets the tone for my entire day of eating. If I eat a ****ty breakfast or skip it completely, my body will either crave more crappy foods or will push me toward a dense calorie source for energy & satiation while looking for nutrients.

    For this reason, I think its important for people who are trying to lose weight to eat breakfast. It is a great way to develop a healthy mindset & eating schedule...and when you consider the fact that there are plenty of studies to back up that naturally thin people eat breakfast, then why deprive yourself of something small in the morning upon wakening, or if you're like me, something substantial? I stop eating a few hours before bed so I do be starving when I wake up.

    And I've lost over 50lbs, nearly at goal. :tongue:

    cals in vs cals out works for achieving average results. theres nothing wrong with it.

    But hormone levels rise and fall throughout the day, so overlooking the fact that there are beneficial times to consume certain things just shows that you have a remedial understanding of nutrition and how the body works.

    Agreed. Cals in vs cals out are still a very important factor but insulin, glucogen and cortisol (just to name a few) also play a part in the process, by fasting occasionally these hormones play a positive role in fat loss. I have found that if I eat breakfast no matter how healthy it is all I want to do is eat all day long afterwards, making it very difficult to stay with in my calorie goal for the day. When I delay my "breakfast" by about 5 hours I end up fasting for 16-17 hours, have 7-8 hours to still get all my calories in and I do just fine. 109 lbs lost, just fine. I have also retained muscle and lost tons of fat.
  • CrystalDreams
    CrystalDreams Posts: 418 Member
    :huh: You dont HAVE to do anything specific to lose weight. Well, except eat healthy, exercise, and listen to your body. You just need to find what works for you. Some people do really well eating breakfast. Some people do well with IF. And some people do well with grazing all day. There is no perfect set formula for losing weight. Its trial and error till you get it right for you.

    There is my two cents. Have a great day :drinker:
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Didn't read the whole OP because the subject line and first few sentences were just too silly. There are NO "musts" in weight loss.

    You MUST eat a calorie deficit under TDEE for weight loss.

    Boom.

    This isn't necessary either. If you cut off a limb, you will weigh less instantly even if you had a cheat day. Or Liposuction will reduce your weight without eating under TDEE. You can also lose weight by sweating a bunch (lower weight due to less water, but it is still weight loss) But to lose fat on your own without losing a limb, or such, you are correct that a caloric deficit is required.
  • SweetMe1
    SweetMe1 Posts: 73 Member
    I eat breakfast because I am diabetic and if I don't eat soon after I get up I get a glucose dump.. My blood sugar shoots way up and then I spend all day trying to get it back down again.

    I eat the same breakfast every day after 30 minutes on my stationary bike: 1-2 scrambled eggs, a few berries, a half piece of lightly buttered whole grain bread and a cup of coffee with a splash of milk.

    I think everyone has to figure out what works for them. This ^^ works for me. It might or might not work for you.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    You must eat breakfast if you want to lose weight,

    although many people have correctly pointed out that the OP's statement is completely false and not supported by science, I think it is important to say it again.

    There will be more "breakfast" posts today and tomorrow and forever. But it will never be true.

    People....especially new people...please understand that this is an open forum and that anyone can say anything. Many people who post this kind of false information may do it with the best intentions and they probably believe what they are saying.

    But please don't follow advice ( including mine) until you have checked it out on your own.

    The truth is, there are many benefits to NOT eating breakfast, as has been pointed out.

    Live and learn.
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member

    Without derailing the thread as this is not what the thread is about, I'm going to suggest you take a closer look at the graphs here:
    http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/66/5/1264.full.pdf+html

    again I'm seeing "1000 kcals of food".......

    we can agree that the amount of insulin released probably isn't linear, yes?

    so that's like me saying alcohol makes you drive badly, "subjects after 36 12 oz servings of alcohol".......

    the quantities aren't really practical.

    IM NOT disputing that protein raises insulin. I know it can. But in small quantities it isn't going to derail your day, hence the fact that IF, Carb Nite, and Carbohydrate Backloading are giving people results..........
  • Pedal_Pusher
    Pedal_Pusher Posts: 1,166 Member
    You must eat breakfast if you want to lose weight, and make sure it includes lean protein. Eating lean protein at breakfast is one of the most important things you can do to fell less hungry.

    Even if you don’t feel hungry in the morning, eat breakfast anyway. It may be a challenge, but this is something you can do. Breakfast will help you prevent hunger later on. It will reduce your appetite and cravings and help you stick with your eating plan all day long.

    I start my day off with good breakfast. For me it means non-starchy vegetable, fresh low-sugar fruit, lean protein, whole grain bread, and healthy fats (I take Omega 3 supplement).

    This is my average day, but I generally eat the same things from day to day:

    blueberries, blackberries, or apple,
    1 slice of dry, 100% whole-grain toasted bread with
    1 slice of 99% fat free turkey breast,
    1 fresh tomato hot tea (no milk, no sugar).

    As you can see it is not a typical "breakfast foods". The protein consumption, when eaten as part of the daily first meal reduces my appetite throughout the day. I also believe that it jump-starts my metabolism and sets my body in the optimal fat-burning state.

    Eating like this was initially a little challenging, but I got used to it. It has become a part of my eating strategy that caused me to lose 91 pounds without feeling hungry.

    I eat breakfast every day

    Meh. To each their own, if it works for you use it; but don't preach it like it's gospel truth.
  • Mr_Bad_Example
    Mr_Bad_Example Posts: 2,403 Member
    Meal timing is crucial to health. You may lose weight when not eating breakfast, but your brain suffers and so do your organs. Look at the word: "Break - fast". In other words, you have not provided nourishment to your body for an average of 8-10 hours. To go even longer without food, especially once you are out of bed and active, is punishing to your body. The body will go into starvation mode and begin to break down muscle rather than fat, so it's more harmful than eating just about anything.

    This comes from a nutritionist. I trust that source on the subject far more...

    "As for the so-called "starvation mode?" DiBona notes that it actually takes two to three weeks of consistently low caloric intake and at least 24-hours of no caloric intake for your body to compensate with significant metabolic shifts. " - http://lifehacker.com/5856345/10-more-stubborn-food-myths-that-just-wont-die-debunked-by-science

    There's also this study... which basically states that people with more fat burn that fat much faster than people with lower percentages of fat - which makes sense. - http://archive.unu.edu/unupress/food2/UID07E/UID07E11.HTM

    Long story short - 24 hours of no caloric intake is a little bit longer than 8 to 10... at least it is where I live.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat Posts: 6,128 Member
    calories in vs calories out is all that "matters" but if you jump your blood sugar levels too high too often when you eat your two large meals, it could lead to type 2 diabetes.

    What the what?
  • Spartan_Maker
    Spartan_Maker Posts: 683 Member
    Sometimes I eat a 1,200 calorie breakfast and sometimes I just have coffee or tea and work out fasted.

    My experience has been that I lose body fat and maintain muscle if I'm in a reasonable calorie deficit, eat adequate protein, eat enough fat to keep my hormones in proper balance, and perform resistance training.
  • areufnkiddingme
    areufnkiddingme Posts: 99 Member
    The only advantage to eating breakfast in the morning is that it helps blood sugar levels from plummeting- this is more important for those who have insulin resistance.

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