What you eat for breakfast and when you eat it can affect your blood sugar and your energy levels throughout the day.
Eating an early breakfast—within one to two hours after waking—can be the best timing for most people.
Many studies suggest that eating breakfast earlier may help regulate blood sugar. Here are a few reasons to eat breakfast earlier:
- The body is more sensitive to insulin: Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. The body is more sensitive to insulin earlier in the day, so the hormone works better at controlling blood sugar than later in the day.
- It gives energy: Your energy stores get depleted overnight. Eating soon after waking provides the energy and nutrients you need to start the day. This helps your brain and muscles work better, so you can feel more alert and focused.
- Supports the internal clock: The body has an internal clock that helps organs like the pancreas, liver, and muscles maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Light, sleep, and meal timing influence this clock. So, changing your eating patterns can disturb it and affect blood sugar control. Eating at consistent times earlier in the day can support the clock and healthy blood sugar levels.
- Supports long-term health: Skipping breakfast or eating late is linked to less steady blood sugar levels. A study of over 7,000 people found that eating breakfast later was associated with higher blood sugar and higher insulin resistance.
However, some studies show that delaying breakfast can help control blood sugar. This may depend on personal differences, sleep patterns, hormones, genes, the presence of chronic conditions, and chronotypes (whether you’re a morning or night person).
A balanced breakfast can support healthy blood sugar levels. It also provides the nutrients and energy your body needs in the morning. You can create a balanced breakfast in simple ways:
- Choose complex carbs: Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the body, but not all carbs are created equal. Some have more sugar, while others have more fiber. Fiber-rich carbs like whole wheat bread, whole oats, brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes are great choices for breakfast.
- Add protein: Your body needs protein for all its functions. Protein also helps with satiety and blood sugar control. You can add eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese, soy foods, nuts, or seeds to your breakfast.
- Add more fiber: Whole grains, nuts, and seeds are rich in fiber. You can increase fiber further by including vegetables and low-sugar fruits like berries.
- Include healthy fats: Healthy fats help with satiety and provide energy. Add olive oil when making an omelet, use avocado on toast, or mix nuts and seeds into oatmeal.
