If you’re a meal prep obsessive, routine lover, or just don’t like to try new things, it might be tempting to eat the same breakfast every day. After all, it saves time and energy to prepare it once instead of constantly wondering what to eat.
It’s also a healthy habit and helps maintain a balanced diet. Besides, breakfast is packed with essential nutrients and can boost energy levels in the short term.
It’s better than not eating
Breakfast fuels your body and gives you the energy you need to tackle the day ahead. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals to help you feel your best, according to registered dietitians.
A nutritious breakfast includes a mix of protein, fiber-rich whole grains and veggies, fruit, fat-free or low-fat milk and yogurt. You’ll also want to avoid the high-glycemic, sugar-loaded cereals and processed pastries that are popular in the morning.
The best part of eating breakfast is that it helps you maintain a balanced diet and set the tone for your daily meals. It’s also an important component of weight loss, a small study suggests.
Aside from the aforementioned health benefits, eating breakfast can also help you stay energized and alert throughout the day. This is because breakfast delivers a steady supply of glucose, which your brain uses to power your cognitive functions, including memory, problem-solving and mood. It also helps curb your appetite in the morning and prevents you from overeating later in the day.
It’s a habit
A habit is a learned behavior that tends to occur automatically and without conscious thought. Examples of habits include going to sleep at the same time every night, brushing your teeth before going to bed or taking the same route to work.
Researchers at dozens of universities around the world have been studying habits for decades, looking into the psychological and neurology behind them. Understanding your own habits can help you gain control of them, and start making changes you desire.
To do so, you first need to understand the three parts of a habit: its cue, routine and reward.
Your cue is the trigger that tells your brain to go into automatic mode and let a behavior unfold. Your routine is what you do to react to that cue and your reward is something that helps you remember this behavior in the future.
It’s boring
There’s a reason why people say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gives your brain a boost of energy (glucose), boosting your focus, attention and memory. It also helps you get a good night’s sleep and boost your metabolism, which means you burn calories faster and feel better throughout the day.
Despite its benefits, some people may find it boring to have the same thing for breakfast every single day. It’s a good idea to change it up by eating different types of food each day, so you don’t become dependent on the same foods every morning.
It’s also a good idea to do some light exercise, which will help you burn those excess calories. Some ideas include jumping rope, yoga, cycling and walking. Try to make it fun and memorable by involving friends and family. It’s a great way to pass the time and keep your mind off those boredom induced blues.
It’s unhealthy
A balanced breakfast can include a wide variety of foods. This includes a mix of protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It should also include some healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satiated for longer.
But if you’re eating the same thing every day, then you may not be getting enough of certain nutrients. This is not a good thing and it could lead to health issues in the long run.
If you’re feeling bored with your breakfast then try changing it up. You can add some extra veggies in or switch up your recipe altogether.
For example you can have a different type of yogurt one day or eat some berries instead of toast. This will make it more exciting and you might end up eating a healthier meal!