How does what we eat for breakfast affect our energy?

Many people skip breakfast altogether. This lack of fuel first thing causes a dip in blood sugar; hunger; low energy and sugar cravings. This may lead to making a sugary, calorific food choice, which in turn causes blood sugar to spike. This prompts the production of insulin to bring blood sugar levels back down…and so the cycle begins again, with hunger, cravings, unbalanced food choices and, no doubt, a day of big energy dips.

Scenario 1: Skipping breakfast

Many people skip breakfast. This lack of fuel, first thing in the morning, causes a dip in blood sugar; hunger; low energy and sugar cravings. This may lead to making a sugary, calorific food choice, which in turn causes blood sugar to spike.

This prompts the production of insulin to bring blood sugar levels back down…and so the cycle starts again, with hunger, cravings, unbalanced food choices and no doubt, a day of big energy dips.

The effect of skipping breakfast on energy levels

Scenario 2: A simple carb breakfast

Alternatively, many people choose a simple carb-based breakfast, such as toast or a sugary cereal.

While this is preferable to no breakfast at all, a breakfast of sugary cereals or white bread/toast (simple carbohydrates)will cause a surge in blood sugar and kick off the cycle of insulin, blood sugar crashes and cravings all over again. Sound familiar?

The effect of a simple carb based breakfast

Scenario 3. A Balanced breakfast

The final scenario is that of a balanced protein-based breakfast, such a Herbalife Formula 1 shake. By consuming a shake within 30 minutes of waking we are replenishing our body with a good blast of balanced nutrition, avoiding getting too hungry and keeping our blood sugar steady.