The Morning Meal Dilemma: When and What to Eat
The moment you wake up, the question of eating strikes you. Do you opt for an early breakfast the moment you step out of bed, or do you wait until later for brunch? Each choice comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on personal habits, lifestyle, and health goals.
Personal Preferences and Routines
Eating Early in the Morning
I often wake up at 6am, head straight to the bathroom, and then turn on the shower. Afterward, I leave my bedroom, put on a robe, and get my coffee and cereal with milk. I return to the bedroom, turn on the TV, get dressed, and have a second cup of coffee. By the time it's 1pm, I start to feel the hunger pangs, and that's when I finally have lunch.
Instant Gratification and Homemade Breakfast
On the contrary, some prefer to wake up and immediately have breakfast after their morning bath and pooja (religious or spiritual rituals). This is because they cannot control their hunger pangs, and the breakfast is often homemade. Regardless of whether it’s early or late, they never skip their breakfast, even on busy days, and opt for a light meal like cereals or Upma made of oats instead of a heavy meal.
Skipping Breakfast for a Light Lunch
Others, however, choose to skip breakfast entirely and instead have a light lunch. For instance, I have my first meal at lunch, or even later, and eat a large lunch and a light dinner. Ghrelin, the hunger hormone, is lowest in the morning, making it unnecessary to eat early. Additionally, exercise suppresses appetite, and I work out in the morning, making me truly hungry around noon. Thus, breakfast is far from the most important meal according to them, as it contains the most sugar, and early humans survived without it.
Waiting for the Day to Begin
Some individuals wait until later in the morning, an hour or two after waking up, to start their day with a meal. Like me, I have an early breakfast between 6 to 7 AM, but I often wake up as early as 4 AM and have a cup of tea with a few biscuits before 5 AM. My lunch is mostly fruits and is around noon, while my dinner is variable and usually before 8 PM.
Understanding Ghrelin and Fasting
When it comes to ghrelin, the hunger hormone, its levels are the lowest at 9 AM when many people typically eat and peak around noon. This means that eating in the morning is not as crucial as it might seem. Fasting, therefore, can be a valid strategy, especially when combining it with regular exercise.
Conclusion
The decision to eat an early or late breakfast has more to do with personal preference, lifestyle, and health goals. Whether you prefer an early breakfast, a light lunch, or a late start, the key is to find a routine that keeps you energized and satisfied throughout the day. Remember, early humans survived without sugary breakfast cereals, and the body's natural ability to regulate appetite during fasting periods makes skipping breakfast a viable option for many.