Breakfast has often been referred to as the most important meal of the day, a meal that we should never skip. Breakfast provides our bodies with energy and sustenance, preparing us for the day ahead.

Breakfast - more than just a meal

As the name suggests, breakfast essentially breaks the fast that our bodies go through while we sleep. This duration of fasting varies for each individual as it is the period between your last meal at night to your first meal the following day.

Eating a well-balanced breakfast provides our bodies with much needed fuel, energy and nourishment. Breakfast plays a role in initiating our metabolism early on in the day, allowing natural reactions to occur in our body to retrieve the energy stored in food. By retrieving this energy, our productivity levels can increase while fatigue throughout the day is reduced.

What does a well-balanced breakfast consist of?

A well-balanced breakfast should consist of slow releasing, low GI carbohydrates, a protein source and some healthy fats. The carbohydrates are responsible for the release of energy from food while the protein will help your body to recover, function and keep your mind focused for the day ahead.

Breakfasts that are high in protein have been shown to reduce food cravings and snacking later in the day! Healthy, unsaturated fats are an essential part of a well-balanced, healthy diet. These include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which contribute towards a healthy heart and help to lower the level of LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol in our blood.

Is breakfast really the most important meal?

Regular meals throughout the day should be the priority. A healthy diet involves eating nourishing foods throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Essentially, there are no set rules on what meals we should eat and when we should eat them. Some of us wake up hungry and others won’t feel hungry until late morning. Three main, well-balanced meals a day are highly recommended as it ensures that your body is fuelled correctly, while providing benefits such as improved cognitive performance. Listen to your body - it knows when it’s hungry!

Here at Gourmet Fuel we love breakfast and have a wide selection of 400kcal breakfast options suitable for a range of dietary preferences.

Vegan: Tofu Scramble, Vegan Potato Cakes

Vegetarian: Spicy Huevos Rancheros, Protein Pancakes

Pescatarian: Scrambled Egg with Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraiche, Upstream Benedict with Hollandaise Sauce

Coeliac Friendly: Spanish Omelette, Potato & Ham Hash with Poached Eggs

Keto Friendly: Shakshuka with Poached Eggs, Crustless Bacon and Veg Quiche

• - breakfast
• - healthy eating
• - well balanced diet