Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day ?

I generally do not like eating a big meal after waking up as most of the time I don’t feel hungry – unless of course I have partied the night before ?or you want to have the early morning Nalli Nihari in Delhi. I am sure there are many people like me who does not enjoy eating breakfast. ?For decades, breakfast has been touted as the most important meal of the day. The phrase is so ubiquitous that it’s easy to forget where it came from, and why it’s so widely accepted. I wanted to explore the history of breakfast and how it became such an important part of our daily routine.

The concept of breakfast has been around since humans first started eating food in the morning. Historically, breakfast was considered a light meal that helped break the fast after a night of sleep. It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution, when people started working long hours in factories, that breakfast became a more substantial meal.

During this time, workers needed a hearty meal to sustain them throughout the day. Porridge, toast, and eggs became popular breakfast foods, and soon became a staple in many households across the USA.

The idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day can be traced back to the late 19th century. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a physician and nutritionist, believed that eating a healthy breakfast was essential for good health. He encouraged his patients to eat a breakfast that included grains, fruits, and nuts, and even developed corn flakes as a healthy breakfast option.

The 1950s and 1960s saw a surge in cereal consumption, as cereal companies marketed their products as a healthy and convenient breakfast option. Advertisements featuring happy families enjoying cereal together became a common sight on television, and soon, cereal had become synonymous with breakfast.

The idea that breakfast was important for good health began to gain traction.

Today, many health experts agree that eating a nutritious breakfast can help boost metabolism, improve concentration and mood, and provide the body with essential nutrients and energy to start the day. However, it’s important to note that while breakfast can be an important meal, it’s not necessarily essential for everyone. Some people may prefer to skip breakfast or eat a lighter meal in the morning, and that’s perfectly fine if they are meeting their nutritional needs throughout the day.

However, we cannot deny the contribution of Breakfast to cuisines across the world. In India we are grateful that Breakfast exists and gave us an excuse of having everything from mouth watering Kachori Sabji to Mutton Paya early in the morning. ?Breakfast as a meal class is probably the most varied especially in countries like India and across Asia. We create a tasty delicious and sometimes borderline “healthy” food which is not only miles away from the boring western counterparts but also thoroughly satiates the palate.

Whether Breakfast is good or bad – the debate continues but a tasty breakfast can make you very happy in the morning which will make your day pass better.