Dr. Shriram Nene highlights five common foods to avoid for breakfast to start your day off healthier. You can enjoy a more nutritious and energizing breakfast if you make these changes.
5 things to avoid for breakfast (Photo credit: Getty Images)
New Delhi: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Starting your day off right is critical to ensuring your body functions properly throughout the day with energy and all the nutrients it needs to function properly. Breakfast helps kick-start your metabolism, helps you stay focused, and provides you with the energy you need to accomplish daily tasks. Despite its importance, many people skip breakfast or choose unhealthy options due to time constraints or busy schedules.
There are many things that we think are healthy and consume at breakfast to provide us with the nutrients and energy we need, but they are certainly not healthy to consume during breakfast. Dr. Shriram Madhav Nene shares some useful insights on how some breakfast options are not healthy for the body and should be avoided during the start of the day.
Foods to avoid for breakfast
Below is a list of foods that should be avoided for breakfast as they are an unhealthy choice for the body.
- Bread: Although it is a common breakfast food, bread, particularly white bread, is not the best choice. It is made from refined flour, lacks essential nutrients and can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes. Healthier alternatives include parathas made from whole grains like jowar, ragi or wheat, which are richer in fibre and nutrients, helping you feel fuller for longer.
- Sugary cereals: Many cereals, such as Cerelac, are high in sugar and can cause a sudden surge of energy followed by a crash. High sugar consumption is linked to obesity, diabetes and other health problems. Instead, opt for unsweetened muesli or oatmeal, which can be sweetened naturally with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.
- Fruit juice: While fruit juices may seem healthy, they often contain added sugars and lack the fiber found in whole fruits. Drinking juice can cause high blood sugar levels. It’s better to consume whole fruits, which provide fiber and a more gradual release of energy.
- Processed meats: Processed meats, such as sausages and bacon, are high in unhealthy fats and sodium. Regular consumption of these can increase the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Lean meats, eggs, or plant-based proteins, such as tofu and legumes, are healthier, protein-rich alternatives.
- Sweetened yogurt: Yogurt is beneficial for its probiotic and calcium content, but sweetened varieties often contain large amounts of sugar. Plain yogurt with natural sweeteners such as fresh fruit or honey is a healthier option.
