Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It kickstarts the body's metabolism and helps maintain energy throughout the day.

According to Doctor Hansaji Yogendra of The Yoga Institute (India), any unhealthy breakfast habit can seriously impact your health and your entire day.

Bun moc – a favorite breakfast dish of TP HCM residents. *Photo: Ha Lam*

Here are 4 common mistakes people often make at breakfast:

Showering immediately after breakfast

Showering immediately after breakfast can hinder your digestion. When you shower after eating, the "digestive fire" (a traditional concept referring to the body's metabolic heat) is said to be lost. This loss can slow down digestion and even lead to indigestion.

Eating breakfast too late

Breakfast should be consumed within 2 hours of waking up. Ideally, you should eat breakfast before 9 am. The body needs water and food after an overnight fast. Eating breakfast early helps reduce stress on the body. Eating breakfast late places your body under more pressure.

Breakfast should be eaten about 12 hours before dinner.

If you exercise in the morning, you should consume some liquid food, juice, or fruit like a banana or apple before your workout, ideally 30 minutes prior. Bananas offer easily digestible carbohydrates to fuel your session and help prevent muscle cramps.

Skipping breakfast

Many people do not feel hungry in the morning, leading them to skip breakfast entirely. However, not eating breakfast can affect blood sugar levels. A drop in blood sugar will impact your mood and energy. Studies show that skipping breakfast can cause type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and obesity.

Studies also indicate that individuals who skip breakfast have a higher body mass index (BMI) compared to those who eat breakfast on time. Skipping breakfast can slow down the body's metabolism.

Eating too little

We often eat too little due to rushing to work. This can deprive you of essential nutrients for the day, leaving you feeling tired. Breakfast should be substantial, including carbohydrates, protein, and micronutrients, as this meal can determine your mental state for the day.

Proper breakfast habits can also help ward off diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, and many other health issues. Additionally, they can improve your concentration and memory.

Therefore, ensure you eat enough at breakfast and at the right time.

My Y (According to Times of India)