Maintaining this unbalanced breakfast habit for a long time will face the risk of obesity and even cancer.
Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Numerous studies have shown that regularly eating breakfast improves health, including enhancing memory and concentration, reducing bad cholesterol (LDL), as well as reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and overweight. However, the food you consume right after waking up is also crucial. You should avoid the following three groups of foods:
Processed meats
Processed meat products such as bacon, smoked meat, sausages… often appear in breakfast meals of many countries and are popular among young people.
However, they belong to group 1 carcinogens as they often contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, and relatively large amounts of salt. Experts recommend that limiting the consumption of these foods is essential.
Fried foods
Donuts, fritters, fried chicken, fried pork… are popular breakfast dishes among young people. However, they are classified as group 2A carcinogens, because during the frying process, oil can produce carcinogens such as cyclic amines and benzopyrene. Regularly consuming these foods can increase the risk of colorectal cancer and gastric cancer.
Hot foods
Foods and drinks at high temperatures can actually be harmful to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified hot drinks as foods that can cause cancer.
They can increase the risk of oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal cancer. Nutritionists recommend using warm foods (around 50-65°C) to make it easier for the mouth and esophagus to tolerate.
Choosing foods for breakfast
Although many people believe that breakfast only needs to be simple, from a nutritional point of view, breakfast needs to be considered smart and sufficient. A good breakfast provides full nutrients including whole grain cereals high in fiber, protein-rich foods, fresh fruits, milk, and yogurt.
Specifically, some foods that should be included in breakfast are whole grain starch from oats, whole wheat bread, sweet potatoes, potatoes, cereals… Good fats from butter, olive oil… Protein-rich foods such as eggs, legumes like red beans, soybeans, almonds…, and vitamin C-rich foods such as green vegetables, fruits.
For children, if they don’t want to have breakfast at home, they can bring fruits, nuts, or half an avocado and banana bread when going to school. The best time to have breakfast is within 30 minutes after waking up, from 7 to 8 am.
If you are on a diet, do not suddenly reduce calories by skipping breakfast, as having regular breakfast is an effective method of weight loss. More importantly, it is crucial to know which foods to choose and how much to eat to suit the body’s needs. For those who are undergoing treatment, taking medication before or after breakfast is important to ensure good absorption of the medicine.
- Whole grain starches: Oats, whole wheat bread, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and cereals.
- Healthy fats: Butter, olive oil, and similar sources.
- Protein: Eggs, legumes (red beans, soybeans, almonds, etc.), and lean meats (in moderation).
- Vitamins and minerals: Green vegetables, fruits, and other vitamin C-rich foods.
For children who don’t want to eat breakfast at home, sending them off to school with fruits, nuts, or avocado and banana bread can be a good alternative.