Six things you should not do when eating breakfast

By Trinh Mai September 21, 2023 | 03:14 pm PT

Dr. Vu Truong Khanh, head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Tam Anh General Hospital, says there are six things to avoid while having breakfast.

Skipping breakfast

Not eating breakfast may interrupt the circadian rhythm, interfere with the metabolism process, and decrease the ability to transform fats and carbohydrates.

An empty stomach is also more acidic and vulnerable compared to one filled with food.

Those who skip breakfast may also experience low blood sugar levels and its consequences, including lack of concentration, tiredness, and a tendency to eat more during lunch and breakfast, which in turn leads to obesity and bloating.

Eating too fast

Another habit that should be avoided is chewing and swallowing food too fast while eating, which makes food not ground into small pieces and consequently the stomach has to work more intensively to digest the food.

Eating too fast lowers the nutrition absorption efficiency and creates a higher probability of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Having breakfast too early or too late

According to Khanh, it is recommended to have breakfast at a fixed time every day. This helps keep one’s food consumption during lunch and dinner and keep blood sugar levels controlled.

Having breakfast between 30 and 60 minutes after waking up is the best choice.

It is recommended to have breakfast at a fixed time every day. Photo illustration by Freepik

Eating cold food

Consuming cold food and drinks for breakfast may cause stomach ache and reduce the blood circulation speed, which slows digestion and the metabolism process.

On the other hand, warm food and drinks help stretch veins in the intestines and make the digestive system function more effectively.

It is recommended to drink a cup of warm water before having breakfast to enhance the digestive system and detox the body.

Drinking coffee before breakfast

Drinking coffee before breakfast increases the blood sugar level. Hence, it reduces the feeling of hunger, which may lead to breakfast skipping.

Not paying attention to nutrition

It is estimated that breakfast provides around 25% of daily energy.

Because of that, adults are advised to consume between 300 and 500 calories during breakfast, with foods that contain all of the four necessary nutrient groups: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Meanwhile, fast foods and foods that contain a high amount of sugar or saturated fats should be avoided.