More and more people are skipping breakfast. They either grab a quick bite to eat or just a small espresso. Nutrition expert and sports lecturer Ingo Froboese now explains that this is anything but healthy.

“Breakfast is essential for the organism,” says the expert

In addition, you would trigger the metabolic rhythm with a boisterous and nutritious breakfast. In addition, the expert advises to compensate for the loss of fluids. “We lose around 1.5 liters of fluids during the night. That’s why before you eat anything, you should drink a lukewarm glass of water to replenish fluids and cleanse the body.”

After the alarm clock rings, the happiness hormone “serotonin” and the drive-enhancing hormone “adrenaline” are ready to push you through the day. These effects can be further intensified with a carbohydrate-rich breakfast, because the hormones can be supplied with the necessary nutrients. If you skip breakfast, for example to save calories, this can lead to a lack of energy and also to listlessness. “The body then shuts down on the back burner,” explains Froboese in his blog.

The need for energy is particularly high after getting up. The brain, muscles and organs would need “fuel” to function. “A healthy and balanced breakfast gets your metabolism out of the basement and lets you start the day with vigour. Your body is dependent on the energy it needs for breakfast, if you deny it this energy this can lead to ravenous hunger attacks or an increased desire for unhealthy ones Snacks before it’s time for lunch,” explains the expert.

His five best tips for a balanced breakfast:

1. Whole grains are better than white flour. Whole grain is an essential source of fiber that fills you up and also regulates intestinal activity. In addition, complex carbohydrates are found in whole grain products. That means you have a low “glycemic index”. This gives you more energy in the long run. In comparison, white flour products are rich in carbohydrates and therefore have a high “glycemic index”. Therefore, these products get into the blood much faster and only provide the body with energy for a short time. Once this first phase has subsided, ravenous hunger attacks can increase, because white flour does not have a filling effect in the long term.

2. Muesli with fruit. This combination supplies the body and in particular the brain and muscles with energy and increases resistance to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With increased tension, the liver produces more sugar, which is supposed to mobilize the activity hormone adrenaline. The muesli with fruit would reduce this adrenaline release and thus prevent stress and hectic.

3. Good fats matter. Fats in general stimulate the most important metabolic activities in the body. Namely, this is the carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Nuts in particular or a little butter accelerate the processing of fat throughout the day. Hence Frobo’s recommendation: “Cover 30 percent of your daily fat requirement with breakfast!”

4. Protein is a must. Proteins are essential fuel suppliers for the brain and muscles. So we only remain efficient if we eat enough protein. However, the expert advises against powder. “You will find sufficient sources on a balanced diet.” Particularly good sources of protein are: eggs, cream cheese, quark, milk or soy milk, yoghurt and nuts. Getting enough protein not only benefits the brain, but also digestion, detoxification, and cell repair. About 15 percent of the daily requirement should already be covered with breakfast.

5. Drink water. The expert considers a glass of water, preferably right after getting up, to be useful. It is particularly important for “filling up the liquid storage”. He also has a tip for people who don’t like the water that much per se. “You can give the drink a flavorful touch by adding some ginger or lime. It will give the metabolism an extra boost.”