A protein-rich breakfast offers many benefits such as boosting metabolism, regulating blood sugar, supporting muscle health, brain function and promoting weight loss.
Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, helping to kick-start many of the body’s processes. Adequate nutrition in breakfast affects a person’s energy levels, metabolism, and productivity throughout the day. An essential ingredient in breakfast is protein. Here are the reasons why you should eat protein-rich foods at the beginning of the day.
Boost metabolism
Protein boosts metabolism through thermogenesis, in which the body uses energy to digest and metabolize food. The body needs more calories to process protein compared to fats and carbohydrates (carbs). Eating a full, protein-rich breakfast promotes better metabolism, thereby controlling weight.
Increase feeling of fullness
One of the typical effects that protein brings is increasing the feeling of fullness because it takes longer to digest. As a result, many people eat balanced portions throughout the day instead of snacking on unhealthy mid-morning snacks.
Stabilizes blood sugar
Protein-rich breakfast foods can keep blood sugar levels stable. When a person consumes lots of carbs and little protein, blood sugar levels are at risk of spiking and then plummeting, causing feelings of sluggishness and irritability. Eating carbs with protein at breakfast slows the rate at which sugar enters the bloodstream, thus helping to regulate energy levels.
Maintain healthy muscles
Protein is essential for the body to build and repair muscle. Consuming protein at breakfast is especially helpful for people who perform intense exercises or who want to have lean muscles. They provide the body with the amino acids needed for muscle repair and recovery, ensuring overall health.
Improve brain function
A balanced breakfast with some protein-rich foods also improves cognitive performance. Because protein contains substances such as amino acids that are involved in the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Dopamine improves alertness and concentration, helps you stay mentally alert, and work more effectively.
Weight control
Adding protein to every breakfast also supports weight control by keeping you fuller longer, stabilizing blood sugar and speeding up metabolism. Thanks to that, eating habits are strictly controlled and total calorie intake is lower.
Increase the protein content of your breakfast by choosing foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chia pudding, and protein smoothies.