Wednesday: Welcome to Wednesday Why
Every Wednesday we’ll walk you through the “whys” of each weekly challenge. When you know the reason behind what you’re doing, you’re more likely to stick to the habit.
This week we’re working on adding veggies to our breakfast plates (and for some, making sure we eat breakfast at all!) and here’s a few reasons why that is beneficial:
- Blood Sugar Control: Eating breakfast, and especially one packed with vegetables, is a great way to support a balanced blood sugar response. Vegetables offer abundant fiber, vitamins, & minerals that support steady blood sugar levels. By prioritizing balanced blood sugar, we can reduce the risk of inflammation and we know inflammation is the driver of almost all chronic diseases.
- Satiety & Focus: Fiber takes time to digest, so it fends off hunger, keeping you full (i.e. satiated -- that feeling of satisfaction after you finish a good meal) and focused throughout the day.
- Nailing your Rainbow Goal: People who eat breakfast tend to consume a higher intake of important vitamins & minerals which work synergistically to promote overall health and combat inflammation.
- Digestive Health: Higher fiber and colorful (meaning lots of polyphenols, which are plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities) breakfasts can lead to increased regularity and enhanced nutrient intake that positively impacts gut and microbiome health.
Research Highlight
A 2021 study examined the relationship between breakfast consumption and heart disease. The study concluded that not only was regular breakfast intake heart-protective (and associated with lower overall mortality), the study findings were especially true when participants consumed at least 25g of fiber/day.