While there’s some debate over whether or not breakfast is the most important meal of the day, there’s no debating that it’s certainly important. Not only does it set the tone for the rest of your day, but it’s also crucial for providing your body with all of the nutrients it needs to thrive. The food you eat when you wake up can make or break not only how you feel throughout the day, but also how you feel in the long run. In fact, eating the wrong breakfast could set you up for a range of health risks over time, including inflammation and digestive issues like gas and bloating.
To shed some light on one of the worst breakfast foods that might do just that, we checked in with nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of the Candida Diet. She told us that sugary breakfast cereals come with a number of downsides, including a bloated stomach. Learn more about why you’re better off staying away from this deviously delicious but detrimental food below.
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Sugary cereals
Let's be honest: sometimes nothing hits the spot in the morning quite like a sugary, crunchy bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch of Fruit Loops. However, unfortunately, the rest of your body doesn't love this breakfast food nearly as much as your taste buds do. In fact, eating breakfast cereal is likely to result in inflammation and digestive issues such as bloating, according to Richards.
"These cereals are typically made from refined grains that lack fiber and essential nutrients," she explains. "The high sugar content in sugary cereals can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash, causing inflammation and contributing to feelings of bloating and discomfort."
These are just a few of the health risks associated with consuming too much sugar—which is an especially bad idea first thing in the morning. "The excessive intake of added sugars can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to digestive issues and increased inflammation," Richards adds. "Moreover, sugary cereals are often low in protein and healthy fats, which can further contribute to feelings of bloating and inadequate satiety."
What to eat instead
If you have a sweet tooth and frequently crave sugary cereal in the morning, Richards offers some advice for kicking your habit and replacing this inflammatory food with healthier options.
"Choosing whole grain cereals with minimal added sugars, or opting for protein-rich breakfast options like eggs or Greek yogurt with fruits, can be healthier alternatives that help reduce inflammation and promote better digestive health," she concludes. Sounds delicious—and healthy!
READ MORE: The Breakfast Mistakes That Make Weight Loss So Much Harder
