Typically, we hear a lot about foods you shouldn’t eat in the evening–particularly carbs–but health experts agree that there is one breakfast food that you should avoid earlier in the day because of its effect on your snacking habits, energy, mood and focus. Aka, if you eat these before noon, you just might blow your healthy eating habits (and productivity!) for the rest of the day.
Pastries
Pastries, which can be common in a continental breakfast, are the one breakfast food that health experts agree should be avoided before noon.
“I run away from these things because of their high glycemic load,” Dr. Amy Lee, board certified doctor in internal medicine, medical nutrition and obesity medicine and partner of Nucific, tells us.
“Sure they are tasty, but the amount of sugar you end up putting in the body only causes your insulin to spike and usually doesn’t keep you full until lunch,” she warns. This leads to overeating, she explains. “One may find themselves craving for more food in the early hours; resulting in eating more calories for no reason.” Yikes!
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Additionally, sugar consumption in the morning can cause "energy instability," and for some people, it can even affect their focus and mood. Aka, if you're trying to get a report out the door, it's not a good time to load up on sugar-y pastries--even if they're free in the office!
Additionally, when made with artificial sweeteners, pastries can pose a risk as well.
"Foods made with artificial sweeteners should be avoided before noon, and completely if possible," registered dietitian Trista Best of Balance One agrees.
Why are artificial sweeteners so bad? "They have been linked to weight gain due to the overeating they lead to," she explains. "Studies have shown that consumers of artificial sweeteners eat more calories in the following meal." Oh no, that's not good.
"Therefore, the earlier they are consumed the more likely you are to overeat throughout the whole day and continue the cycle until evening."
