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Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day, but it’s important what we focus on when we eat it on an empty stomach. Doctors warn that some foods can be harmful to the stomach if we consume them in the morning immediately after waking. See which foods you should not eat on an empty stomach and which are a better choice for your health.
Why is the first morning meal important?
Breakfast has a crucial effect on our body and health. At the start of the day it kick-starts the metabolism and affects organ function, energy levels and overall mood. What we eat in the morning also influences body weight and eating habits during the day. Therefore it is good to pay attention to the choice of foods that will benefit our body.
Experts recommend that on an empty stomach you first drink a glass of warm water and choose foods rich in protein.
What is not recommended?
1) Freshly squeezed juice
Many people believe that fresh fruit juices are healthy, but consumed on an empty stomach they can be harmful. Acidic juices, which often contain large amounts of simple sugars, can cause us problems. They do not fill you up on an empty stomach and can raise blood sugar levels, which leads to increased appetite and promotes fat storage. All of this can contribute to obesity.
Tip: If you feel like having fruit juice, drink it after breakfast.
2) Any type of leavened baked goods
Leavened baked goods are a popular choice for breakfast, but they are definitely not an ideal choice for the first meal of the day. They contain large amounts of sugar, fat and white wheat flour, which leads to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and a false feeling of satiety that soon wears off. This type of pastry contributes to weight gain.
Tip: Instead of leavened baked goods, enjoy whole grain products, ideally without yeast. For example, you can make pancakes or waffles from whole grain flour or buckwheat flour that also include eggs – ideal for a healthy breakfast.
Other foods you should avoid
3) Coffee only after breakfast!
Breakfast is a time when the body wakes up, and coffee can cause problems if we drink it on an empty stomach. Coffee on an empty stomach can cause increased stomach acidity, which leads to heartburn and other digestive issues. In addition, caffeine increases the secretion of stomach acid, which is not ideal for your digestion.
Tip: Drink coffee after breakfast, when you already have something in your stomach, to avoid unwanted effects.
4) Tea
Although tea is usually considered a healthy drink, drinking it on an empty stomach can have negative effects. A reduction in the production of gastric juices and acid can lead to digestive problems and reduces the body’s ability to properly eliminate cholesterol. Even with tea, it is better to wait until you have eaten something.
Tip: Drink tea after breakfast, when your stomach is ready for digestion.
5) Yogurt
Yogurt with fruit and oatmeal is a popular breakfast combination, but it’s not good to consume it on an empty stomach. The beneficial bacteria in yogurt can have negative effects if we consume them on an empty stomach, because the lactic acid in yogurt can be detrimental to your gastric juices.
Tip: Have yogurt two hours after waking up, ideally as a mid-morning snack or for dinner.
6) Smoked, fried and fermented foods
These foods contain minimal beneficial nutrients and their digestion is demanding for the body. Fried and smoked foods are rich in fats and harmful substances that are formed during their processing. Although many people like them as fast food, consuming them for breakfast is not ideal.
Tip: Avoid fast food and instead prepare fresh and high-quality breakfasts with balanced nutrients.
Conclusion: What to eat on an empty stomach?
At the start of the day it is important to give the body the right fuel. If you feel like something liquid, choose a vegetable smoothie, which is rich in fiber and vitamins. For breakfast, have whole grain bread, eggs, yogurt or oatmeal. This will provide the body with all essential nutrients and make the start of the day healthy and energizing.
