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Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, but the well-known Russian cardiac surgeon Leo Bokeria claims the opposite. According to him, breakfast is unnecessary and can even be harmful to health. This respected expert believes that skipping the first meal of the day may contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Breakfast as a myth: why is it unnecessary according to experts?
Professor and academic Leo Bokeria, one of the most respected Russian cardiac surgeons, questions the traditional approach to eating. According to him, the recommendation “breakfast is the foundation of the day” is complete nonsense.
“When you wake up in the morning, your body is only getting into operating mode. If you immediately sit down at the table and eat a large portion of food, you will slow your metabolism and feel tired. When I worked with American surgeons, I noticed that many of them drink only coffee in the morning, have a light sandwich for lunch, and consume their main meal in the evening,” says Bokeria.
According to him, people should skip breakfast, eat a moderate lunch and dine sensibly, but not late in the evening. Such a routine, he says, leads to longevity and a healthy heart.
Research confirms: people who don’t eat breakfast lose weight faster
The theory about the harmfulness of breakfast is also confirmed by a study conducted by Cornell University. According to scientist David Levitsky, people who skip breakfast consume on average 408 fewer calories per day than those who eat breakfast regularly. That means they can lose weight more easily.
Levitsky admits that “skipping breakfast contradicts what we have so far considered healthy eating, but new research shows that it can be very beneficial”. At the same time, however, he warns that this approach is not suitable for diabetics and people suffering from hypoglycemia.
The World Health Organization has a different view
Breakfast still remains a recommended part of a healthy lifestyle according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Experts agree that light breakfasts can help with weight loss, while overly hearty morning meals can lead to weight gain.
7 foods you shouldn’t eat for breakfast
Even if you decide to eat breakfast, you should avoid certain foods that can be harmful:
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Processed meats – They contain minimal amounts of meat but large amounts of preservatives that can be carcinogenic.
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Instant porridges – They are full of starches and sugars that can cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations.
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Dried fruit – Often contains chemicals and added sugars that increase the caloric value.
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Muesli – It is often considered healthy, but in reality it contains a large amount of sugar and empty calories.
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Juices in cartons – They are full of preservatives and added sugar, while freshly squeezed juice spoils within 15 minutes.
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Bananas and exotic fruits – They contain chemicals used during transportation that can be harmful to health.
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Processed cheeses – They contain excess fat and remnants of older cheeses that may be of lower quality.
Should you skip breakfast?
Whether to include breakfast in your diet or not depends on your health condition and lifestyle. If you don’t feel hungry in the morning, there’s no reason to force yourself to eat breakfast. However, if you need morning energy, choose a light and balanced meal that won’t burden your metabolism.
