Skipping breakfast might exacerbate existing stress

The same mouse study concluded that going without breakfast elicited a stress response in the brains of the hungry mice – and many of us also struggle with feeling ‘hangry’ if we don’t eat regularly. Additionally, a 2018 study of teenagers showed that those who ate a good breakfast experienced lower levels of stress and depression than those who ate a poor-quality meal in the morning.

“Intermittent fasting using methods such as skipping breakfast can increase levels of the stress hormone, cortisol,” agrees health coach Sarah Elisabeth. “If you’re already stressed, which the majority of us are due to the demands of day-to-day life, skipping breakfast is only going to perpetuate the problem.”

Elisabeth instead recommends a consistent eating routine alongside good nutrition, while Hope advocates a protein-rich breakfast to kickstart your day and regulate cortisol levels.

“Foods with protein, such as eggs, fibre-filled oats or a smoothie packed with vegetables and seeds, will set you up well for the day ahead,” she advises. “Eating a decent breakfast will boost your energy levels and leave the body better able to fight stress.”

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