IT IS supposed to be the most important meal of the day – providing energy, improving concentration and even helping with weight loss.
But millions of Britons are skipping breakfast every day because even making a slice of toast is now considered too time consuming in our hectic lives.
The average Briton now goes without breakfast 91 days a year, the equivalent of once every fo
ur days, according to a study published yesterday.
The results show that men aged between 17-34 are most likely to skip the first meal of the day, while women are the biggest breakfast eaters – accounting for 43 per cent of the UK's breakfasts.
Experts believe soaring food prices and the threat of redundancies arising from the credit crunch are forcing people to get to their desks earlier.
However, nutritionist Carina Norris said the first meal of the day is essential to kick-start the body's metabolism and provide enough energy for the day.
"Having a balanced diet is so important for a healthy lifestyle," she said. "I recommend that everyone eats breakfast."
Miss Norris also pointed out that breakfast is particularly important for children.
"If children haven't eaten and go to school then their energy levels will be low and it can affect their concentration and learning," she said.
Despite the results indicating that people don't even have time to grab a slice of toast , Miss Norris said a nutritious breakfast is important for a healthy diet.
"If you eat toast then it should be on wholemeal. Balanced breakfasts include wholemeal cereal with milk, yoghurt and glass of orange juice. Scrambled eggs on brown bread and baked beans are really good for you," she said.
For those who are in a hurry Miss Norris recommends a piece of fruit to be eaten on the run.
Michael Lean, Professor of Human Nutrition at Glasgow University, believes a bowl of porridge provides the best start to the morning.
He said: "People should eat a low-fat breakfast – a couple of pieces of fruit and a bowl of Scottish porridge. It is a much better start to the day than some sad looking thing that is cold, dried-up and out of a packet."
Although the survey, carried out by The Grocer magazine, points to a stressful lifestyle, as one of the main reasons for skipping breakfast, Dr Carol Craig, chief executive at Glasgow's Centre for Confidence and Well-being, says we should adopt a more continental style towards eating and make meal times a more pleasurable experience.
"People should treat food with more respect. In Britain we have moved towards this American fast-food culture," she said.
"We need to get back to some old traditions like eating at specific times. A lot of people rush off in the morning and travel long distances to work.
"If people travelled less and spent more time in the home then they would create a better home environment and better diets for their children."
The Scottish Government recently launched the "Take Life On" campaign which provides adults with advice on healthy eating. A spokesman said: "Eating a sensible balanced diet helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes."
Top ten ways to save time at breakfast:1 Prepare as much as you can in advance. Decide what you are going to wear the night before and lay out your clothes. Leave out your cereal so it is waiting for you, then in the morning just add milk.
2 Tie your shoelaces while you are waiting for your toast to pop.
3E at a couple of pieces of fruit on your way to work if you travel by foot, on the bus or on the train.
4 Cook your bacon in the microwave. It will save you time and you won't have to watch it while it browns.
5 Get someone else to make breakfast while you are getting ready.
6 Have breakfast in the canteen when you get to work. Alternatively, take a packed breakfast and have it at your desk.
7 Eat microwavable porridge. It is good for you and you can brush your hair while it is cooking.
8 Do the washing up when you get home.
9 The night before, put fruit in the blender. Next morning turn it on and you can drink your breakfast.
10 Buy an automatic tea maker.
The full article contains 737 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
