Breakfast Choices: What Are You Eating Today?
What’s your breakfast this morning? Is it a quick piece of Marmite on toast, some muesli, or perhaps porridge? Maybe today’s more suited for yoghurt and fruit. Whatever it is, it should help power you through until lunch. If, like Amanda Holden, you only eat twice a day, then breakfast needs to be a substantial meal.
Amanda Holden’s Morning Routine
The presenter has shared that for breakfast she opts for an egg white omelette with spinach, feta, and avocado, paired with a green juice. Surprisingly, she doesn’t eat again until the evening. She candidly states, “I’m a vegetarian, so I think I’m probably accidentally pretty healthy. But I do love my food and I love my alcohol, especially an Aperol Spritz in this weather!”
The Science Behind Meal Timing
Research suggests that the timing and content of meals can significantly impact health. In support of this, Professor Valter Longo, the author of The Longevity Diet, recommends eating just twice a day—breakfast and either lunch or dinner—along with two low-sugar snacks. Such an eating pattern may help lower insulin levels and improve long-term health outcomes.
Morning Energy Intake
Nutritional therapist Anna Mapson agrees, mentioning that consuming most of your energy in the morning can enhance insulin resistance and metabolism. “You could eat breakfast and then a late afternoon meal with a longer fast overnight,” she notes, which may work better than skipping breakfast entirely.
Recent Findings
A new study suggests that reducing your eating window to nine hours daily could potentially lower the risk of dementia in overweight women. However, it’s vital for anyone eating just two meals a day to meet their nutritional targets—like 50g of protein and 30g of fiber.
Key Nutritional Advice
Mapson warns that while two meals can be healthy, individuals shouldn’t overlook their nutritional needs. “You should still try to get your 5 a day, and stay hydrated; each meal should contain a mix of protein, fibre, and healthy fats.”
Amanda’s Fitness Secrets
Amanda attributes her health at 55 to genetics, noting that her mother, grandmother, and sister are all slim. She also credits her fitness routine, saying, “I just love getting on my Peloton!”
A Tip for Off Days
On days when she feels off, Amanda has a little trick: “My makeup is my armour. You will never catch me without a lash and a bit of lip gloss. I’m mostly always wearing sunglasses because if you are having an off day, just put on shades and you’re a winner straight away.”
So, what will you choose for breakfast today?
