The adage, “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper” is not without scientific backing, though it’s important to be prudent about the composition of morning meal. ‘Breakfast’ literally means ‘to break the fast’. During slumber, the blood sugar levels are maintained by the liver through the breakdown of glycogen (the storage form of glucose) and the synthesis of glucose from amino acids (building blocks of proteins).

Breakfast provides energy to the brain and the muscles in order to sustain activity through the day and also replenishes the glucose stores. Several studies have confirmed that eating breakfast can improve attention and memory. Research has also found that people who eat breakfast have a better attitude towards work, are more productive, have more strength and endurance, and a better concentration.

A study done in San Diego which measured the effectiveness of a 9:00 a.m. nutrition break after it had been implemented for one academic year at a school, found that the frequency of inability to focus, tiredness, stomachache, headache and midmorning hunger fell. Majority of the staff (74 per cent) stated that the nutrition break had positive effects on the learning environment and school attendance.