You’ve heard it from your mom, dad, grandma, teacher, best friend’s dog, and everyone else. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yet The Huffpost found that 31 million americans, roughly 10 percent of the population, skip breakfast each morning. Many people claim that they are too busy, or they just aren’t ‘hungry’ in the morning. However, it is important to put our health and well being first.

According to WebMD, “Breakfast kick starts your metabolism and helps you burn calories throughout the day.” People who don’t eat breakfast can become more irritable, less focused, and tired throughout the day. Long term effects of eating breakfast include better memory and concentration and lower cholesterol levels. Not eating something in the morning can throw off the rhythm of your body’s consumption.

Breakfast also delivers the necessary nutrients that keeps you going throughout the day. It is pertinent you get some vitamins, calcium, fiber in the morning so your body can start working through the challenges of the day. This meal is so important for athletes, especially before competitions and games. In order to perform to one’s capability, a good meal is needed early in the day.

So rather you eat a cup of yogurt and granola or a slice of avocado toast, make sure you eat some brekkie. Even starting with a smoothie you can sip on the go is better than an empty stomach. It’s the most important meal of the day after all.