Is Breakfast Really That Important?

We've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but is there any truth to this age-old adage? Regardless, it's well-known that 31 million Americans, which is roughly 10 percent of the U.S. population, don't eat breakfast.

While health experts have promoted the morning meal's importance since the early 1900's, the American perception of what constitutes a healthy breakfast has continued to change throughout the years. Society once emphasized the importance of a morning family meal around the kitchen table. The ideal breakfast of the '50s included casseroles, ham and eggs. However, now it's far more common to catch individuals grabbing an on-the-go processed product quickly on their way out the door. Although it's beneficial to consume a balanced, protein-packed meal, it's drastically less ideal to devour a not-so-nutritious breakfast bar just to check the breakfast box.

Another reason many claim that breakfast is an absolute must is the long list of negative health effects supposedly associated with those who skip the meal. However, it's important to recognize that many of the studies that draw this connection are largely based on association, not causation. While there may be some sort of connection between the two, it's hard to place the blame solely on this one practice.

Ultimately, it's clear that nutritionists, scientists and dietitians have yet to draw a definitive conclusion on the true importance of breakfast. You may find it most beneficial to operate under the advice, "If you're hungry, eat it. But don't feel bad if you'd rather skip it, and don't listen to those who lecture you. Breakfast has no mystical powers."

If you're someone who needs breakfast to start their mornings off right, there are endless healthy options available – whether you're scouring the internet, at your local library or flipping through your favorite cookbook. Still stuck and looking for more breakfast options? Here are some nutritious breakfast recipes from the BowFlex Insider team.

• Put a healthy twist on a breakfast classic with these quinoa berry pancakes.
• Try these freezer breakfast burritos that are perfect for a meal on-the-go.
• Add some color to your morning routine with this rainbow omelet.
• Increase your fruits and veggies intake with these wholesome muffins.