A biochemist expert doesn't advocate eating breakfast. Professor Terence Kealey says forcing children to eat in the morning, which many believe to be the most important meal of the day, is tantamount to child abuse.
Kealey, the former vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham, says children should be allowed to decide whether they want to have breakfast or not. He also believes studies pointing out how breakfast helps kids stay alert and active in school are misleading.
"If you're worried, give them an apple or something, but the idea that you should force them to eat breakfast is a form of child abuse," Kealey said, as per Daily Mail. The expert says even adults, and not just children, can benefit from not having breakfast.
Kealey used to have type 2 diabetes. He reversed this condition when he started skipping breakfast.
Kealey says a person's blood glucose levels are already high in the morning and having breakfast will only increase this, thus putting diabetics at greater risks. Breakfast also encourages consumption of more food for the rest of the day, which can be bad for those watching their sugar intake, as per The Times.
Most breakfast food choices also exacerbate a pre-diabetic condition. Waffles, cereals, bread and jam are not only rich in sugar but also carbohydrates, Kealey notes. Other experts, however, are skeptical of Kealey's assumptions, especially when it involves the children's health and well-being.
"Our point of view is that [breakfast] helps people be a healthier weight because it stops them from becoming over-hungry throughout the day," child nutrition expert Jennifer Rosborough said. "If what [Professor Kealey] is saying is true, it's the first I've heard of it," she added.
Forcing breakfast on kids, however, is wrong but parents can prepare a healthy meal to encourage proper diet. Nutritionists recommend the easiest but most nutritious breakfast to prepare: eggs and toast, as per Telegraph. Experts also recommend lots of fruits or whole wheat and less sugar in morning meals.
