Skipping Breakfast? It Might Not Be a Good Thing

We’ve all heard the saying, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Turns out, Grandma was onto something! Yet, many of us tend to skip breakfast, whether out of habit, lack of hunger, or a busy schedule. But have you ever stopped to consider why you’re not hungry in the morning? The answer might have more to do with digestion than you think.

Why You Might Not Feel Hungry in the Morning

If you wake up without an appetite, it could be a sign that your digestive system is still working through last night’s dinner. When we eat large, heavy meals late in the evening—especially ones that aren’t properly chewed—it can take longer for our bodies to break them down. As a result, food may still be lingering in your digestive tract by the time morning rolls around, leaving you feeling full and uninterested in breakfast.

One of the simplest ways to support digestion is by chewing your food thoroughly. If you’re unsure whether you’re chewing enough, check out this blog especially the “Tips for Better Digestion” section, for practical ways to improve your digestion.

Our culture tends to make dinner the biggest meal of the day, but this can actually work against your digestion. Instead, consider flipping your meal sizes—aim for a larger breakfast, a medium-sized lunch, and a lighter dinner. This gives your body the fuel it needs earlier in the day when you need it most, while also allowing for better digestion overnight.

How Stomach Acid Affects Morning Hunger

Another reason you might not feel hungry in the morning? Low stomach acid. Stomach acid plays a crucial role in digestion, breaking down food and helping your body absorb nutrients. When stomach acid levels are low, digestion slows down, leading to bloating, discomfort, and sluggishness—which can all contribute to a lack of appetite in the morning.

If this sounds familiar, try a simple experiment: take 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or these digestive bitters that I personally recommend 10–15 minutes before meals. These can help stimulate your body’s natural production of stomach acid, supporting digestion and encouraging hunger signals. If you suspect you may need additional stomach acid support, I’d love to help—reach out to me, and we can explore a personalized approach together.

Start Your Day with a Breakfast That Works for You

Skipping breakfast might seem like no big deal, but over time, it can lead to imbalanced energy, poor digestion, and even a sluggish metabolism. Instead of forcing yourself to eat something heavy when you’re not hungry, try focusing on lighter, protein-rich options that are easy to digest—like eggs, smoothies, or yogurt with nuts and seeds.

The goal is to train your body to welcome breakfast as part of a balanced daily rhythm. By making a few small changes, like shifting your meal timing and supporting digestion, you can set yourself up for better energy, digestion, and overall well-being.

If you struggle with digestion or low appetite in the morning, let’s chat! I’d love to help you find simple, effective solutions that support your gut and overall health. Reach out to me at info@brywell.co to learn more.