Pandemic inspires new breakfast eating habits among Millennials and Gen Zs

According to a recent survey, two in five (35 percent) of Millennials and Gen Zs in Malaysia began eating breakfast more often as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years.

The survey conducted by Herbalife Nutrition found that 75 percent of Malaysian respondents recognised the importance of consuming a healthy breakfast on a daily basis.

Almost half of the respondents who took part in the 2021 Asia Pacific Breakfast Habits Survey said they ate breakfast six to seven times per week.

They have increased their breakfast frequencies because of their ability to prepare breakfast with more time on hand (61 percent); motivation to improve health and well-being (59 percent) and their desire to use this time at home to make a positive lifestyle change (51 percent).

In addition, they have also started eating healthier by having a nutritionally balanced meal (54 percent); drinking more water (51 percent) and incorporating more fresh produce in their breakfast (50 percent). 

Susan Bowerman, senior director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition, making consuming breakfast a daily commitment does require effort and determination. Below are some tips from Susan on the benefits of a healthy breakfast and how to ensure positive breakfast habits last.

Incorporating a nutritious breakfast everyday

The foods you eat for breakfast can affect how you feel and perform throughout your morning. When it comes to selecting what to eat for breakfast, a healthy and balanced breakfast should provide with 20 to 30 grams of protein along with some healthy carbohydrates and fiber.

Eating enough protein can improve muscle protein synthesis and help maintain muscle health by building and repairing muscle tissues.

Carbohydrates should include, at the very least, some fruits or vegetables. If your calorie budget allows, add some whole grains as well.

A balanced meal with both protein and healthy carbohydrates can help prevent wild swings in the blood sugar that trigger cravings for sweets or other unhealthy foods.

Breakfast with high fibre should keep you fueled up until your next meal. The right foods for breakfast, will provide the muscles and brain with the fuel for optimal performance.

With the many benefits that a healthy breakfast offers, it’s a meal that shouldn’t be so casually dismissed. While it may be convenient to skip breakfast just for those extra few minutes of sleep, a few simple changes to daily living such as waking up 15 minutes earlier each day to prepare a nutritious breakfast might do the trick.