While most organs get ample rest during sleep, the digestive system continues to digest and absorb food remaining in the gastrointestinal tract from dinner, only gradually entering a state of rest in the morning. Eating breakfast too early will inevitably disrupt this rest, keeping the digestive system in a constant state of fatigue and stress, and disturbing the rhythm of gastrointestinal motility. Therefore, it is most suitable to eat breakfast 20 to 30 minutes after waking up around 7 AM, as this is when one's appetite is at its peak. Additionally, there are two "do's" and two "don'ts" for an optimal breakfast.
Softer is better than harder: In the early morning, the spleen tends to be sluggish, often leading to a poor appetite, a condition more pronounced in the elderly. Therefore, breakfast should not include greasy, fried, dry, hard, or highly stimulating foods, as these can easily cause indigestion. Breakfast should consist of easily digestible, warm, and soft foods, such as milk, soy milk, noodles, and wontons. It is best to have some congee. Adding health foods like lotus seeds, red dates, Chinese yam, longan, or Job's tears to the congee can enhance its benefits.
Less is better than more: Overeating can exceed the digestive capacity of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing food from being properly digested and absorbed. Over time, this can lead to a decline in digestive function, gastrointestinal disorders, and related diseases. Furthermore, a large amount of food residue stored in the large intestine is broken down by bacteria. The byproducts of protein decomposition, such as phenol, can enter the bloodstream through the intestinal wall, which is very harmful to the body and can increase the risk of vascular diseases. Therefore, breakfast should not be skipped, but it should not be excessively large either.
Helpful Tips: Recommended Foods for Breakfast:
Foods rich in high-quality protein: Eggs, milk, sausage, soy milk, etc.
Foods rich in Vitamin C: Fruit juice, vegetables, fruits, etc.
Carbohydrate-rich staple foods: Bread, steamed buns, twisted rolls, etc.
Liquid foods rich in water: Rice congee, milk, soy milk, fruit juice, etc.
Appetizing foods that increase hunger: Fruit juice, tomato juice, pickles, etc.