The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Cake for Breakfast

Eclarner's picture
Eclarner

Cake for Breakfast

This is a random thought that's been on my mind for some time now: Why is it normal to eat sweets for breakfast? (scones, cinnamon rolls, pancakes, muffins, sweet pastries, etc.). Imagine how strange it would be if someone took steak and potatoes in the morning and sat down with just a muffin at dinner.  I know its a crazy thought, but just curious to know if anyone thinks anything of this.

pmccool's picture
pmccool

something along the lines of steak and potatoes, or sausage and eggs, etc., is the norm for breakfast.  The body needs the shorter term boost of carbohydrates (grits, rice, porridge, toast, rolls) and the longer term boost of proteins and fats (meats, eggs, cheese, yogurt, etc.) to maintain strength while working.  The other meals need to be substantial and sustaining, too.

I've witnessed construction workers who try to make it on just carbs, e.g. a bottle of Coke and a loaf of white bread for lunch, who just run out of gas by 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. 

There's an old dictum which says "Eat like a king at breakfast, like a prince at dinner, and like a pauper at supper."  Given my desk-bound office environment, I'd do well to pay better attention to the last part of that saying.

Paul

Eclarner's picture
Eclarner

I know exactly what you are saying.  My family, as well as a lot of people I've stayed with, have these habits.  They eat all through mid afternoon and feast just before bedtime, but then skip breakfast and don't eat until later in the day.  I'm the only one in my family who eats breakfast.  I never understood why people do this, but everyone is different I guess.  I just always remember hearing "breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

gerhard's picture
gerhard

My wife was diagnosed as being pre-diabetic, she had the habit of skipping breakfast and grabbing something for lunch anywhere from 11 till 2.  After she started eating her meals on a regular schedule her blood sugar levels went to normal without the need of medication.  Lot of benefits to breakfast, apparently the high blood sugar was the result of the body fighting a perceived famine.

Gerhard

clazar123's picture
clazar123

People eat all kinds of things for breakfast-not just sweets. I know people that go the whole gamut. Some eat sweets like pastry or jam on toast, some make savory hot cereal (not sweet) with hot peppers or kimchi. Some have steak or meat hash and eggs, some put ketchup on pancakes-some eat fish and bread. Leftover pepperoni pizza is my favorite.

I've been watching my calories and still trying to enjoy my favorite ice cream occasionally. I might eat "normally" for breakfast and lunch but have a salad and ice cream for dinner. Not exactly a pauper for supper but lower in calories than a full meal AND the ice cream. I'm not as hungry at supper so it works for me.

Try something new for breakfast sometime. It changes your perspective in a good way.

Sugarowl's picture
Sugarowl

My cousin's favorite breakfast was either steak and potatoes or biscuits with sausage gravy. He was quite mad when he broke his jaw and couldn't have steak for a while. We usually have eggs and bacon with toast in the morning. I'm not cooking a steak before coffee, that would be a wee bit dangerous.

Jane Dough's picture
Jane Dough

Our bodys best use of fuel is now recognized to be 5-6 smaller meals per day.  That's a very different philosophy from how i grew up.  And sweets don't really enter into the equation.  :(

laurnie99's picture
laurnie99

Its never healthy to skip breakfast . Breakfast is the most important meal of the day . 

kellyon's picture
kellyon

I'm fond of chocolate brownie

FreshJay's picture
FreshJay

Breakfast is very important but I'm not to sure about starting your day on cake haha