The word 'breakfast' comes from the idea of breaking the fast from the last evening's meal. The saying "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" is widely believed to have originated from the invention and marketing of breakfast cereals in the 19th century. Once this trend started, egg and pork producers (bacon) joined in, touting the importance of eating protein in the morning.
John Harvey Kellogg was a physician, nutritionist, inventor, medical missionary, and religious zealot, considered the true pioneer of the breakfast industry. He believed that eating a biologically appropriate diet would solve indigestion. Caleb Jackson (Grape Nuts) and Dr. Graham (the graham cracker) argued that Americans' meat-centric and heavily spiced diets led them to carnal sins.
He opened the famed Battle Creek Sanitarium in 1907. He advocated what he called "biological living," which included fresh air, more exercise, more baths, and a simpler vegetarian diet. He was in this venture with his brother Will Kellogg, who actually developed corn flakes and the Kellogg company. However, the Kellogg brothers did not share the same vision. In the 1940s, Will Kellogg broke away from his brother and started Post Cereals, which invented and marketed the sugar coating for cereals.
Interestingly, before this, breakfast wasn't considered a particularly important meal. People didn't have specific "breakfast" foods and often ate leftovers from dinner the night before. Before the Industrial Revolution, most people worked on farms and had their first meal whenever it was convenient during their work schedule. As jobs moved from farms to offices and factories, more food sources that were lighter and more convenient became necessary.
Although there is no scientific evidence that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it is believed that a balanced meal in the morning supports overall nutrition, metabolism, productivity, and weight control.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, eating breakfast, especially a warm one, can help ground an active V
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