Experts claim that the beloved fry-up is more nutritious than other so-called ‘healthier’ options packed with sugar but which can leave you feeling sluggish during the day
Experts have made a surprising claim that traditional fry-ups trump modern breakfast trends such as granola, fruity yoghurt, and cereal bars when it comes to health benefits. They argue that the beloved full English breakfast, loaded with protein, vitamins and nutrients, not only keeps you satiated for longer but is also brain food, according to recent studies.
In contrast, popular “healthy” and “low-fat” quick breakfast options are often laden with sugar, corn syrup, and fruit juice concentrate. These simple carbs may give an immediate energy spike, but can lead to a later crash, leaving individuals sluggish and hankering after more unhealthy snacks.
Researchers discovered that a cooked breakfast provides complex carbohydrates and healthy fats that fuel us throughout the day. A well-balanced fry-up could be as low as 600 calories – just a quarter of an adult’s daily calorie recommendation.
However, some leading fruit and yoghurt bars pack up to 220 calories each, meaning three biscuits might exceed the calorie count of a plate with eggs, bacon, and sausage.
The report, commissioned by travel company Ski Vertigo, cautioned against being duped by breakfast products high in sugar and simple carbs that are marketed as “healthy”, reports the Daily Star.
It advised: “To fuel your body properly, the key is balancing macronutrients – protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.
“A breakfast rich in these nutrients stabilises your blood sugar and keeps you full longer. This not only enhances energy levels, but also supports weight management and cognitive function.”
According to Ski Vertigo, some popular breakfast options such as granola bars, fruit-flavoured yoghurts and certain cereals can cause energy crashes, digestive issues and long-term wellness problems.
“While these options might seem like smart choices, they can lead to a quick spike in blood sugar followed by an inevitable crash,” it added. “This rollercoaster not only leaves you feeling sluggish but also primes your body for cravings and over-eating later in the day.”
Guise Bule de Missenden, the chairman of the English Breakfast Society, said: “We have long advocated for the nutritional merits of the traditional English breakfast.
“A well-prepared English breakfast provides anyone who needs real energy to sustain them throughout the day with healthy fats and complex carbohydrates, contributing to sustained energy release and satiety.
“Assuming unprocessed quality British ingredients are the core components, the English breakfast can be quite healthy when eaten in moderation.”