Two thirds of Brits skip breakfast

Despite a balanced breakfast being described as the most important meal of the day, 65% of the population regularly miss their morning meal, with almost 45% of the nation using the shortage of time as the most common excuse. The study also found that the traditional full English breakfast is now only eaten by 5% of Brits. Men are more likely to skip breakfast than women, with 70% of them missing the meal at least once a week, compared to 62% of women. Further research found that out of those who do eat breakfast, four fifths of them feel more productive, satisfied and ready to face the day and over half of them choose to eat porridge and cereal, closely followed by toast and preserve, with 36%. And with one in 10 wanting a breakfast which they can eat at their desks, speed and convenience are crucial considerations when deciding what to eat to kick start the day. Charlotte Turner, nutritionist for McDonald's, explained why the first meal of the day is so important: "Breakfast helps to improve metabolism and increase energy levels for the day ahead. Breakfast, as the word suggests, literally means 'breaking the fast' and after going for 10-12 hours overnight without food, your energy reserves are low and so your body and brain crave fuel."