In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about intermittent fasting, the theory that going without eating for extended periods brings about various health benefits. However, many of us know that feeling of hunger – you feel low on energy, have a rumbling stomach, and concentrating on your work becomes harder.
As yet, there is very little in the way of scientific research to back up any benefits of fasting. On the other hand, research has shown again and again that skipping a meal can actually cause some very worrying consequences. Let’s have a look at some of the facts about what happens when you skip a meal.
Low Mood
Not eating means your brain and body simply don’t have the energy to do what you’d like them to. Glucose, which comes from eating carbohydrates, literally fuels our brains. Going without a meal can cause a dip in blood sugar, leading to drastically reduced energy levels.
Impacts on Mental Health
Skipping any meal, particularly breakfast, can wreak havoc on your mental health. Cortisol, aka the stress hormone, gets released when you are hungry, causing your blood pressure to rise and your anxiety levels to soar, according to Healthline.com.
Decreased Productivity
For office workers, it can be tempting to skip your lunch break altogether, particularly if you’ve got a lot on or looming deadlines. But skipping lunch can cause you to struggle with the afternoon slump.
Getting out for some fresh air and a healthy lunch is a much better choice. There are some fantastic office lunch catering options available, thanks to specialist providers such as https://www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/shop/office-lunch-delivery/.
Cravings
The trap that many people fall into is to skip a meal, thinking it will help them lose weight or feel better, then begin to crave sugary, starchy foods to make up for that hunger. This might include cakes, chocolate or caffeinated drinks. Of course, this is not what your body needs, but it craves it, simply to get energy levels back to where they should be.
