When you think about traditional breakfast foods, you probably imagine staples like oatmeal, cereal, pancakes, waffles, toast and muffins. You may not, however, realize the negative impact these carbohydrate-heavy foods can have on your day. Although carbohydrates are a necessary part of any diet, many fitness enthusiasts are finding more protein-infused breakfast alternatives, such as protein pancakes, to fuel them throughout the day. These are four reasons why you may want to rethink your usual carb-heavy breakfast. 

Adding Sugar to Your Meal

Unprocessed carbohydrates, like those found in grains, whole wheat products, fruits, beans and some vegetables, are relatively high in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. These are all acceptable breakfast choices. Unfortunately, most actual breakfast products are made using processed carbohydrates, including high levels of sugar. Besides its effects on your metabolism and blood sugar levels, sugar is also known to cause a variety of harmful conditions, including contributing to the spread of certain cancers. This glut of sugar is further compounded by syrups, jams and other products used to sweeten foods like pancakes and toast.

Spiking Your Blood Sugar

When your body consumes a lot of sugar all at once, it releases a chemical called insulin to help your cells absorb the excess sugar. Over time, however, your body may not be able to produce enough insulin to meet demand. This condition is called type 2 diabetes, and while it can be managed, it is incurable at present. By cutting out processed carbohydrates from your breakfast, you may be eliminating a large portion of the stress placed on your insulin production system, reducing your chances of contracting diabetes in the future. 

Failing to Suppress Your Appetite Later

The hormone ghrelin is an appetite stimulant, secreted by your body when it senses you need to eat. Essentially, the more ghrelin in your system, the hungrier you will feel. One study has found that individuals who ate a higher protein breakfast had lower ghrelin levels than those who ate a high-carbohydrate meal, and they felt fuller longer. Carb-heavy breakfasts are therefore associated with eating more food throughout the day, leading to weight gain or preventing weight loss, depending on your dietary goals. 

Making You Feel Tired

When your body produces insulin to accommodate a sugar rush, it also creates the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is used as a sleep aid in some over-the-counter medicines because of the drowsiness it causes. Research has shown that a low-protein, high-carbohydrate meal stimulates tryptophan production, potentially leaving you feeling sluggish and sleepy for the rest of the day. Instead of starting off your morning on the wrong foot, it is better to pair unprocessed carbohydrates with healthier foods like protein pancakes, eggs or other sources of lean protein. Doing so can leave you feeling refreshed, energized and full for hours, as well as improving your overall health. To learn more, contact a business like Eat Naturall, LLC.