A traditional fry-up is better for you than fashionable breakfasts such as granola and fruity yoghurt, say scientists.
The classic full English is bursting with protein, vitamins and nutrients, keeps you full-up for longer and is even good for your brain, research shows.
Meanwhile, many so-called ‘healthy’, ‘low-fat’ on-the-go breakfasts are commonly packed with sugar, corn syrup and fruit juice concentrate.
These simple carbohydrates provide a short-lived energy boost but later on can leave us feeling sluggish and craving unhealthy treats.
Experts found that cooked morning meals contained complex carbohydrates and healthy fats that helped sustain us all day long.
And a moderately portioned fry-up, using quality, unprocessed British ingredients, can contain as little as 600 calories – around a quarter of an adult’s recommended daily intake.
But some top-selling fruit and yoghurt bars have up to 220 calories per biscuit, meaning just three bickies could total more calories than a plate of eggs, bacon and sausage.
The report, commissioned by Catered Ski Chalet Holidays | Ski Vertigo, warned Brits to beware of breakfast products high in sugar and simple carbs ‘but marketed as ‘healthy’.
It said: ‘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.’
It added: ‘Experts at Ski Vertigo, who specialise in providing balanced, nourishing meals at their full-service chalets, warn that a seemingly innocent choice could be a recipe for disaster, affecting energy, digestion and even long-term wellness.’
Think granola bars, fruit-flavoured yoghurts and even some cereals boasting ‘low-fat’ or ‘organic’ labels.’
While these options might seem like smart choices, they can lead to a quick spike in blood sugar followed by an inevitable crash.’
This rollercoaster not only leaves you feeling sluggish but also primes your body for cravings and over-eating later in the day.’
English Breakfast Society chairman Guise Bule de Missenden said: ‘We have long advocated for the nutritional merits of the traditional English breakfast.’
He added: ‘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.’