Nine out of 10 UAE residents feel breakfast is most important meal

Nine out of 10 UAE residents consider breakfast as the most important meal to kick-start their day, with eggs as their favourite breakfast dish; fresh fruits as the most popular healthy pick, and pancakes as the top choice for a morning treat.

- Angel Tesorero

Seventy six per cent respondents eat breakfast daily, while 18 per cent have it at least once a week, according to the survey.

(FILE PHOTO)

These findings came from a survey conducted recently by Premier Inn Middle East to gain insights into the UAE's breakfast routines. The survey revealed breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day by 91 per cent of respondents. Three in four, or 76 per cent, eat it daily, while 18 per cent have it at least once a week; and just 2 per cent never eat breakfast.

The main reasons for skipping breakfast are lack of time (31 per cent), not feeling hungry (31 per cent), or preferring to eat later in the day (15 per cent).

Nearly half of respondents (47 per cent) eat breakfast between 8 and 10am, while 43 per cent take their breakfast between 6 and 8am. This is quite positive, noted Mitun De Sarkar, a clinical dietician.

“Eating between 6 and 10am suits the body’s natural clock,” said De Sarkar, explaining: “Cortisol — the body’s wake-up/stress hormone — is higher in the morning, so pairing protein with whole grains helps balance energy. Aim for breakfast within 2 to 3 hours of waking — sooner if active. The key is to eat when you're slightly hungry, not starving.”

There is science in having breakfast, noted De Sarkar. “Breakfast activates the brain’s memory centre, and helps stabilise blood sugar, mood and decision-making, making it less likely you'll over-snack later.