Healthy Aging: Better Breakfast Month

You may have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Is that still true today? It’s an easy meal to overlook with a busy routine when rushing out the door to get the day started. September is Better Breakfast Month, which originated during WWI to encourage a nutritious start of the day. Breakfast is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, especially for older adults. Let’s look at a few suggestions for your next breakfast and why it matters.

Timing

Eating breakfast within the first few hours of waking up helps to start your metabolism. A consistent morning meal can also help with focus, stabilize blood sugar, and make it easier to maintain healthy habits. “Regular morning meals may improve blood sugar regulation, coordinate hormone release, support digestion, and reinforce healthy sleep-wake rhythms” (Everyday Health).

Food Groups

A balanced breakfast includes a mix of whole grains, protein, fruits or veggies, and healthy fats. These foods work together for steady energy, digestion support, and maintaining muscle strength. “While protein is an important nutrient at all ages, it becomes particularly important for older adults. People lose muscle mass and strength as they age a condition called sarcopenia” (healthline).

Aging

Older adults need adequate nutrition and sometimes increased amounts such as protein. Breakfast is a great opportunity to kick off your day with a boost to hit your daily intake goals. Nutrient-dense foods in the morning can support bone health, heart health, energy, and make daily activities feel easier and more manageable. Consult with your providers before making any major dietary changes.

Although one meal alone isn't necessarily the more important meal of the day, breakfast is a great way to kick off your daily nutritional goals. Remember that breakfast should be an enjoyable meal that doesn't have to be perfect every day, but something you look forward to. For aging adults who need a little extra support, caregiver services can make mornings easier, helping with meal prep, planning balanced options, and keeping nutritional goals on track day after day. Life is a marathon, not a race. So let's raise a glass of your favorite morning beverage to healthy aging and our loved ones!

Resources

Lawler, Moira. “The Best Time to Eat Breakfast, According to Experts.” EverydayHealth.Com, 13 Aug. 2026, www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/whats-the-best-time-to-eat-breakfast/.

Sullivan, James. “What to Eat for Breakfast as an Older Adult.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 Sept. 2025, www.healthline.com/health/senior-health/breakfast-for-seniors#considerations.

https://eldercarealliance.org/blog/breakfast-for-seniors/

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/celebrations/better-breakfast-month-september-2-2