Is it true that you should not eat anything except fruit before midday?

This answer is brought to you by many of the Australian nutrition professionals who regularly contribute to a nutrition email discussion group.

This is a misguided practice which takes little account of how the body, and the digestive processes, work. Overnight, the body's blood glucose level drops because you are in a 'fasting' state.

The first meal (literally 'break fast') should provide plenty of carbohydrate for energy. This is just as important for people who have sedentary jobs as it is for labourers, athletes, soldiers, or anyone else who is physically active. Unless you are in a state of semi-starvation your brain has only one source of energy - glucose, and it is also the preferred fuel for active muscles. Unfortunately, most fruits are not very good sources of carbohydrate (they are much better sources of vitamins and fibre).

Cereal foods such as bread, crumpets, muffins and breakfast cereals are much better sources of carbohydrate than fruit. A breakfast of cereal, milk, and toast, crumpets or muffins with fruit juice, will provide you with the carbohydrate, protein, vitamins and minerals you need for that early morning 'kickstart'. Rice with vegetables and fish, often eaten as the first meal of the day in many Asian countries, will also provide these nutrients.

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[Date issued: February 1999]

Disclaimer: This material is provided on the basis that it constitutes advice of a general nature only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or a dietitian.