Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? TB Baba Metzia 107

Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? The Gemara on daf TB Baba Metzia 107 certainly think so.

Ҥ The Gemara cites a related baraita: The Sages taught that thirteen matters of praise were stated with regard to a meal of bread eaten in the morning: It protects the diner from the heat, and from the cold, and from the winds, and from the harmful spirits; and it makes the simple wise, and one who consumes it will be victorious in judgment, he will merit to learn Torah and to teach it, and his statements are heard, and his study will remain in his possession.

“In addition, his flesh does not generate excess sweat, and he engages in intercourse with his wife at the proper time, and he does not lust for another woman, and this meal is so advantageous that it even kills any louse in his intestines. And some say it even removes jealousy and brings in love. Since he is completely healthy, he is not inclined to be angered by others.

“In relation to the above baraita, Rabba said to Rava bar Mari: From where is this matter that people say derived: Sixty runners ran but could not catch the man who ate in the morning, and the Sages likewise said: Arise early and eat, in the summer due to the sun and in the winter due to the cold, so that one’s body should have the strength to withstand the climate.

“Rava bar Mari said to him: It is derived from a verse, as it is written: “They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor sun smite them” (Isaiah 49:10). Why will the heat and the sun not smite them? Since they shall not hunger nor thirst, as they rose early to eat.” (Sefaria.org translation)

In reality, is breakfast the most important meal of all? Certainly we were taught that it was, but it ain’t necessarily so. Breakfast may not be the most important meal, but it is important. “Most of the claimed benefits of eating breakfast are primarily derived from observational studies, which cannot prove cause and effect…According to one 2018 observational studyTrusted Source, those who frequently eat breakfast often pay more attention to their overall nutrient intake, regularly participate in physical activity, and adequately manage stress.

“Conversely, those who skip breakfast tend to have unhealthier lifestyle habits such as frequent smoking and drinking. They also tend to have diets higher in fat, cholesterol, and calories than habitual breakfast eaters.

“These findings suggest that lifestyle habits may contribute to the overall health status of breakfast eaters, not eating breakfast…

“The bottom line

“Although research suggests that breakfast may not be the most important meal of the day, it is still important. It serves as an opportunity to help you fuel your day and provide key nutrients that your body needs.

“If you choose not to eat breakfast, there is no reason to feel guilty, and there is not much evidence that it can negatively impact your health.

“What is important is to eat in a way that works best for you while living a healthy lifestyle and ensuring your nutrient needs are being met during your other meals.

“If you are finding it challenging to meet your nutritional needs, consider speaking with a registered dietitian who can help you navigate through any questions you may have.” (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-breakfast-really-the-most-important-meal-of-the-day#The-bottom-line)

The rabbis were wrong. Just bread and water is not the breakfast of champions. I recommend reading the rest of the article because it gives good sound nutritional advice.