NEW YORK — If waking up and having a hearty breakfast every morning simply isn’t your thing, you might want to reconsider that stance. A new study suggests that your career may benefit from starting the day off with the proper nutrition.
The survey of 2,000 Americans — split between 1,000 breakfast eaters and 1,000 who don’t eat breakfast — reveals that those who have a morning meal are more likely to receive a promotion at work.
Sixty-five percent of these respondents say they have moved up in a position over the course of their career. In comparison, only 38 percent of respondents who didn’t eat breakfast said the same.
Wanting to advance your career isn’t the only reason to reconsider making breakfast your first meal of the day. It turns out your love life might benefit too. The survey finds that breakfast eaters are more likely to marry. In fact, 60 percent of those who eat breakfast say they’ve tied the knot as opposed to just 41 percent of those who skip the so-called “most important meal of the day.”
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Dave’s Killer Bread, the survey also looked at the differences in other measures of happiness, life satisfaction, and health between those who do and don’t “break the fast.”
Can something as simple as eating breakfast change your life?
On a scale of 1-10, breakfast eaters reported slightly higher overall life satisfaction than their non-eating counterparts. They give their life an average rating of six, while people who don’t eat breakfast gave their lives an average rating of five.
Breakfast eaters also seem more likely to look on the bright side of things. Seven in 10 breakfast eaters report being optimistic about what the future holds. Only 57 percent of non-breakfast eaters said the same. Additionally, while 84 percent of breakfast-eaters note being somewhat or very satisfied with their relationships with others in their lives, only 67 percent of those who don’t regularly eat breakfast agreed.
“Ensuring that you’re properly fueled from the beginning of your day onward can clearly have a ripple effect throughout our lives,” says Cristina Watson, Brand Manager for Dave’s Killer Bread, in a statement. “Something as simple as a slice of whole grain toast can be a total day maker, keeping your energy up and, as the survey results also suggested, even potentially help you to be more optimistic.”
The best way to get through the day?
Somewhat unsurprisingly, breakfast eaters are more likely to rate themselves as morning people, with 57 percent identifying themselves this way. Just 35 percent of people who skip out on their bacon and eggs say they enjoy mornings. The results also suggest that breakfast might better prepare you to face the unknown – or at least help you to feel more prepared.
Breakfast eaters were also more likely to agree that they were confident in embracing change in their lives. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of breakfast eaters said this, while only 61 percent of non-breakfast eaters felt the same way.
When it comes to having the “juice” to get through the day, 69 percent of breakfast eaters rate their overall energy level on a day-to-day basis as “somewhat” or “very” energetic. Only about half (49%) of non-breakfast-eaters said the same.
“While it’s clear that eating breakfast in any form can make a significant impact on your overall outlook, health and other areas of your life, a great way to maximize the effect is by picking a nutrient-packed breakfast,” Watson adds.
“Choosing organic breakfast options that include whole grains and protein doesn’t mean giving up flavor. Instead, grabbing a high-quality option with a blend of seeds and grains adds taste and texture, and is a great way to start every day off on the right note.”