Vitality is that feeling of natural ‘bounce’ that we often take for granted as children. It’s a combination of health and happiness that allows us to truly enjoy life and grow as individuals. The first step each of us can take towards improved vitality is improving our diet. Enjoy Alpro soya’s delicious range of milk and yogurt at the beginning of every day and you may help to improve your own and your family’s vitality.

20% (1 in 5) of us UK adults regularly skip breakfast – a higher figure than for any country in Europe. However, this tendency could leave us with an unbalanced diet, low in certain vitamins and minerals.

Breakfast really is ‘the most important meal of the day’ because it helps to restore the body’s sugar levels when they are at their lowest. After going 8-12 hours overnight without any food, energy reserves are low and your body and brain needs fuel.

A proper breakfast will also help prevent the hunger pangs. If you miss breakfast you are much more likely to get the mid morning munchies grabbing a snack that is high in calories and fat but low in nutrients and fibre. Research among adults shows that people who eat breakfast are more likely to be within the ideal weight range than people who skip breakfast. Alpro is ideal as part of a healthy breakfast because it’s a source of protein and naturally low in saturated fat. 

It’s delicious too. Take a look at our delicious recipes for loads of great breakfast ideas. 

Vitality through breakfast 

It has been said many times before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast literally means breaking the fast and for many people, especially those of you who like a weekend lie in, an overnight fast could be as long as 12 hours! That's why a healthy breakfast is undoubtedly the best way to start the day as it provides a much needed energy boost and gives you time to wake up! Despite this many of us are choosing to skip breakfast, therefore missing out on essential nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, which a healthy breakfast can provide.

5 good reasons why including breakfast is a great vitality boost

1. People who eat a breakfast regularly are generally healthier than those who don't

Breakfast can provide you with many essential nutrients that the body needs – it has been shown that people who eat breakfast have more balanced diets than those who skip this meal.  People who eat breakfast are more likely to meet the recommended intake for iron, calcium and B group vitamins than those who skip breakfast.

2. Breakfast can help keep your body in good shape

Without the fuel provided by a healthy breakfast it's difficult to establish a healthy eating routine. If you miss breakfast you are much more likely to get the mid morning munchies grabbing a snack that is high in calories and fat but low in nutrients and fibre. Research among adults shows that people who eat breakfast are more likely to be within the ideal weight range than people who skip breakfast.

3. Provides the fuel your body needs throughout the morning

After going 8 - 12 hours overnight without food, energy reserves are low and your body and brain needs fuel. A balanced breakfast , including wholegrain carbohydrates, replenishes low blood sugar levels and helps keep blood sugar levels stable giving you more stamina to get you through the morning activities.

Wholegrains, including whole grain bread and  breakfast cereals, are a rich source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, dietary fibre and energy that will help kick start your metabolism. Consuming whole grains as part of a healthy lifestyle is associated with a healthy heart.

4. A cooked breakfast can be a healthy breakfast

Mention the word ‘fry up’ and we imagine your typical greasy English breakfast of fried bacon, sausages, eggs, mushrooms and fried bread. But a cooked breakfast if prepared in the right way with the right ingredients can be made a lot healthier and still be very tasty. For example substitute the fried eggs for poached or scrambled eggs on toast, grill some lean bacon or have some baked beans, and serve with grilled tomatoes and mushrooms. It’s a great healthy weekend breakfast to have with family and friends.

5. A healthy breakfast can be fast breakfast 

Did you know that nearly 50% of us spend ten minutes, or less, preparing and eating breakfast? 

Making time for breakfast does not have to mean missing precious time in bed, it only takes few minutes to pour some soya milk over a bowl of cereal. If you really don't have time to eat before you leave the house grab a healthy snack on the way out, such as a cereal or muesli bar, piece of fruit , yogurt or a fruit smoothie

Get the morning nutrition you need with these tasty breakfast ideas:

If eating breakfast can improve vitality, eating a better breakfast may lead to a healthier you. Our range of milk and yogurt alternatives are all made with soya bean goodness. They’re naturally low in saturated fat and completely free from artificial sweeteners and colours.

So start your day with Alpro soya.  Alpro soya plain or fruit yogurt alternatives are delicious on their own or with fresh fruit or muesli.  Our milk alternative is perfect poured over your breakfast cereal and our new chilled unsweetened in particular makes a great cup of tea! 

Currently, only 13% of men and 15% of women meet the recommended ‘5 a day’ requirement but try a smoothie made with Alpro yogurt and fresh fruit with your breakfast and you’ll be well on your way towards 5 a day before you’ve even left the house. 

Find out more about nutrition and vitality by watching our podcasts and videos.

As we grow older mobility, strength and balance become key activity areas that affect vitality. It’s never too early to start working on these factors and it’s well documented that physical activity in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet can help.

Vitality isn’t just a question of what you eat, but also how you eat and with whom. Making time for breakfast might be difficult through the week, but sitting down to enjoy breakfast with family or friends at least once a week is important. The benefits of this may not seem quite so obvious, but vitality means more than just physical health. Sociability and environment are important too and the beneficial effects of good, nutritious foods can be enhanced when enjoyed in company. 

Turn your breakfast into an event. Share the power of the bean with our Breakfast Builder.

Alpro soya is recommended by kids for active grown-ups for the simple reason that grown-ups with vitality are much more fun. But smart grown-ups know that eating breakfast as a family can have enormous benefits for children too, helping them to learn good eating behaviours, and teaching them to make sensible food choices. Both of which will help them to maintain their own vitality as they grow and develop. 

It’s important to remember that food isn’t just fuel; it’s a thing to be shared and enjoyed. The beneficial effects of good food are improved with good company – and vice versa.