Empty Stomach in the Morning: What Should You Eat?

Many people wonder what to eat first thing in the morning. What you choose to eat on an empty stomach is particularly important. The 'empty' in empty stomach refers to a state where all food has been digested and your belly is clear. When your first food enters your body in this state, it's rapidly absorbed, much like a sponge soaking up water, making the type of food you choose especially crucial. This is especially true for those who need to manage their blood sugar, such as individuals in the pre-diabetes stage. So, what foods should you avoid and what should you opt for on an empty stomach in the morning?

Foods to Avoid on an Empty Stomach

The moment your body wakes up in the morning, your blood sugar is low, and the acid in your stomach is stronger. Drinking coffee or juice at this time is not advisable. The caffeine in coffee and the high acidity of juice can irritate the stomach lining, potentially worsening gastritis symptoms. Furthermore, commercially produced fruit juices, even those labeled 'no added sugar,' often contain sugars that can negatively impact blood sugar management. For these reasons, it's best to choose natural foods in the morning.

Healthy Foods Recommended for the Morning

The very first thing you should drink in the morning is lukewarm water. It helps with hydration and boosts your metabolism. Following that, we recommend cabbage, broccoli, and eggs, which are beneficial for the stomach lining. These foods are rich in Vitamin U, aiding in protecting the stomach lining and healing inflammation. For eggs, both boiled and fried versions offer similar amounts of protein, so choose according to your preference.

Which Meal is Better?

Choosing bread or jam for breakfast is something to moderate as you get older. You also need to be careful to ensure that whole-grain bread is 'real.' Instead, mixed-grain rice is a suitable healthy breakfast option as it raises blood sugar levels more gradually and is rich in protein. It's even better when paired with leftover doenjang-jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew) from the previous night. Eating half an apple for dessert can also help with gut health and bowel movements.

Create Your Morning Routine

Health authorities worldwide recommend three meals a day, as it's beneficial for managing blood sugar and obesity. Even a walk to the subway station on your way to work naturally incorporates exercise, which is great. It's best to have your morning coffee around 9:30 AM after you've arrived at work. This way, you can avoid harming your stomach lining while also boosting your concentration. Consider what foods you'll choose on an empty stomach and start your day on a healthy note!