Everybody knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but did you know that you can’t eat absolutely anything you want in the A.M.? Now, we know what you’re probably thinking–don’t worry, we’re not going to make you sit through a lecture on the dangers of chowing down on sugary cereals and Frappuccinos (though those are pretty terrible for you!).

Instead, we are going to take the time to focus on those sneaky items that might be fine to eat later in the day, but just aren’t suitable, first thing in the morning. Yep, they do exist!

So, without further ado, here are the 7 foods that you should NEVER eat on an empty stomach. And, before you go, make sure that you stick around and read the second half of the list where you’ll learn the 7 food items that you should ALWAYS eat on an empty stomach.

1. Tomatoes

   Tomatoes contain plenty of healthy vitamin C, but they’re also chock-full of tannic acid, which can hurt your tummy if there isn’t other food in your system to settle it.

2. Sushi

   We don’t really know WHY anyone would eat sushi first thing in the morning, but some folks are simply addicted to the stuff. If you’re one of them, just know that the combo of white rice and soy sauce won’t fill you up and could lead to a serious crash hours later. Best to save sushi for supper!

3. Pastries

   Yep, this pastry looks absolutely perfect for breakfast, but it contains way too many processed ingredients to be considered a proper breakfast food. In fact, over time, filling up on processed sugar could lead to liver damage. Good to know!

4. Alcohol

   If you subscribe to the “hair of the dog” theory for hangovers, we have some bad news for you–doing so could make you much sicker than you were before. Additionally, it will make you about 30% tipsier than you otherwise would on a full stomach.

5. Caffeine

   Everyone loves a little coffee or tea in the morning, but drinking it VERY first thing could lead to heartburn or indigestion later in the day.

6. Spicy Foods

   Like to eat your omelets with plenty of Tabasco sauce? We do, too, but, unfortunately, it’s not good for your tummy. In fact, doing so could lead to major irritation that might compromise your stomach lining over time. Yikes!

7. Citrus

   Drinking orange juice in the morning might sound satisfying, but as it turns out, it could end up making you MORE hungry throughout the day. This is because citrus takes a particularly long time to digest in the stomach, which means that your body will think it’s hungry, even if it’s not.

Now, let’s look at some foods that were practically MADE to be eaten in the morning…

1. Oatmeal or Buckwheat Porridge

   We all know that oatmeal and porridge are incredibly wholesome foods, but did you know that they also coat the stomach so that it has protection from hydrochloric acid? Amazing stuff–just make sure that you spring for the all-natural, low-sugar varieties!

2. Eggs

   There’s a reason why eggs have pretty much always been a breakfast staple–they are chock-full of nutritious properties and also contain enough calories and good fats to make you feel fuller, for longer.

3. Nuts

   A handful of nuts does the body good in the morning because, like eggs, they are full of good fats and plenty of protein. Just make sure you go for the raw, unsalted variety.

4. Veggies

   Did you know that eating veggies on an empty stomach lessens your risk of developing gas and bloating later in the day? Note: if you’re particularly sensitive to raw veggies, cook them first!

5. Blueberries

   Blueberries aren’t just super delicious, they are also known to boost your metabolism, your memory, and even regulate your blood pressure. What a great way to start the day!

6. Wholesome Bread

   We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill white bread, folks. In order to be considered “wholesome,” it must contain whole wheat and grains and be full of fiber. Eating this will keep you full–even if you need to skip lunch!

7. Honey

   Struggling to feel energized in the morning? If so, add some all-natural honey to some hot water and drink it down. This sweet ingredient wakes up the mind by stimulating your serotonin levels. Awesome!

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this list! Were you surprised to see some of the items on either list? Do you routinely eat any of them on an empty stomach? What’s your idea of the perfect breakfast?

Sources: HuffPost

School Mum