Nutritionist: Wrong Breakfast Choices Can Turn into 'Taiwanese Sleeping Pills'

A Taiwanese nutritionist has identified three popular breakfast combinations that can lead to post-meal fatigue, likening them to "Taiwanese sleeping pills." Nutritionist Li Wan-ping explained that these meals, often chosen for convenience, can cause individuals to feel tired and unenergetic throughout the morning and even crave sweets later in the day. The problematic combinations typically consist of refined carbohydrates, such as scallion pancakes, pan-fried noodles, or rice balls, paired with sugary beverages like milk tea. Li stated that this pairing is essentially a "natural and legal sleeping pill," leading to excessive yawning and a lack of focus during work or study. She emphasized that the issue isn't the food itself but the lack of essential nutrients, particularly protein. Li recommends incorporating a protein source like eggs, soy milk, or lean meat into these breakfasts. For example, a rice ball could include egg or tuna, pan-fried noodles should have an egg added, and scallion pancakes would be better with egg or meat. Sugary drinks like milk tea should be replaced with unsweetened soy milk, fresh milk, plain tea, or milk tea made with fresh milk. Additionally, Li stressed the importance of dietary fiber. She suggested that consuming water-soluble dietary fiber first can help slow sugar absorption, leading to a more stable blood sugar curve. Adjusting the order of eating, starting with fiber-rich foods, can significantly impact energy levels and prevent the "sugar crash" often associated with these breakfasts.

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Many people choose breakfast and often pick scallion pancakes, pan-fried noodles, rice balls, and milk tea. However, this combination of 'high-refined carbohydrates paired with sugary drinks' is essentially a natural and legal sleeping pill, which can make people yawn all morning, lack energy in meetings, and even crave sweets in the afternoon.