Why Breakfast Timing Might Matter More Than You Think: What PTs Should Know About Metabolism and Meal Timing

As physical therapists, we understand the importance of movement, but what about meal timing? A new study sheds light on how the timing of breakfast—not just whether you eat it—can significantly impact blood sugar regulation later in the day, particularly in adolescent girls.

The Study at a Glance

Researchers looked at how eating breakfast early (8:30 a.m.), late (10:30 a.m.), or skipping it altogether affected blood sugar after lunch. The study included 15 girls around age 13 who didn’t usually eat breakfast. They ate a carb-rich breakfast and lunch on test days, separated by a 3–30 day washout period.

Here’s what they found:

• Before lunch: Blood sugar and insulin levels were higher when breakfast was eaten (early or late) versus skipping it.

• After lunch: Girls who ate a late breakfast had lower blood sugar levels than those who ate early or skipped breakfast.

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For many years we didn't know there was a priority for eating certain foods first. Some suggested foods rich in certain macros like protein and fiber could delay gastric emptying. By delaying gastric emptying, one could perhaps blunt a spike in blood sugars. Well, finally we have some new research on this in our newest research video update for physical therapists!

If you like what you see here, check out our board-approved continuing education courses for PTs. We cover topics like:

- Nutrition interventions for chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)

- Advanced nutritional strategies to support physical therapy for patients with metabolic disorders

- Case studies demonstrating successful integration of nutrition into physical therapy care plans

Each physical therapy CEU course emphasizes practical, evidence-based learning, ensuring that participants can immediately apply the skills to their clinical practice. Sign up today and save!

Transcript:

Dr....

TLDR:

• A randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of higher dietary protein intake (1.2-1.5 g/kg) versus the standard RDA (0.8 g/kg) on physical performance and body composition in middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes and reduced muscle mass.
• After 12 weeks, the higher protein group showed improvements in grip strength and timed up and go test, while the control group experienced reductions in lean muscle mass and grip strength.
• The findings suggest that protein intake exceeding the standard RDA may help older adults with type 2 diabetes maintain or improve functional measures and mitigate muscle loss.

If you like what you see here, check out our board-approved continuing education courses for PTs. We cover topics like:

- Nutrition interventions for chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)

- Advanced nutritional strategies to support physical therapy for patients with metabolic disorders

- Case studies demonstrating suc...

 The TLDR:

• A new study by Hengist et al. (including Kevin Hall) investigated the reliability of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in adults without diabetes across four different dietary patterns.
• The study found a weak to moderate correlation between CGM readings and specific diets, with significant inter-individual and intra-individual variability in glucose responses to the same meals.
• The authors suggest that factors beyond diet, such as environment, hydration, and activity, likely contribute to the variability observed in CGM readings.

If you like what you see here, check out our board-approved continuing education courses for PTs. We cover topics like:

- Nutrition interventions for chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)

- Advanced nutritional strategies to support physical therapy for patients with metabolic disorders

- Case studies demonstrating successful integration of nutrition into physical therapy care plans

Each physical therapy ...

The TLDR:

• Strong Nutritional Evidence: A large meta-analysis supports advising patients on the benefits of whole grains, legumes, fruits, and nuts for obesity risk reduction, and the risks of sugary drinks and red meat.
• CEU Opportunity: This research exemplifies the evidence-based nutrition content offered in board-approved physical therapy continuing education courses.
• Practical Patient Education: PTs can use these findings for general nutritional guidance, emphasizing fiber-rich, lower-calorie plant-based foods.

If you like what you see here, check out our board-approved continuing education courses for PTs. We cover topics like:

- Nutrition interventions for chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)

- Advanced nutritional strategies to support physical therapy for patients with metabolic disorders

- Case studies demonstrating successful integration of nutrition into physical therapy care plans

Each physical therapy ceu course emphasizes practica...

 The TLDR:

• A 2025 study (Shafi et al.) investigated the effects of time-restricted feeding (16/8) versus a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) over 12 weeks.
• The lacto-ovo-vegetarian group showed greater weight loss and significant reductions in liver enzymes, triglycerides, insulin, and tumor necrosis factor compared to the time-restricted feeding group.
• While both diets led to body fat loss and some reduction in liver enzymes, the study's primary outcome of liver fibrosis reduction was only estimated, making it difficult to definitively determine which diet was more effective, leading Dr. Wells to suggest the best diet is likely the one promoting weight loss for the individual.

If you like what you see here, check out our board-approved continuing education courses for PTs. We cover topics like:

- Nutrition interventions for chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)

- Advanced nutritional strategies to supp...

 The TLDR:

• Early Nutritional Influences & Long-Term Health: Research highlights the profound impact of nutrition during the first 1,000 days on the later development of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity – conditions frequently encountered and managed by physical therapists.
• Implications for Pediatric PT & Patient Education: This study underscores the importance for pediatric PTs to understand the critical window of early nutrition and to educate families on the long-term benefits of limiting added sugars and promoting healthy dietary habits from infancy.
• Integrating Nutritional Considerations into PT Practice: While not primary nutrition providers, PTs can benefit from understanding the link between early nutrition and chronic disease risk, informing their holistic approach to patient care, particularly in pediatrics and when addressing lifestyle-related conditions.

If you like what you see here, check out our board-approved continuing educat...

The TLDR of our Research Video Summary:

• Research on the Greek island of Ikaria, a "blue zone" known for longevity, found remarkably low rates of dementia.
• The Ikarian diet, a "Mediterranean diet on steroids," is rich in diverse teas (including herbal and root teas), wild greens/weeds, and coffee.
• This reinforces existing knowledge about the benefits of antioxidant-rich foods and plant-forward diets for both physical and cognitive health, suggesting varied plant consumption as a potential strategy against cognitive decline.

If you like what you see here, check out our apta board-approved CEU courses for physical therapy. We cover topics like:

- Nutrition interventions for chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)

- Advanced nutritional strategies to support physical therapy for patients with metabolic disorders

- Case studies demonstrating successful integration of nutrition into physical therapy care plans

Each of our physical therapy ceu courses e...

 The TLDR of our video:

• Gut bacteria Morganella Morgani, when exposed to the chemical DEA (found in cosmetics and food packaging), produces a modified molecule that increases inflammation (IL-6), which is linked to depression.
• This suggests depression may be rooted in immune system dysfunction triggered by environmental factors affecting the gut microbiome.
• Therefore, addressing depression may require a more holistic approach than just probiotics, considering environmental exposures and other lifestyle factors.

Original article here.

If you like what you see here, check out our CEU courses for physical therapy. They are board-approved, continuing education courses for physical therapists. We cover topics like:

- Nutrition interventions for chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)

- Advanced nutritional strategies to support physical therapy for patients with metabolic disorders

- Case studies demonstrating successful integration of nutrition into ...

The TLDR:

• A study found that daily menu planning increased fruit and vegetable intake in adults over one week, with continued increase observed two weeks later.
• However, the study also revealed that individuals with high stress levels did not significantly increase their fruit and vegetable consumption despite the menu planning intervention.
• This suggests that stress can hinder dietary changes, and physical therapists should consider stress reduction strategies and/or referral to dieticians for patients struggling with dietary modifications, especially those experiencing high stress.

 If you like what you see here, check out our board-approved continuing education courses for physical therapy. We cover topics like:

- Nutrition interventions for chronic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases)

- Advanced nutritional strategies to support physical therapy for patients with metabolic disorders

- Case studies demonstrating successful integration of nutrition i...