Association between Breakfast Meal Categories and Timing of Physical Activity of Japanese Workers

Abstract

Background: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and has been associated with longevity. Regular breakfast consumers often have a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Methods: We examined the association between breakfast type, chronotype (morningness-eveningness), and physical activity in 3395 Japanese workers using a cross-sectional web survey. Results: Participants who ate Japanese breakfasts showed an early chronotype, while those who ate breakfast cereal exhibited a later chronotype. Physical activity was positively associated with adopting a Japanese breakfast style. Japanese breakfast eaters performed physical activities from 6:00–9:00 compared with other breakfast eaters. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that eating a Japanese breakfast is associated with an earlier chronotype (morningness) and higher physical activity.

Keywords

• chrono-nutrition
• circadian clock
• sleep
• breakfast
• exercise