Hey Lykkers, do you often grab a quick breakfast of toast and coffee before heading out the door? We get it—it's fast, it's tasty, and it's kind of a classic combo.

But here's the deal: this simple breakfast might not be doing your body any favors. Let's break down what's really happening when we start our day with this popular pair.

Bread and Coffee: A Gut-Tiring Combo

We usually reach for toast, pastries, or bread in the morning because they're easy and comforting. Pair that with a hot cup of coffee, and it feels like we're ready to conquer the day. But in reality, we might be pushing our gut to work overtime. Most breads, especially toast with jam or sweet pastries, are full of refined carbs, oils, and sugars. Add coffee into the mix—something that can irritate the stomach lining—and it creates a combo that may cause more harm than good.

Morning is Prime Time for Our Gut

In traditional East Asian wellness, it's believed that 7 AM to 9 AM is when our stomach is most active and ready to absorb nutrients. So, what we eat during this window matters a lot. Choosing foods that nourish and support our digestive system during this time can make a big difference in our overall energy and health throughout the day.

So What Should We Be Eating Instead?

Here's a helpful tip from Okinawa, Japan: try swapping out that cup of coffee with something called Katsuo-yu (鰹魚湯), a light fish broth made with ingredients similar to miso soup. This warm, savory soup often includes bonito flakes and miso—both known to be gentle on the stomach and packed with natural nutrients. Fermented foods like miso can help improve gut health, while the bonito provides protein and energy to get us going.

Rethinking What We Call “Body Type”

Some of us tend to blame our sensitive stomachs on age or “just the way our body is.” But let's be honest—most of the time, it's our lifestyle and eating habits that are really to blame. Skipping breakfast, eating too much sugar, or relying on coffee to wake us up can wear down our system over time. The good news? A few changes to our morning routine can bring back balance and leave us feeling better than ever.

Don't Blame the Years—Blame the Habits

If you've been struggling with bloating, discomfort, or digestive issues, it might be time to look at what you're eating right after you wake up. A warming, gut-friendly breakfast can work wonders. Try adding rice porridge, miso soup, boiled eggs, or lightly sautéed veggies into your routine. These are easier on the stomach and give longer-lasting energy than bread and coffee ever could.

Let's Choose Better Together

Lykkers, mornings don't have to be a rush of sugar and caffeine. We deserve better fuel to start our day. By making small, mindful changes to our breakfast habits, we can help our stomach rest, recover, and function at its best. If you're tired of mid-morning crashes or an uneasy gut, now's the perfect time to rethink your go-to breakfast combo.