New research: it is better for women to start the day with a meal full of fat, men with carbohydrates

The researchers studied the differences in metabolism, or metabolism, between men and women. They found that women store fat faster after a meal, but also burn more fat than men if they don’t eat for a while, for example after a night’s sleep. Men seem to benefit from a diet rich in carbohydrates, as they burn them faster.

The study focused specifically on breakfast, as the first meal of the day plays an important role in how our bodies process fat and carbohydrates and the amount of energy used for the rest of the day.

Why these differences?

Nutritionist Sharon Asscher-Looyen explains that the difference in metabolism arises from biological and hormonal differences between men and women. “Women burn fat faster than men, so they need more fat to make hormones,” says Asscher-Looyen. “Men usually have more muscle and therefore use more energy, which makes protein and carbohydrates more useful.”

She also points to the evolutionary background of these differences: “In prehistoric times, men hunted and needed quick energy, such as carbohydrates, to chase and catch animals .”

Women, who often took care of and cooked for the family, needed more stable energy, coming from fat, to be pregnant and breastfeed. According to Asscher-Looyen, this still plays a role: women with too low a fat percentage can have difficulty with menstruation and fertility, as fat plays a vital role in hormone balance.

This includes fats and carbohydrates

According to Asscher-Looy, the fact that women can focus a little more on fat does not mean that they have to reduce hamburgers and bags of chips. “You shouldn’t serve everything at once, but choose pure fats such as ghee, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, avocados and oily fish.” She emphasizes that a balance between fats , important carbohydrates and proteins for men and women.

Carbohydrates are found according to the Nutrition center in, among other things, whole wheat bread and whole wheat grain products, fruits, legumes, vegetables and skimmed milk and yogurt.