When is the best time to eat sugar? Definitely not on an empty stomach in morning: Here's why

Published on: May 1, 2025, 11:32:10 IST

By Sanya Panwar

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Do you love to have sugar first thing in the morning? Here's why you should avoid it. (Freepik)

Biochemist shares why you shouldn't eat sugar on an empty stomach and suggests a savoury breakfast to start your day instead. Here's what you need to know.

Jessie Inchauspé, a French biochemist, advises against consuming sugar on an empty stomach because it can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels. This spike can lead to various health issue, which she explained in an April 17 clip – titled 'How to eat sugar without the consequences' – from her February 2024 interview Lewis Howes's podcast. Also read | What happens when you stop eating sugar for 14 days? From improved digestion to better sleep, check out amazing benefits

'Always avoid eating sugar in the morning'

Jessie said: “If you really want to eat some sugar, let's say a cookie or a doughnut or whatever, the best time to eat that sugar so that you have maximum dopamine from it, the maximum pleasure and less impact on your body, is going to be after a meal as dessert. You want to always avoid eating sugar on an empty stomach and always avoid eating sugar in the morning.”

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Why breakfast should be savoury

Jessie recommended eating savory breakfasts rich in protein to stabilise glucose levels. If you still want to consume something sweet, it's better to have it after meals, as the existing food in the stomach slows down glucose absorption, she added.

She said, “So, breakfast should be savoury – in the morning, have nothing sweet, keep them for dessert after lunch. Because if you have them in the morning, then what is happening in your body: as you digest that sugar and those carbs, they turn into glucose molecules. These arrive in your bloodstream really quickly and cause what is called a glucose spike. So, blood sugar spike, and then about 90 minutes later, your glucose levels are going to drop and you are going to feel a crash. And not it is 11 am and all of a sudden you feel more cravings for sweet foods you like, 'I need a cookie, I need a chocolate, I need a snack'. And then you spike again – all day you are on a rollercoaster, where you feel addicted to sugar.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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