7 traits of people who consider breakfast their favorite meal of the day, says psychology

Farley Ledgerwood by Farley Ledgerwood | April 24, 2025, 9:48 pm

Breakfast lovers, this one’s for you.

There’s something truly special about people who relish the first meal of the day. It’s not just about the bacon and eggs or the avocado toast. It’s a mindset. A way of living, if you will.

Psychology has some interesting insights about individuals who consider breakfast their favorite meal. And guess what? It’s not just about their penchant for pancakes.

In this article, we’re going to dive into the seven traits that breakfast enthusiasts often share.

This isn’t just fun trivia. Understanding these traits might even help you connect with others, whether it’s over a shared love of cereal or through recognizing common patterns in your work or home life.

Get ready for a tasty journey into the minds of those who truly believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

1) Early risers

Well, this one probably doesn’t come as a surprise.

People who love breakfast tend to be early risers. They’re the ones who are up with the sun, ready to start their day with a nutritious meal. They don’t hit snooze; they jump out of bed, eager for the first meal of the day.

Why is this? According to psychology, early risers have a psychological trait known as morningness, which is associated with greater conscientiousness, better problem-solving abilities, and higher overall life satisfaction.

In fact, famous psychologist Christoph Randler found in his research that early risers are more proactive than evening people. “When it comes to business success, morning people hold the important cards,” Randler said in a Harvard Business Review interview.

These breakfast lovers don’t just eat their meals—they savor them. They understand that starting the day with a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day.

So next time you meet someone enthusiastic about their morning omelette or granola bowl, know that they’re likely to be an early bird with a proactive mindset.

2) Health-conscious

Another trait that breakfast lovers often share is a focus on health and nutrition.

I have a dear friend, Sarah, who absolutely adores breakfast. She sees it as her opportunity to fuel her body with wholesome, nutritious foods to kickstart her day.

Whether it’s a colorful smoothie bowl or a plate of scrambled eggs with avocado, she always makes sure her breakfast is balanced and nutrient-dense.

Psychologists have found a similar trend. Those who prioritize breakfast tend to be more health-conscious in general. They understand the importance of nutrition and its impact on their physical and mental well-being.

Dr. Andrew Weil, a world-renowned leader in integrative medicine, once said, “Eating a healthy breakfast can set the tone for the entire day.”

And I’ve noticed that this is especially true for Sarah. Her healthy breakfast routine not only fuels her physically but also sets her up for better mood and productivity throughout the day.

So, if you find someone who’s passionate about their morning meal, chances are they’re looking after their health in other aspects of their life too.

3) Creatures of habit

Ever noticed how some people have the same breakfast day in, day out?

Breakfast lovers often have a routine or ritual when it comes to their morning meal.

They find comfort in the familiarity and consistency of their breakfast habits, whether it’s having the same granola with yogurt every day or enjoying a cup of coffee while reading the morning news.

The truth is, this consistency reflects more than just their food preferences. According to psychology, it can also signify a preference for stability and order in other areas of life.

Famous psychologist William James once said, “Habit is second nature, or rather, ten times nature.” This quote beautifully encapsulates how integral habits can become in our lives.

For many breakfast enthusiasts, their morning meal ritual becomes an essential part of their day. It’s a moment of calm before the hustle-bustle, a grounding routine that sets them up for the day.

So if you know someone who sticks to their breakfast routine religiously, they might just be creatures of habit in more ways than one.

4) Mindful eaters

Those who treasure breakfast often have a mindful approach to their meals. They don’t just eat; they savor every bite, appreciating the flavors, textures, and nourishment their food provides.

This mindfulness extends beyond breakfast and is often seen in how they approach other meals and aspects of life. They are present in the moment, not rushing through tasks or meals but taking the time to truly experience them.

Psychological studies back this up. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that mindful eating can lead to healthier food choices and better mental health.

The research revealed that participants who practiced mindful eating were likely to have lower stress levels and a healthier relationship with food.

So those who consider breakfast their favorite meal may be more attuned to their eating habits and conscious of their food choices, leading to overall healthier lifestyles.

5) Social butterflies

When I think of breakfast, I often remember my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of fresh coffee brewing, the sizzle of bacon, and the chatter around the table. Breakfast was more than just a meal; it was a bonding time for us.

This is another trait commonly found in breakfast enthusiasts: they’re social butterflies. They love the idea of starting their day surrounded by loved ones, sharing food, conversation, and laughter.

Famous psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “Love is a basic human need, like food and warmth and rest.”

The social aspect of breakfast ties into this fundamental need. It’s not just about the food but also about the connection and sense of belonging it fosters.

So if you know someone who always invites you over for breakfast or loves catching up over a morning coffee, they might just be a social butterfly at heart.

6) Embracers of solitude

On the flip side, breakfast lovers can also be embracers of solitude. This may seem counterintuitive, especially after discussing how sociable they can be. But it’s not contradictory.

Many people who adore breakfast see it as a sacred time for themselves before the world wakes up. It’s a moment of tranquility and introspection, a chance to set intentions for the day ahead.

This doesn’t mean they’re loners or introverts. It simply means they value and respect their alone time.

Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Solitude is for me a fount of healing which makes my life worth living.” This sentiment echoes among many breakfast enthusiasts who cherish their solitary morning moments.

So, if you know someone who sets their alarm early to enjoy a peaceful breakfast alone, don’t mistake it for loneliness. They’re simply enjoying their solitude.

7) Optimists

Lastly, people who love breakfast often have a sunny-side-up outlook on life.

They see the start of each day as a fresh opportunity, a clean slate to write their story.

This positive perspective is reflected in their love for breakfast, the first meal that kickstarts their day.

Renowned psychologist Martin Seligman, known for his work on positive psychology, once said, “Optimism is invaluable for the meaningful life.” This essence of optimism is what many breakfast enthusiasts embody.

So if someone you know looks forward to their morning meal with eagerness, they might just be an optimist at heart.

Final thoughts

The world of breakfast lovers is a fascinating one, filled with early risers, health-conscious individuals, creatures of habit, mindful eaters, social butterflies, solitude embracers and optimists.

It’s intriguing how our love for a simple morning meal can offer such a profound glimpse into our personalities and lifestyles.

So, the next time you sit down for breakfast, take a moment to reflect on these traits.

Are you an early bird who enjoys the peace of the morning? Or perhaps you’re a social butterfly who loves sharing your morning meal with others? Maybe you’re an optimist who sees each new day as a fresh start?

Or perhaps you see a bit of yourself in each of these traits. After all, we humans are complex creatures with varied preferences and behaviors.

And who knew that our favorite meal of the day could reveal so much about us?