Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day, as it provides us with the necessary nutrients and energy to get through the day. However, not all breakfast foods are created equal.

Some foods that are commonly eaten for breakfast can actually be detrimental to our health. Here are 30 breakfast foods to avoid if you want to have a healthy start to your day:.

1. Sugary Cereal

Sugary cereal is a staple of many people’s breakfast routine, but it’s one of the worst things you can eat first thing in the morning.

Most sugary cereals are loaded with refined sugar, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash later in the morning. Instead, choose a cereal that is high in fiber and protein, and low in sugar.

2. Donuts

Donuts are essentially fried dough covered in a sugary glaze. They are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and provide very little nutritional value. They can also cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash later in the morning.

Instead, choose a healthier breakfast option like whole-grain toast with avocado or peanut butter.

3. Pancakes with Syrup

Pancakes with syrup may be a classic breakfast dish, but they are not a healthy option. Pancakes are typically made with refined flour, which can cause your blood sugar to spike.

Additionally, syrup is loaded with sugar, which can lead to a crash later in the morning. Instead, try making pancakes with whole-grain flour and topping them with fresh fruit.

4. Bacon

Bacon is a popular breakfast food, but it’s not a healthy choice. Bacon is high in unhealthy fats and sodium, which can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure.

Instead, choose a breakfast protein that is lower in fat, like eggs or turkey bacon.

5. White Bread

White bread is a staple of many breakfast meals, but it’s not a healthy option. White bread is made from refined flour, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash later in the morning.

Instead, choose a bread that is made with whole-grain flour, which is higher in fiber and protein.

6. Sugary Yogurt

Yogurt is a healthy breakfast option, but only if you choose the right kind. Many flavored yogurts are loaded with sugar, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash later in the morning.

Instead, choose plain Greek yogurt and add your own fruit for flavor.

7. Breakfast Pastries

Breakfast pastries like croissants and danishes may be delicious, but they are not a healthy breakfast option. They are typically made with refined flour and high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

Instead, choose a breakfast pastry that is made with whole-grain flour and filled with fruit or nuts.

8. Breakfast Sandwiches

Breakfast sandwiches may seem like a convenient breakfast option, but they are usually high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Instead, try making your own breakfast sandwich at home with whole-grain bread, an egg, and fresh vegetables.

9. Fruit Juice

Fruit juice may seem like a healthy breakfast beverage, but many juices are loaded with sugar. Instead, choose whole fruit, which is higher in fiber and lower in sugar.

10. Granola Bars

Granola bars may seem like a healthy breakfast option, but many are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Instead, choose a snack that is high in protein and fiber, like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit.

11. Frozen Waffles

Frozen waffles may be a convenient breakfast option, but they are usually high in calories, refined flour, and sugar. Instead, choose a waffle that is made with whole-grain flour and topped with fresh fruit.

12. Breakfast Sausage

Breakfast sausage is another popular breakfast protein, but it’s not a healthy choice. It’s high in unhealthy fats and sodium, which can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure.

Instead, choose a breakfast protein that is lower in fat, like eggs or turkey sausage.

13. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a popular topping for bagels, but it’s not a healthy choice. It’s high in unhealthy fats and calories, and provides very little nutritional value. Instead, try topping your bagel with avocado or nut butter.

Related Article The Top Foods to Steer Clear of When Eating Breakfast

14. Chocolate Spread

Chocolate spread (such as Nutella) may be a popular breakfast topping, but it’s not a healthy choice. It’s loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Instead, try topping your toast with fresh fruit or nut butter.

15. Hash Browns

Hash browns may be a popular breakfast side dish, but they are usually high in unhealthy fats and calories. Instead, choose a side dish that is lower in fat and higher in nutritional value, like fresh fruit or a vegetable omelet.

16. Muffins

Muffins may seem like a healthy breakfast option, but many are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Instead, choose a muffin that is made with whole-grain flour and fresh fruit or nuts.

17. Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls may be a delicious breakfast treat, but they are not a healthy option. They are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Instead, try making your own cinnamon roll with whole-grain flour and topped with fresh fruit.

18. Smoothies with Added Sugar

Smoothies can be a healthy breakfast option, but only if they are made with the right ingredients. Many smoothies are loaded with added sugar, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash later in the morning.

Instead, make your own smoothie with fresh fruit, vegetables, and plain Greek yogurt.

19. Breakfast Tacos

Breakfast tacos may seem like a healthy breakfast option, but they are often loaded with unhealthy fats and sodium. Instead, try making your own breakfast tacos at home with whole-grain tortillas, scrambled eggs, and fresh vegetables.

20. Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy may be a popular breakfast dish, but it’s not a healthy choice. It’s high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.

Instead, try making your own biscuits with whole-grain flour and topping them with fresh fruit or nut butter.

21. Sweetened Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option, but only if it’s not loaded with added sugar. Instead, choose plain oatmeal and add your own fresh fruit or nut butter for flavor.

22. Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos may seem like a convenient breakfast option, but they are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Instead, try making your own breakfast burrito at home with whole-grain tortillas, scrambled eggs, and fresh vegetables.

23. Cereal Bars

Cereal bars may seem like a convenient breakfast option, but many are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Instead, choose a snack that is high in protein and fiber, like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit.

24. Bagels with Cream Cheese

Bagels with cream cheese may be a common breakfast dish, but it’s not a healthy choice. Cream cheese is high in unhealthy fats and calories, and provides very little nutritional value. Instead, try topping your bagel with avocado or nut butter.

25. Scones

Scones may seem like a delicious breakfast treat, but they are not a healthy option. They are typically loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Instead, try making your own scones with whole-grain flour and topped with fresh fruit.

26. High-Sugar Smoothie Bowls

Smoothie bowls can be a healthy breakfast option, but only if they are made with the right ingredients. Many smoothie bowls are loaded with added sugar, which can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash later in the morning.

Instead, make your own smoothie bowl with fresh fruit, vegetables, and plain Greek yogurt.

27. Croissants

Croissants may be a delicious breakfast pastry, but they are not a healthy option. They are typically made with refined flour and high in unhealthy fats.

Instead, choose a breakfast pastry that is made with whole-grain flour and filled with fruit or nuts.

28. French Toast with Syrup

French toast with syrup may be a classic breakfast dish, but it’s not a healthy option. French toast is typically made with refined flour and topped with syrup, which is loaded with sugar.

Instead, try making French toast with whole-grain bread and topped with fresh fruit.

29. Fried Eggs

Fried eggs may be a popular breakfast protein, but they are not a healthy choice. They are typically cooked in unhealthy fats, which can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure.

Instead, choose a breakfast protein that is lower in fat, like hard-boiled eggs or scrambled eggs made with nonstick cooking spray.

30. Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast potatoes may seem like a delicious side dish, but they are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. Instead, choose a side dish that is lower in fat and higher in nutritional value, like fresh fruit or a vegetable omelet.