You might be inclined to skip breakfast because you’re trying intermittent fasting, but this could be stopping your digestive system if you’re not careful. When you eat something, the reflex that signals for you to poop kicks in. This reflex is also more active in the morning hours, which is why eating breakfast will make it easier for you to poop.
According to Mount Sinai Health System, a breakfast with fiber such as oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts is a great way to get things moving in the morning. Fiber not only adds bulk to your poop, but it also feeds the bacteria in your gut to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. While coffee might also stimulate your bowels, the caffeine can be dehydrating, so you’ll want to drink more fluids if you find it hard to poop. You’ll also want to avoid sugar-laden breakfast foods like packaged muffins and processed meats like bacon. These foods are low in fiber and can worsen constipation (per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases).