Numerous studies have shown how important breakfast is to our daily well-being but at the same time we’re hit with stories of cereals loaded with sugar and carbs being bad news. If you’re a daily toast and coffee lover, it might be worth trying some alternatives:
1. Hit the Wholegrains
Wholegrain foods keep you fuller for longer and therefore you’re less likely to reach for a mid-morning sugary treat.
2. Make a start on your 5/7 a day
Depending on your goals of 5 or 7 portions of fruit and vegetables each day, why not add some fruit to your breakfast cereal? Top some porridge with a banana or some strawberries, or better still, create your own healthy muesli where the only sweeteners are natural, fruity ones.
3. Protein-rich
Add in an egg, yoghurt, nuts or go for some kippers! Lean meats are also a good source of protein. What about smashed avocado on a poached egg?
4. Keep it fluid
We often mistake dehydration for hunger and breaking your overnight fast should include a good hydration source. Water, milk, fruit juice and herbal tea are a better choice than caffeinated tea or coffee.
5. Grill and poach
A full English may conjure up fears of fats but grilling and poaching are a great way of making a cooked breakfast that little bit healthier. Add in some tomatoes and mushrooms and tick off some of your vegetables for the day.
6. Keep it Keto/AIP/Paleo
There are lots of options for those trying to lose weight or fight allergies. Keto diets, where carbs are avoided, tend to encourage longer gaps between eating as a way of letting your body do some fat-busting work. Breakfast is an important tool in getting your day off to the right start, so why not work backwards and ensure your previous evening meal ends at an earlier time instead of delaying breakfast?
AIP (autoimmune protocol) diets are a stricter version of a Paleo diet and aimed at reducing inflammation within the body. Paleo diets are based on the theory that our Palaeolithic ancestors didn’t eat today’s processed foods including sugars and carbs but tended to be hunter gatherers and eat meat and wholegrains. AIP goes one step further and avoids foods that could also potentially induce inflammation of the gut, such as dairy, gluten, additives and certain vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergines, peppers and potatoes. Whichever way, there are now plenty of AIP-friendly options to choose from for breakfast and some great recipes online.
