Starting the day the right way

Why are western breakfasts so carb dependent? Cereals, toast, pancakes, croissants, pop-tarts, crepes, waffles, muffins, hash browns, porridge, oatmeal, breakfast bars, breakfast squares, and now even breakfast “cookies, a bowl of biscuits repackaged as a nutritional start to the day!

Many of my clients find the first meal of the day the biggest challenge and get stuck on non carb breakfast ideas, the idea of cooking or chopping first thing in the morning is just out of the question for most of us, who end up rushing out of the door still trying to dress ourselves, wiping the kids faces and going through the day ahead’s list of jobs, so here are some easy ideas

The number 1 breakfast option has to be eggs, boiled, poached, scrambled, fried, in omelets, or pastry free quiches, however you like your eggs, there is no denying they are a great source of protein and really versatile, hard boil the night before for a quick brekkie you can eat on the go.

Or you can bake eggs with vegetables such as, mushrooms, onions and peppers and either meat or fish in a crust less quiche that you can keep in the fridge ready to grab in the mornings.

A smoothie is another quick idea, fill a blender with berries, ½ banana, natural yoghurt, ice and a little soya milk – then just hit the button and drink. Add a tablespoon or two of flax seed for some healthy omega-3s.

Good quality protein shake, add a couple of scoops to water or non dairy milk, add ice and blend.

Leftovers, ok this option may take a bit of getting used to, mixing up the whole dinner, breakfast thing but meat, fish and veggies are actually the ideal start to the day.

I’m sure our ancestors would have started the day with the leftover kill from the night before. To slowly get used to these ideas try adding some uncooked veggies, such as spinach, tomatoes and avocado as a side to your eggs in the morning.

Breakfast salad, add hard boiled egg and shredded bacon to fresh spinach leaves. Throw in some apple slices or nuts. This can be made the night before, then add olive oil and balsamic vinegar in the morning.

My favorite breakfast is mixed fresh fruit – whatever is in season, (mangos are beautiful right now, as are kiwis) with a handful of nuts and seeds, topped with live yoghurt - if it’s the weekend I treat myself by adding a few organic porridge oats to the top ( I know crazy hey?)

Berries are great at the moment as well and a low GI option full of anti oxidants.

Then about an hour later I would have a boiled egg to add more protein, or a protein shake if I’m going to be working out

When I have a little more time I chuck a few eggs and some smoked salmon in a pan, then serve with tomatoes and mushrooms – yum. To be honest the whole thing cooks in the same time it takes to make a slice of toast.

Preparing food the night before will help; either cook an extra piece of fish at dinner (goes great with spinach in the mornings), chop some fruit and leave in the fridge (bananas aren’t great for chopping in advance).

This is probably a new way of eating to most of you, and is all about retraining the pallet back to the ways and taste of our ancestors. I know that this can take some getting used to and is the area that tends to prove the biggest challenge for those looking to make the change to a healthier lifestyle.

It may not happen over night but taking steps to eliminate the highly refined, cheap, processed carbohydrates (sugars) that make up such a high part of the western diet from our breakfast tables will take you closer to optimal health, and a slim waist line.