Are you a breakfast eater?  Or dare I ask are you a “healthy” breakfast eater? 

Maybe you need some inspiration for a few great breakfast foods.  Maybe you don’t have time, and you need some healthy ideas for “grab and go” mornings – who doesn’t ever run short on time in the mornings?

Maybe you’re ready to ditch the “desserts” that are marketed as being “part of a complete breakfast.”

Don’t worry, I have you covered!

Do you love your breakfast?  Do you have a short list of “go-to” recipes?  Do you need a bit of inspiration to start eating breakfast again?

Getting some protein at each meal can help with blood sugar management, metabolism and weight loss.  This is because protein, while being metabolized, uses up calories and helps to make you feel fuller longer.

So I’m going to show you how to get the protein, as well as some veggies and healthy fats for your soon-to-be favorite new “go-to” breakfasts.

Breakfast Food #1: Eggs

Yes, eggs are the “quintessential” breakfast food.  And for good reason!

No, I’m not talking about processed egg whites in a carton.  I mean actual whole “eggs.”

Egg whites are mostly protein while the yolks are the real nutritional powerhouses.  Those yolks contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

Eggs have been shown to help you feel full, keep you feeling fuller longer, and help to stabilize blood sugar and insulin.

It’s easy to boil a bunch of eggs and keep them in the fridge for a “grab and go” breakfast when you’re running short on time.

And…nope the cholesterol in eggs is not associated with an increased risk of arterial or heart diseases.

One thing to consider is to try to prevent cooking the yolks at too high a temperature because that can cause some of the cholesterol to become oxidized.  It’s the oxidized cholesterol that’s heart unhealthy.

Breakfast Food #2: Nuts and/or Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Nuts and/or seeds would make a great contribution to breakfast.

You won’t be fooled by “candied” nuts, sweetened nut/seed butters, or chia “cereals” with added sugars – you know I’m talking about the real, whole, unsweetened food here.

Nuts and seeds are also the ultimate fast food if you’re running late in the mornings.  Grab a small handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds as you’re running out the door; you can nosh on them while you’re commuting.

Also, consider using a spoonful of nut/seed butter in your morning breakfast smoothie – super easy.

Hint: If you like a creamy latte in the mornings try making one with nut or seed butter.  Simply add your regular hot tea and a tablespoon or two of a creamy nut or seed butter into your blender & blend until frothy.

Breakfast Food #3: Veggies

Yes, you already know the importance of having protein at every meal including breakfast; but this also applies to veggies.  You know I would be remiss not to recommend veggies at every meal, right?

Veggies are powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, fiber, and water.  You can’t go wrong adding them into every single meal of the day so if you don’t already, try them for breakfast!

And no, you don’t need to have a salad or roasted veggies for breakfast if you don’t want to, but you totally can!  You wouldn’t be breaking any “official” breakfast rules or anything like that.

Adding some protein to leftover veggies is a great combination for any meal — including breakfast.  One thing I want to highlight is that it’s best if every meal contains protein, healthy carbs and healthy fat.

And you can reawaken the sensations of being alive in your life even when it is one of those “grab and go” mornings.  All it takes is some awareness, some relaxation and some creativity.

To really optimize your breakfast dining experience – even if you’re in grab and go mode – pause for a moment or two and reawaken your senses.  Become aware, truly aware of your surroundings.  Be creative.  What will make you feel vibrantly alive?

Is it taking a deep breath?  Changing the topic of conversation?  Drinking your smoothie from a beautiful mug?  Smelling the flowers in your garden as you walk (run?) to your car?  Listening to the woodpeckers and owls in the early morning hours?  Admiring an eggshell blue sky?  Enjoying the crunch of the nuts that you’ve added to your breakfast?

Reawakening your sensations of being intensely alive isn’t only about stopping to smell the roses.  It’s about being aware of the fact that you have the roses in the first place.

You can create a world of beauty that arouses your senses by being aware and mindful of what brings you pleasure in life and what makes you feel alive and delighted with life.

The more you arouse your senses, the more you will not only savor your food but your life.

Please comment below, and let me know how you optimize your breakfast dining experience.