Our Favorite Healthy Breakfast Ideas

There is so much importance in incorporating plenty of real, whole foods into your daily life.

What do we mean by whole foods?

These are foods that are as minimally processed as possible - foods you can pretty much pick off the tree or pull out of the ground, and just start eating. Some examples are fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

A great way to achieve optimal health is to start every day with a nutrient-dense and filling breakfast. Many people think that skipping breakfast is a good way to cut calories, but in reality, they end up eating more calories by the end of the day. Also, when your first meal is packed full of nutrition, you've already knocked out part of your work!

Most (or all) of these recipes can be made ahead of time, and portioned throughout the week to make your life easier. You're going to start loving mornings!

Our Favorite Creative Whole-Food and Nutrient-Dense Breakfasts

• Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Porridge.
  Gently heat about 1/2 a cup of precooked protein-rich quinoa in a pot on the stove with about 1/4 to a 1/2 a cup of almond milk. Add in apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a little bit of honey, then serve warm. You can also add in raisins, nuts, seeds, whatever you have on hand! It's delicious, filling, and so much better than sugary cereal.

• Breakfast Salad with Soft-Boiled Egg.
  Yes, you heard that right - salad for breakfast! Make soft- or medium-boiled eggs ahead of time, then assemble your salad in the morning. To make, dress chopped kale or spinach with a mixture of True Lemon, 1 tbsp water, and a little olive oil. Top with crispy chopped bacon, fresh avocado slices, a handful of pepitas (pumpkin seeds), and that tasty, creamy egg. Here is a great step-by-step reference for how to make the perfect soft-boiled egg.

• Breakfast Chicken and Rice Soup.
  There are many countries where it's not unusual to enjoy a warm cup of soup for breakfast. It's gentle on the stomach, and easy to digest when you're breaking your overnight fast. To make, warm some broth in a pot on the stove, and add some leftover shredded chicken, onions, garlic, and broccoli (or any other greens you have). Just before serving, add a scoop of pre-cooked brown rice. Season with salt-free True Lime Garlic and Cilantro. Need an extra boost of protein? Once the soup is heated, add an egg and scramble into the broth just before serving. Yum!

• Whole Breakfast Avocado Toast.
  This recipe substitutes a vitamin-rich sweet potato in place of processed bread, for a delicious and unique breakfast treat! Slice a sweet potato lengthwise, about 1/2" thick. Gently fry in a pan with a little oil over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes each side. Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of salt, or True Lemon Pepper.

When in a hurry, grab a piece of fruit or sliced vegetables and peanut butter on your way out the door. It's better to eat something in the morning, rather than nothing at all!

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[Credit: Hughes, Locke and Raiola, Alyssa, 30 Easy and Delicious Whole30 Breakfast Recipes. Greatist.]
[Credit: Freckled Italian. Paleo Avocado Toast.]