Neomed’s Top 7 Breakfast Ideas

Despite being pronounced the most important meal of the day, breakfast is usually ignored or the meal with the least amount of nutrient density in it. Society has made us believe that eating bread, croissants, pancakes, and cereal is ideal breakfast items, but science paints a different picture. In an ideal world, we want to eat to promote optimal hormonal signalling, especially the hormones involved in our energy production.

Eating a high carbohydrate breakfast usually has most of us feeling lethargic and tired in the morning. Especially if we eat refined cereals that automatically turn to sugar in the body. This is so because carbohydrates decrease cortisol production. Cortisol is a hormone that should be naturally high in the morning to wake us up and get us moving. By eating a high carbohydrate breakfast, we actually decrease energy by decreasing cortisol levels.

Which foods increase cortisol levels? Foods higher in protein, fats, and phytonutrients. That’s right. Breakfast should be the meal of the day with the least amount of carbohydrates. Sounds counterintuitive, but this is how our bodies were programmed to work optimally.

To help you out, below are a few ideas to give you the right fuel to get going in the morning:

1. Green smoothie – Add berries for antioxidants, green leafy vegetables like kale or spinach to give oxygen to your cells, avocado for good fats that help with brain function, and chia seeds to boost fibre intake and support GI health. Add vegan protein powder to boost protein intake.

2. Healthy Morning Lattes – Our favourites in this category are Matcha Latte and Turmeric Latte. Matcha Latte is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and alkalising. If made with organic coconut milk, it could be an alternative to those who want a sustained boost of energy without crashing. Turmeric Latte is a potent an-inflammatory drink, perfect for winter mornings, and could be made using organic and unsweetened coconut or almond milk, turmeric powder, cinnamon powder, a dash of black pepper and honey.

3. Smoothie bowl – Don’t feel like drinking your breakfast? Create a thicker smoothie, pour it into a bowl and top with your favourite nuts and seeds. We recommend that you activate your nuts before eating them. Simply soak them overnight and roast in the oven a few minutes before eating them.

4. Eggs – If you buy organic eggs, they are jam-packed with nutrients. Try an omelette with your favourite veggies, poached, or boiled to add more nutrient density to your breakfast. Remember, do not get non-organic as they are inflammatory and can do more damage than good. Also, if you have an autoimmune condition, the whites of eggs can inflame the gut.

5. Taro root chips with guacamole – Cut taro root into thin slices, place them on a baking tray, sprinkle with olive oil and your favourite herbs. Then dip the chips in home-made guacamole. This high-fat breakfast will not only get you going in the morning, but it will keep you full for the rest of the morning!

6. Coconut chia pudding – this delicious and nutritious breakfast rich in antioxidants, fiber and minerals, can provide a therapeutic solution for people with mild to moderate constipation. It is easy to make and could be very versatile depending on the additional ingredients you choose for your pudding: different nuts, berries, or even superfoods

7. Have dinner for breakfast – Don’t be afraid to use leftovers from the night before for breakfast. Try shredded chicken, wrapped in either lettuce or spinach leaves and add shredded carrots and cucumbers to enjoy fajitas for breakfast!

Remember, refined, high carbohydrate breakfasts are not the key to a high energy morning. Choose natural, whole foods that are plant-rich and higher in protein and fat. Breakfast is only the most important meal of the day when it is done right!