Breakfast appreciation.

A few years ago I would try and delay or avoid having breakfast, feeling like I wasn't deserving of it until I had pushed my body to complete some form of exercise. I looked at breakfast merely as calories - rather than an essential meal - if I could avoid it and instead fill myself up on coffee and water, then it was a successful start to my day. How wrong and ill-believing I was...

It upsets me thinking that I looked at food and the most important meal of the day (in my view) as something to avoid and feel guilty to partake in. I was so wrong and lacked the understanding of how amazing, fulfilling and ESSENTIAL breakfast is to start the day. After re-educating myself, now, I have a healthy and joyful outlook on all meals, in particularly brekky. I look forward to waking up and creating something that makes me feel good - both on the inside and outside. I try to choose a breakfast high in protein - such as eggs, kefir etc. - so that it keeps me feeling satisfied and full. I used to choose granolas and 'healthy' cereals, however in the last year or so I have reduced my consumption of these processed, sugary goods and instead turned to earthy, simple, homemade alternatives - that don't have the sugary highs and lows that will impact hunger and mood levels later on in the day. Some examples: swapping granola to homemade overnight oats, swapping muesli to homemade porridge, swapping yogurt to kefir, swapping bagels to eggs on toast. Some simple changes but, for me, they have been amazing. Not only is it cheaper, but it is also healthier for my body and mind. According to Runners World, a protein-dense breakfast slows the release of the hormone ghrelin, which triggers feelings of hunger whilst also increasing the release of satiety hormones, helping you feel fuller for longer.

Here are some of my go-to brekky's...

Eggs on/with Sourdough Toast.

- a piece of wholemeal or wholegrain sourdough toast is great for the gut microbiome (due to the fermented nature of the dough).

- eggs are my absolute favourite. any way, but usually either fried in extra virgin olive oil or hard boiled, to scoop out.

Homemade Overnight Oats with Kefir and Homemade Compote.

- overnight oats are such a great way to make on a Sunday to have for the week.

- the way I make mine: oats, grated apple, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, any chopped nuts, chopped dates and milk and then leave over night to soak.

- I top mine with either kefir or greek yogurt, flaxseeds, and any fruit compote I make or some frozen blueberries & raspberries.

Homemade Porridge.

- if I want something warming and sweet, especially in winter, then this is my go-to.

- oats, water and milk stir and bring to the heat (or can cook in the microwave). adding any compote, berries and flaxseeds.

Omelette with Avocado.

- an omelette is elite. I usually add mushrooms to mine and depending on how hungry I am feeling, will either have it on its own or add some avocado for some healthy fats.

Hoping this will give you some inspiration and appreciation for breakfast and all it's glory.

Always remembering to fuel your body, as well as your soul.

love,

armorel x