We’ve all heard the classic saying that ‘Breakfast is the most important meal of the day’, but is there any truth to it? Well, some of the clue to why it’s touted as being so essential is in the name itself: it’s the way to break our overnight fast. But is skipping it really the dietary faux pas we’ve been led to believe? Well, it turns out there’s many reasons why breakfast is such a significant mealtime. Many studies have shown that regularly eating a good breakfast is linked to better memory and focus, decreased ‘bad’ cholesterol, less risk of developing certain diseases, weight management and good health overall. So seems breakfast is rather beneficial, after all! To help you out, we’ve made a list of healthy breakfast foods, which are mostly vegan friendly, and thrown in a few recipes if you’re needing some inspiration. Let’s get cracking! Oats Having oats for breakfast is one of the best ways you can start your day. They’re one of the healthiest grains on the planet, and are packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Oats are also rich in fibre, which keeps you feeling satiated for longer, whilst also lowering blood sugar and insulin response. This is particularly important in the morning, so you don’t start to crave unhealthy snacks or overeat later in the day. Another great aspect of oats is that they’re easy to prepare and can be paired with basically anything. Make them sweet or savoury by including whatever toppings you heart desires. For a slightly different take on traditional oatmeal, have a look at our Fruit & Nut Overnight Oats. Muffins Muffins at first glance may not seem like the healthiest choice, however there’s still ways you can enjoy these baked goods for breakfast. So, no need to chase away the muffin man just yet! A lot of the ingredients in muffins can be swapped out for healthier alternatives. Instead of sugar think fruit, honey, peanut butter, or cacao. And substitute some of the flour for grains such as oats and quinoa. There are so many different types of healthy muffin recipes out there. One combination we think is delicious for breakfast is our Banana & Almond Muffins. If you’re in rush in the mornings, why not make a big batch and pop them in the freezer. Then, simply reheat them in the toaster oven in the mornings, so you’re breakfast ready. Vegan Scramble Prefer something savoury for your first meal of the day? Well look no further than a scramble. Traditionally this would be made with eggs, but for all our vegan and health conscious friends out there, the eggs can easily be replaced with a plant-based option. Two alternatives are chickpeas or tofu. Both are great sources of protein, whilst also being gluten free and vegan. Protein is an important staple of your diet as numerous studies have shown it increases metabolic health, builds muscle, and aids in weight loss. We’ve got your egg free breakfast covered with our Chickpea Scramble. Chickpeas also contain 8 of the 9 essential amino acids, which are structural components of protein that need to be acquired from the food you eat. Smoothie We all know how vital it is to get enough fruit and vegetables in our diets. They’re packed full of essential nutrients and antioxidants, plus, their fibre content helps keep your digestive system healthy and keeps you feeling full. Smoothies are the perfect way to incorporate some of your 5- a day into your breakfast. There are endless possibilites of ingredients to make your smoothie from, so why not get creative? We personally love this delicious Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie, along with our heavenly Chocolate Protein Smoothie. Both great ways to get some extra protein in to your morning. Pancakes Pancakes are another breakfast staple that is usually considered unhealthy, but we’ve got your back so you can still keep flipping those delicious cakes! Pancakes can be made from a variety of Healthier Flour Alternatives which contain more nutritional benefits, as opposed to the standard all-purpose flour. If you’re looking to up your protein intake, you can choose a high protein flour such as soya or quinoa flour, alternatively add some protein powder to the mix. Protein is essential for healthy bones, skin, cartilage, and even keeping your hair strong and shiny. If you looking some pancake ideas, then look no further than our Gluten Free Big Boy Pancakes with Muscovado Treacle Syrup or Banana & Strawberry Pancakes Toast Another breakfast favourite! If you want to make this classic morning meal healthier, we recommend switching out white bread for loaves made with minimal ingredients, such as wholegrain, rye or sourdough. This will have less of an impact on your blood sugar levels and are generally lower in fat. If you’re a keen baker, why not try making your own. As to what you decide to put on the toast, well the options are countless. If you’re after a savoury option, we think avocados, tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms, or beans are all highly nutritious and delicious choices. If you prefer your toast to be sweet why not check out our recipe for Vegan French Toast ft. Nooch Granola Granola is a breakfast staple, and for good reason. It’s a much healthier and nutritious choice than many of the popular sugary and calorie laden cereals. Just be aware that a lot of store bought versions of granola can be loaded with added sugars and preservatives, so we suggest mixing your own using oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These ingredients are rich sources of iron, zinc, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and vitamin E. You can either eat it as it is, with plant milk, or even sprinkled over yoghurt. For an on the go option, how about trying our Zesty Lemon Chia Seed Granola Bars.
