Breakfast Briefing
Healthy breakfast tips: a healthy breakfast is a great way to kick start your day. With the right ingredients, you can feel better and, hopefully, stay medication-free.
A friend once told me that I put everything in my breakfast or my bath. She’s not wrong! (I’ll save the bath confessions for another time.)
With intermittent fasting, I normally try and eat around 10 am – 11 am. At least then I’m not hungry by lunchtime!
A few people have asked for my ‘recipe’ – so here goes:
Yoghurt, of course
Whichever you prefer – low, medium or full fat – just as long as it has live probiotic cultures. These are so unbelievably important for gut health.
I like the more sour Greek-style yoghurt. Makes me feel like it’s less processed and interfered with?
- Protects bones and teeth, repairs and protects digestive system.
Get seedy
Some stores (Tescos and Aldi in UK, Dischem in SA) stock ready-made mixed seeds, usually made up of:
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Linseed or flax seeds
- Sesame seeds
Each seed variety has its own set of benefits, but overall, they’re a great source of fibre, protein and ‘good’ monosaturated fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Good for lowering blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure
Go bananas
These happy individually-wrapped fruit bombs are rich in potassium, vitamins and minerals and low in sodium.
If you think an apple a day keeps the doctor away, try a banana.
Go for the greener ones if diabetic as the sugar content is lower before it’s fully ripe.
- Great for heart health and keeping blood pressure.in check.
Berry good
Berries are some of the healthiest foods you can find. They’re low in calories but high in fibre, vitamin C and oxidants.
Mix them up to get all the goodness you can – blue, black, red, rasp and straw!
- Anti-inflammatory, lower your risk of heart disease and cancer,
Jolly gelatine
An animal protein product (usually beef), gelatine is derived from collagen which provides a unique combination of amino acids.
For vegans, agar (seaweed) is a good alternative.
I bet your other healthy breakfast tips never included jelly?
- Vital for joint health and brain function; improves skin, nails and hair.
Turmeric
This age-old spice, Turmeric and especially its most active compound, curcumin, have many scientifically-proven health benefits.
It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
- Potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer.
Cinnamon
Not only delicious, it’s one of the healthiest spices you can get!
Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon is especially good for diabetics (assists with insulin resistance) and those fighting fungal or bacterial infections.
- Great for all-rouond heart health and helps reduce insulin sensitivity.
Black pepper
Its active compound, piperine has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s also said to aid the absorption of Curcumin (in Turmeric) by 2000%!
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, aids absorption of curcumin in Tumeric.
Wrapping it up
And that’s it. I’ve been eating this breakfast for well on 3 years or so. I feel great and don’t take any medication whatsoever – I may add some vitamin C and D and zinc in wintertime to ward off colds and flu, but that’s it.
And it’s a whole lot easier and tastier than swallowing a handful of pills.
Please give it a go? And let me know how you get on after a few weeks.
Recipe - Quantities
- A handful of mixed seeds
- 1 x Sliced banana
- A handful of berries (frozen will do)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon gelatine powder
- A twist of black pepper
For variety, add nuts – almonds and walnuts are especially good, coconut shavings, raisins, gogi berries or whatever else takes your fancy.
It’s your breakfast. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: always discuss with your health practitioner before changing your eating plans.