We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so I’ve gone ahead and done the hard work for you! Here’s a list of over 100 delightful breakfast recipes spanning both Indian and Global Cuisine.
So whether you’re in need of a quick meal on the go or you’re looking for something special to serve this weekend; whether you wake up craving something sweet or you lean more towards something savory, there’s sure to be something here for everyone!
The Importance of a Balanced Breakfast
Breakfast gets its name from the purpose it serves: breaking the fast we put our bodies through every night after eating our last meal of the day. As such, it is important to reach for foods that can act as a fuel to power us through our days.
There have been many studies done illustrating the importance of eating a healthy breakfast, with positive outcomes ranging from decreased incidence of heart disease, preventing blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes, improved immune system response, better cognitive function and even a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index).
Tips for Eating a Healthy Breakfast
It is important to note, however, that not all breakfast foods are created equal. Reaching for a sugary donut, say, is not the same as starting your day off with a bowl of cozy poha or a plate of protein-packed tomato omelette.
Ensuring that your first meal has a balanced amount of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and is rich in vitamins and minerals may seem overwhelming, but the practice is actually quite simple:
- Opt for whole grains over refined flours – They retain more fiber, protein and nutrients than all purpose varieties.
- Choose fruits and/or veggies with lots of color – The natural colors of foods demonstrate different phytonutrients. For example, orange foods like carrots or sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, while purple and blue foods are loaded with anthocyanins. Try and eat the rainbow!
- Stay away from excessive amounts of sugar and sodium – this is so much easier when you make your own meals! Processed foods are loaded with sugar, salt and unhealthy fats as a way to hook us, not to mention the artificial preservatives and colors they add.
Don’t feel tied to eating “typical” breakfast foods either – there are plenty of egg free, dairy free and grain free options to choose from!