We all know breakfast is important, but do we really understand why it’s crucial to start the day with a balanced meal? Breakfast fuels your morning, helps stabilise your blood sugar levels, and can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. By choosing the right combination of foods, you can ensure that you’re not only satisfied but also energized and ready to tackle your day. Let’s explore the benefits of a balanced breakfast and dive into some delicious recipes from our breakfast bonanza!
Why Breakfast Matters
A balanced breakfast can help:
- Boost Metabolism: Jump-start your metabolism after a night of fasting.
- Improve Concentration: Provide the brain with necessary nutrients to enhance cognitive function.
- Stabilise Mood: Help maintain a stable mood and prevent irritability.
- Support Weight Management: Prevent overeating later in the day by keeping you full and satisfied.
Delicious Balanced Breakfast Recipes
Here are a few recipes from our collection that perfectly embody the balance of taste and nutrition:
1. Almond Butter & Banana Porridge
This classic combination is a fantastic way to start your day. The almond butter adds a dose of healthy fats and protein, while the banana provides natural sweetness and essential nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp whole almonds, sliced or flaked
- 160g Quaker Rolled Oats
- 1.2l unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp sultanas or raisins
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 4 tsp almond butter, stirred
Instructions:
- Heat the almonds in a saucepan over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes until smelling toasted, shaking the pan frequently. Remove from the pan to a plate.
- Put the Quaker Rolled Oats, milk, sultanas, and cinnamon, if using, into the saucepan with a pinch of salt. Cook over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes until smooth and thick, stirring frequently. Add a splash more water if you prefer a thinner porridge.
- Divide the porridge between four warmed bowls and add the banana slices. Drizzle over the almond butter in a swirl, then top with the toasted almonds.
2. Cheesy French Toast with Ham & Grilled Vine Tomatoes
This Savory breakfast option is packed with protein from the ham and cheese and includes a serving of juicy grilled tomatoes for added vitamins.
Ingredients:
- 5 eggs, beaten
- 4 tbsp milk
- 140g gruyère, grated
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- Knob of butter
- 1 large baguette, thickly sliced
- 250g cherry tomatoes on the vine
- Olive oil, for grilling
- 250g sliced ham (about 25 slices)
- Watercress, to serve
Instructions:
- Heat the grill to high. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cheese, and chives. Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over a medium heat. Dip slices of bread into the egg mixture, then place them in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crisp, then keep warm in a low oven if you need to.
- Place the vine tomatoes on a baking tray, drizzle with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until they start to soften and blister.
- On a large platter, pile up the cheesy French bread, grilled tomatoes, sliced ham, and a pile of watercress, and let everyone dig in.
3. Middle Eastern Eggs with Merguez & Pistachios
This dish brings a burst of flavour with spiced eggs and the rich taste of merguez sausage, complemented by crunchy pistachios.
Ingredients:
- Drizzle of olive or rapeseed oil
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 4 merguez sausages
- 15 cherry tomatoes, halved
- Pinch of sugar
- 2 tsp harissa paste (preferably rose harissa)
- 2 eggs
- 2 wholemeal pitta breads
- Pinch of sumac or paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- Few parsley sprigs, chopped
- 1 tbsp shelled pistachio, roughly chopped
Instructions:
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a heavy-bottomed, small frying pan. Add the onion and cook for a few minutes until soft, then push them to one side of the pan. Add the sausages and fry for 5-10 minutes, rolling them around in the pan until golden brown. Add the tomatoes, sugar, and harissa, season well and add a splash of water. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the tomatoes have cooked down to a thick, chunky sauce.
- Push the sausages aside in the pan so that you can create 2 large holes in the sauce using a spoon. Crack the eggs into the holes and cook for 4-5 minutes until the whites are just set and the yolk is still runny. Meanwhile, toast the pitta breads.
- Sprinkle each egg with a little sumac, dollop on some yogurt, then sprinkle over the parsley and pistachios. Cut each pitta bread in half and serve on the side.
4. Avocado & Strawberry Smoothie
A refreshing smoothie that combines creamy avocado with sweet strawberries, providing a nutrient-rich and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients:
- ½ avocado, stoned, peeled and cut into chunks
- 150g strawberries, halved
- 4 tbsp low-fat natural yogurt
- 200ml semi-skimmed milk
- Lemon or lime juice, to taste
- Honey, to taste
Instructions:
- Put all the ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add a little water.
Transform Your Mornings
A well-balanced breakfast can be the cornerstone of a productive and healthy day. By incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into your morning routine, you can enjoy a range of flavours and benefits. Whether you prefer a hearty savoury dish or a light, refreshing smoothie, these recipes from our breakfast bonanza are designed to fuel your day and satisfy your cravings.
Celebrate the joy of breakfast and make every morning a delightful culinary adventure. Dive into these recipes and kickstart your day with nutrition and flavour!
