By Chia puddings are easy to make and a great brekky alternative.
The best way to start your day, is with a protein filled breakfast. Not only will this set you up for eating well for the days duration, it will also encourage alternates, wakefulness and sustained energy released throughout the day. When it comes to fitness, all meals are considered important, and we really should aim for variations that promote satiety.
There are plenty of different alternatives in which I’d like to share with you today. They are all great sources of protein, and some with added carbohydrates. Depending on what you are doing on the day, pick and choose according to your needs and preferences.
7 protein filled breakfast alternatives for optimal health and weight management
#1 Overnight oats with your choice of protein. This is a wonderful way to get in some carbohydrates post workout, as well as fibre and protein.
Opt for one that’s suitable for your dietary needs. I always choose vegan proteins because I’m unable to tolerate animal proteins and dairy. You can put whey, pea or hemp protein in your oats. Add water or milk to them until it’s the consistency you like. Place them in a glass bowl, cover and leave overnight. You can choose to heat it up on the stove in the morning, or just eat it cold. Add some berries, yogurt or seeds on the top. Taking this to work is easy, if you are somewhat time poor.
#2 Meat and nut mix. Combine your preferred choice of protein, from chicken, beef, salmon or tuna. Add a handful of your favourite nuts, and chow down for a high protein, high fat brekky made for champion athletes needing energy and re fueling for muscles.
#3 Protein pancakes. These are awesome. You can get them in a packet form, then just mix the ingredients yourself. Prepare them the night before so all you have to do in the morning is heat and eat, or take with you and eat on the way to work. Use rolled oats instead of flour, protein powder, baking soda, eggs and stevia. Make sure you add enough wet ingredients to form a runny paste. Heat some coconut oil on your pan, then pour a small amount on the pan. Wait for it to bubble in the middle, then flip over until ready. Keep going with all the batter until you’re done. Allow to cool, then put in a container for the next day.
#4 Chia protein pudding. Another delicious alternative. I actually have a recipe for this on my website. Please click below for the website link and search under recipes. To put it simply, mix your chia seeds, hemp and protein powder, as well as flaxseeds with almond milk and coconut cream. Add stevia and some cinnamon. Stir until combined and thick, then add to glass jars. Allow to set overnight. When ready to eat, sprinkle some berries, nuts and more cinnamon. These are the ultimate pick up and go, especially in warmer months. They are also a nice snack to have when you feel like a sweet treat.
#5 Tofu scrambled eggs. Why not try something different here. Grab some tofu, marinated or plain, add onions, garlic, seasoning, spinach and tomato. Lightly fry with coconut oil until crisp and fragrant. Why not make up some cauliflower rice and add to the mix? (recipe on my blog as well for cauliflower rice)
#6 Breakfast salad. This happens to be my favourite! Pick your best and seasonal salad items, like spinach, tomato, lettuce, rocket, kale, avocado and even cabbage. Mix well with olive oil and apple cider vinegar. For your protein, add salmon, steamed chicken breast, tuna or turkey. You may opt to add some mustard for flavour, as well as salt & pepper. Enjoy!
#7 Oatmeal carrot cake cookies. This one is great for the kids school lunches (or yours!). Combine oats, chia seeds, cinnamon, carrot, almond butter, cinnamon, maple syrup & shredded pecans. Mix with a couple of eggs to combine into a dough. Use a palm-full to roll and put on an oven tray. Make them as small or big as you wish.
I do hope these give you some good ideas for now. Please check out my website for a couple of the recipes.