breakfast

Breakfast. One of the most important meals of the day. Children are supposed to have a maximum of six cubes of sugar per day. A massive 3 cubes is consumed by a great deal of children before breakfast. This means that children are having half of their daily sugar each day before they go to school. Sugary breakfast products include not only obvious spreads such as nutella, but also cereals that you may not even expect to contain sugar. With this in mind, eight out of ten parents do not realise the sugar in these products. Well this needs to change. Breakfast should be healthy and packed with nutrients in order to give children the best start to their day.

This post is going to be different to the last few as I am going to share with you what I believe are some of the nicest recipes for breakfast. These are my: TOP 5 BREAKFAST BEAUTIES!!

5. Strawberry Parfait: this tasty idea may taste like a dessert, but is still low in calories, sugar and fat. If you have a sweet tooth then this is for you, and is a healthy alternative to the sugary breakfasts you’re used to.

Ingredients: (serves 1)

1 pot of fat free Greek yoghurt

1 teaspoon of stevia (or any sweetener)

2 handfuls of strawberries

1 handful of blueberries

2 tablespoons of granola

(Any other fruit that you wish to put in)

 Method:

·       Mix the stevia with the yoghurt and stir well.

·       Cut the strawberries small and mix them gently with the blueberries to form a fruit salad.

·       Take a tall glass and add a layer of yoghurt

·       Then a layer of fruit

·       Then a layer of granola

·       Then a layer yoghurt

·       Keep doing this until the glass is full.

This is a perfect breakfast idea that can be made the night before if you have a busy work schedule. Children also love this recipe so a great idea for a family breakfast

Recipe by Fleur De Force in her book Glam Guide

4. Poached eggs: this is a simple recipe that doesn’t take longer than five minutes to make. So great if you are in a hurry. This recipe is loved by all in my family and is totally natural and quite obviously contains no sugar. This is a great alternative if you want a savoury breakfast.

Ingredients: (serves 2)

2 eggs

Pepper for sprinkling (optional)

(It’s as simple as that)

Method:

·       Fill a small pan just over one third full with cold water and bring it to the boil.

·       Crack the eggs one at a time into the pan.

·       Leave them for 3-4 minutes checking them well so they don’t overcook.

·       Season with pepper and serve at once.

If the eggs don’t work first time don’t panic. Please note: everyone likes their eggs cooked for a different amount of time. If you want to have them hard boiled then leave them in for longer. You can also add your own twists to the eggs by serving them with products such as cheese, bread or vegetables.

3. Extra bananery, banana cake: I know what you’re thinking. “This can’t be healthy. A cake must have sugar in it.” Well believe it or not this cake contains no sugar and is a great way to start your day if you want a quick start. My father usually makes this cake on a Sunday so that it is ready for the upcoming week.

Ingredients:

25g of rolled oats

4 overripe bananas (a great way to use leftover bananas)

200g of self-rising flour

50ml of maple syrup

25g of unsalted butter

50ml of olive oil

A pinch of salt (if needed)

Method:

·       Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C

·       Sprinkle a third of your oats into the bottom of a loaf tin

·       Slice up one of your bananas and place it evenly above your oats

·       Peel and mash the remaining bananas in a large bowl.

·       Add the flour, maple syrup, butter, oil, salt and remaining oats and mix will until everything is a soft dropping consistency

·       Pour the mixture as evenly as possible and bake in the oven for 45 minutes

·       Take out of the oven and let cool

The cake can be stored for 2-3 days. It can be served with fruit, yoghurt, jam and anything else you wish and is a great recipe for all the family.

Recipe by Lorraine Pascale’s in her book a lighter way to bake.

2. PB & J alternative, as a smoothie: many children and adults love their peanut butter. Especially my younger brother. However why have it on toast when you can have it blended in a smoothie with a tonne of fruity goodness.

Ingredients: (Serves 1)

¾ of cup low-fat milk

¾ of cup frozen raspberries

½ a banana

1tablespoon of natural almond or peanut butter

1tablespoon of honey

Method:

·       Throw everything into the blender

·       Press the button and let the blender do all the work

·       Pour into a cup and drink

This drink can be served with anything and is a healthy alternative to the chocolate milk or sugary orange juice you may have been drinking. This can also be a great treat in the summer on a lovely day. Why not take a picnic to the park with some fresh homemade smoothies.

This is it my top favourite recipe for breakfast.

1.   Baked avocado egg: in my opinion, there is no better combination than avocado and eggs. This delight is not only healthy but will fill you up if you have a long day ahead. Just follow this simple recipe and enjoy this great way to start your day.

Ingredients:

1 large avocado

2 small medium eggs

Chives (if wanted)

Chilli flakes (if wanted)

Salt and pepper

Method:

·       Half the avocado and remove the stone.

·       Crack an egg into each half and sprinkle a pinch of chilli flakes and chives.

·       Place the avocado halves in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

·       The cooking time will depend on you egg size.

·       So will the temperature.

·       Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

The avocado egg is certainly one of my favourites and is a great way to start the day. This may also be a light dinner if you are in a hurry. Avocado eggs can be greatly enjoyed by all for both children and adults.

Recipe by Fleur De Force in her book Glam Guide

As you can see there are many other healthy alternative than the sugary cereals we are used to. This is the sort of food that the world needs to be eating at the start of their day. Here’s what you can do. If you are serving your children breakfast cereals then look at the label. How much sugar does it really have? Try a new  before school/ work breakfast. You will be really thankful in the future.