Breakfast

Breakfast is one of those meals whereby what you choose relies greatly on your forthcoming day’s itinerary. Sunday, a no plans, lazy, day, may enable a luxurious feast of ‘bad’ food. Workdays tend to be down to a fine art of coffee & your choice of regular fast-breaking. I’m partial to a cheese scone myself! But what to grab when having to leave 2 hours early to take a train?

I sometimes need to start before the birds are up. Last week’s early start, hampered by the dog choosing to bark madly at 1am waking us up for no reason, and sitting up later than I should watching TV, meant I was shattered. It took all the energy I had to wash, dress, feed the pets and grab a coffee while I made my face look vaguely human. No realistic chance, or will, to make anything to eat before my half hour speed walk to the station. So, breakfast consisted of a rail service bacon butty and espresso at the station. Overpriced and not the greatest quality, but at least it was a form of sustenance as I had a lengthy wait for my next break. At least I didn’t cave to the blueberry muffins!

To my partner, breakfast is an event. A minimum of two courses, every day. He begins with a cuppa and bowl of cereal then what follows depends where he is and what he’s doing. It could be simply buttered toast, could be a ‘full English’ followed by fruit, or anything in-between.

I know of friends who have no breakfast at all. I get it; that used to be me (2 strong coffees though!). It can be hard sometimes to face eating first thing. According to statistics, women are more likely to skip breakfast than men. But it’s true that a breakfast sets you up for the day. You can train yourself and before you know it, it becomes routine.

Modern life means nobody has time during the working week any more (OK other than my fella!) to have a big breakfast, but eating something does help avoid those 10am sweet snack cravings.

Unless you have a physical job, or health requirements dictating otherwise, you want to aim ideally for low fat, slow release energy. Eggs are a brilliant source of protein and quick. Poached and served on a slice of whole grain toast (no need for butter) an egg will help guard against those empty tummy grumbles. Yes an egg does contain fat – but it’s healthy. Or why not try a granola and low fat yoghurt?

On the Mediterranean the day starts with a tasty and healthy spread of meats, cheeses, yoghurts and fruits (pastries and cakes too but let’s ignore those). Fruit is an excellent start. 1970s style grapefruit for example. I used to enjoy warming a grapefruit topped with a little sugar to balance the tartness. I quite like a sharp grapefruit these days, but we also have good sugar substitutes to choose from now, or you could try a little local honey. It’s nice with a splash of rum and spoonful of cream too, but maybe not for breakfast. Or, grandma’s old favourite – prunes.

If you’re a stick-in-the-mud cereal fiend, look for those with low sugar additives, high in wholegrains and fibre, such as Weetabix (to name just one of many available varieties). In the Winter, serve with warmed milk to set you up for the cold. Great with added fresh or dried fruit too.

I can’t really talk about breakfast without mentioning the traditional Scottish staple; Porridge.

Take 50g Porridge Oats, and pop it in a saucepan with 350ml milk, water or mixture of the two – as you prefer. If you want it salted, add a pinch of salt. If you want it sweet, stir in a spoonful of sugar instead. Bring to the boil then simmer for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Again, why not experiment with fruits or other flavours – maple syrup is lovely.

You can buy ready prepared microwaveable Porridge sachets. If you’ve not tried Porridge for breakfast before, these are a good way to give it a go. But, don’t be put off with the time it takes to make your own. You can still use the microwave instead – just pop everything into a suitable bowl and microwave on high for 5 minutes (stir midway). Let it stand a minute or two before you tuck in.

Whatever you choose to eat, do get into a breakfast routine. It isn’t just an old wives’ tale, it really does have benefits for your overall health. Eating breakfast can help with weight loss. It replenishes your glucose supply, maintaining your blood glucose levels, and helps keep your energy levels up for the rest of the day. When breaking your overnight fast your brain needs the fresh supply of glucose. It’s been proven that children learn better and concentrate more when they’ve eaten a healthy breakfast. Why should we let the kiddies benefit without benefiting ourselves. You’re more likely to be less distracted during that 9.30am telephone conference at work if you’ve happily lined your tum.

I hope I’ve inspired a new start for the morning. Eat well, and enjoy.

love,

Maggie x