People say that the breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Ok, let’s face it … we can become pretty limited in our breakfast choices. Cereal and toast tend to dominate our diets each day. Well, except for the weekends when we might splurge with eggs and bacon.
Let’s face it – as well as being very repetitive none of these options are healthy. Cereal is traditionally filled with refined sugar and processed grains, most of which gluten-free eaters can’t tolerate. Toast, ditto. Additives, preservatives, colourings, and who knows what else lurk in these options.
Instead how about these refreshing options to add a little variety to your diet. Some are easy peasy, some require a little more work (or even a trip out to the market) but all are delicious and will provide a refreshing start to your day.
1. Orange Polentina
A delish creamy porridge-like polenta flavoured with oranges. When you really feel like sometime different and love the idea of cornmeal flavoured with oranges then this is the trick. This is the perfect dish if you have people staying overnight or visiting for breakfast. The perfect opportunity to serve them something completely different.
Replace the mascarpone with double the yoghurt to reduce calories, and the honey with a natural sugar substitute like stevia to instantly improve the goodness.
2. Dosai
If you’ve ever made it to South India, you will commonly see a dosai on the breakfast menu. It’s basically a savoury pancake made with lentil and urad daal, then filled with a mild potato curry. Having a savoury breakfast provides quite a different taste and this is a filling, lightly spicy start to the day.
It may feel a little complicated to make for breakfast, but if you’re out at your local market or festival you might just see a trusty little stall where you can buy your own.
3. Smoothies
I have to admit to be a smoothie convert. Smoothies are probably my favorite breakfast option. They quick, easy, healthy and if you make them right, filling. I usually make mine with a hand blender which I find just as easy as a standard blender and a lot less clean-up.
Start with a banana, another type of fruit (berries are great for antioxidants), some yoghurt, and a bit of extra liquid (either water or fruit juice is good). I always try to add some nuts and seeds into mine for some added goodness.
From there, you can be creative as your preference. I add rosewater for a nice flavor touch. I’ve been experimenting with a tablespoon of avocado for some good fat (yes, that’s not an oxymoron!) or you could add in a tablespoon of flaxseed oil.
4. Peaches And Cottage Cheese
This simple breakfast options was one of the first I ever learnt about going gluten-free. I was staying with friends and this was on the menu for breakfast. Peaches and cottage cheese? I’d never thought of it before. Quick, easy and tasty. With a childhood passion for peaches it was instantly appealing.
Cottage cheese can sometimes have thickners in it which aren’t gluten-free so do check the ingredients. If you can’t find cottage cheese, splash out and try some ricotta with your peaches.
5. Italian Sausage & Pineapple Skewers
Who said skewers were only for dinner time? Try these delish Italian sausage and pineapple skewers for something completely different. The sweetness of the pineapple compliments the salty Italian sausage and pancetta. They look great on the plate and again are perfect for guests at the breakfast table.
