Breaking the breakfast rules with these non-traditional recipes

When discussing nutritional recommendations with my patients, one of the most common struggles I hear is the inability to choose what to cook for breakfast. 

When most people think about breakfast, they think about typical, continental style meals: bacon and eggs, granola and yogurt, cereal, pancakes or waffles.

But these are not the only options of what you can eat in the morning! 

While you can make traditional breakfast meals healthy by substituting refined sugar for natural sugar, choosing almond or spelt flour over white flour, and free-range, local eggs over factory eggs, there are many other options that can provide a more well-rounded, balanced meal.

Your breakfast does not need to be your typical breakfast that you’ve seen on TV or in restaurant menus. In fact, I love breaking the rules around breakfast; it’s not uncommon for me to eat dinner leftovers in the morning, or whip up a lunch-style meal first thing. If breakfast isn’t your jam (no pun intended), then try experimenting with different options. 

Here are a few of my go-to, non-typical breakfast meals:

Garlic rosemary meatballs by Wonky Wonderful

These easy, healthy meatballs make the perfect quick breakfast you can cook ahead of time. Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies to get some added nutrients, and stay full until lunchtime!

Chicken shawarma salad with lemon tahini dressing by Our Salty Kitchen

Who says you can’t have a salad at breakfast? This chicken shawarma salad with a fat and protein-packed lemon tahini dressing will help to regulate your blood sugar levels and keep you satisfied for hours to come.

Vegan winter lentil stew by Budget Bytes

If you love a warm meal upon waking, you’ll love this vegan winter lentil stew. Packed with veggies, herbs and folate and B vitamin-packed lentils, you’ll start your day feeling energized and balanced.

Paleo salmon cakes by Paleoly

These simple, easy-to-make salmon cakes are full of brain-boosting omega 3 fatty acids that help you start your day on a good note. With no gluten, dairy, or grains, this nutrient-dense recipe is a non-traditional breakfast staple.

Instant Pot bone broth by The Real Food Dieticians

I love drinking bone broth first thing in the morning to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and improve hydration. This simple Instant Pot bone broth recipe is my go-to for a wholesome and nourishing drink alongside your breakfast or as a replacement if you’re intermittent fasting.