Most of us have a very unique connection to breakfast. Whether it’s been growing up in the countryside, watching the sun rise over a freshly-made cup of tea and pancake batter, or spending a semester in Amsterdam, the breakfast scene is something we’ll probably never forget. And as much as we love a spot of tea and some Dutch jazz, sometimes we want to indulge in a really decadent experience and treat ourselves to something more substantial.
Now, you might be familiar with the concept of a ketogenic diet. Sometimes, called the ‘fat burning diet’, this is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that can help to shed off some extra pounds. What is less well-known is that you don’t necessarily have to give up your morning cup of coffee to be able to follow a ketogenic diet. In fact, there are plenty of tasty and healthy ways to get your daily caffeine intake that don’t involve breaking down complex carbs. So if you’re looking to jumpstart your weight loss efforts, then why not try one of these delicious and healthy breakfasts for breakfast? We’ve selected 10 low-carb options that deserve to be on your menu.
1. Breakfast Burrito
There’s a reason why this popular food is often referred to as the ‘ultimate breakfast’. It’s easily adjustable, portable, and offers a surprisingly decent (and realistic) representation of what a real-life Mexican breakfast would look like.
This particular creation is one of the simplest but most delectable ways to incorporate fat into your diet. It has all of the trappings of a typical Mexican street food, including a generous helping of rice, a fried egg, black beans, and avocado. However, what sets this particular burrito apart from the rest is the fact that it contains a huge dollop of cheese. The Mexican cheese that you’ll find is known as ‘queso fresco’, and while it’s a little milder than the American variety, it adds an extra element of saltiness that makes everything taste better. So instead of having a bland cup of coffee, why not opt for a piping hot cup of tea with this sumptuous creation?
2. Vegetable Scramble
Many supermarkets now stock a wide variety of vegetables, which means there’s no longer any need for you to limit your intake to a handful of fruit and veggie options. With a bit of preplanning, you can ensure you have plenty of tasty and healthy snacks available, which will make it much more convenient for you to follow a low-carb diet. And what’s more, many supermarkets offer excellent value for money, which is great if you’re on a budget.
One of the delights of this dish is that it requires very little preparation time. All you need for a vegetable scramble (and it’s a wonderful way to use up all of that leftover chicken or lamb from last night) are some simple, perfectly seasoned matchsticks of meat, a jar of marinated artichokes, some green and red peppers, and a fresh and lively bag of spinach. After you’ve gently sautéed the spinach with some olive oil and garlic, added those marinated vegetables, and poured over a little béchamel sauce, this simple and rustic looking concoction will transform your coffee mug into an entire meal.
3. Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bowl
What’s better than fresh fruit and yogurt? Apart from an actual bacon sandwich, we mean. This classic Greek pairing is one that we’re always happy to indulge in, and it’s a great way to start your day. The tangy yogurt and smooth fruits are a wonderful contrast to the richness of eggs, which is why a lot of greek yogurt fans prefer to have this as a breakfast rather than a snack. Although it’s often said that you can’t have too much of a good thing, in this case, we beg to differ. A bowl of Greek yogurt in the morning is one of the most satisfying snacks you can have. It provides your stomach with a healthy dose of calcium, which is important for strong bones. It also contains protein, potassium, and vitamin B, among other nutrients. This is why we prefer to sit down to a bowl of fresh Greek yogurt in the morning, rather than a sugary cereal bar or doughnut.
If you’re not a big fan of yogurt, then you can opt for a different kind of sauce to pour over the bowl. The options are endless when it comes to a fruit chutney or honey, but we particularly liked the creamy cashew sauce that came with the veggie burger patty we tried recently (more on them later). If you’re following a low-carb diet, then this is the kind of meal you can prepare without any worry of contravening nutritional guidelines. The key is, make sure you’re not overloaded with carbs.
4. Spanish Tomato and Olive Oil Bread
The Spaniards have a culinary tradition that mixes African and Spanish influences, resulting in a dish called ‘patatas bravas’. Although they can be served as a starter (especially if you live in a part of Spain where they are traditionally eaten as a starter), these mini fried potato cakes are an entire meal in themselves, containing all of the essential nutrients your body needs to function at its best.
This form of potato is traditionally made with olive oil, and the Spanish cooks have been practicing their culinary art for many generations. Since this type of bread is fairly easy to prepare, it makes a great and healthy mid-morning snack or light lunch. Plus, it travels well, so you can take it with you to work if you’re feeling hungry during a break. You may opt to accompany it with a green salad and a few chunks of cheese for a satisfying but healthy dish.
5. Avocado Toast
Avocado is one of the most versatile fruits around. It has a wonderful satiating effect on the body. This makes it a popular choice among people trying to slim down. The fact that it’s a popular choice is not a coincidence. Avocado contains healthy fats as well as several other nutrients that contribute to the function and maintenance of the human body.
This classic Spanish pairing of guacamole and fried bread is another example of how easy it is to put together a quick and healthy snack or meal. The avocado adds a rich texture and a satisfying creaminess to the fried bread. The humble potato is often used as a food staple in Spain, and whilst it isn’t exactly fair to call potato bread ‘brave’, it is a great source of vitamins and fiber, and it makes for a lovely change from your usual white flour snack. Serve with a crisp lettuce leaf and some tomato for a taste that’s as close to a real Spanish experience as you can get from a kitchen in the UK. Better still, prepare the potato mixture the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning to save you the effort of making it fresh every day.
6. Shakshuka
You can’t talk about Spanish cuisine without including its rich ‘shakshuka’ sauce. This combination of peppers and tomatoes is another great way to contribute to a vibrant and healthy lifestyle. The fruit acids in the tomatoes are responsible for the sauce’s bright and spicy flavor. The best part of this recipe is that you can prepare it mostly in advance, which makes cooking it much easier. So, if you’re feeling creative, you can prepare this tasty ‘shakshuka’ in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, in the morning, all you need to do is heat it up and pour it over your eggs. Easy-peasy!
This dish is often served as a stew in North Africa and the Middle East. However, it can be prepared in a similar fashion to the Spanish classic, with the addition of a few Mediterranean flavors. A ‘shakshuka’ with olives, anchovies, and goat’s cheese is a great way to start the day. Whether you serve it as a main course or a starter, this sauce is always a real crowd-pleaser. It goes perfectly with just about everything. And whilst we’re on the subject of crowd-pleasing foods, let us not forget about Indian curried chicken, which is one of the most popular options of Indian restaurants around the world. Regardless of whether you’re an Indian, Spanish, or British cuisine lover, this is a dish that you’ll want to try when it comes to making breakfast more exciting. And since we’ve already covered a lot of ground when it comes to low-carbohydrate foods, why not opt for something a little lighter? This is where eggs, salad, and carbs come in. So, rather than indulging in those leftover brownies, why not try this healthy version instead? It’s a great option for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack.