It’s become a bit of a mantra in recent years that a good breakfast will set you up for the rest of the day. Don’t be intimidated by complex recipes demanding hours of preparation time: you can whip up an impressive breakfast even as a novice cook, and mistakes are all part of the learning process! Here are three different cooked breakfast options that are both simple to make and a healthy start to your day.
Velvety Eggs
Rich in nutrients and protein, eggs can help you feel full and ready to tackle the day ahead. For the perfect scrambled eggs, mix them in a separate bowl before adding to your pan, and take them off the heat just before they’re ready. Keep stirring, for a few minutes and the result should be a creamy, velvety texture. For the perfect poached eggs, don’t make the hob overly hot: lots of bubbles can agitate the water and break your egg. Once the water has reached a simmer, stir carefully with a wooden spoon to create a whirlpool effect in your pan, then crack the egg in. The spinning motion will keep your egg together as it poaches.
Although they are a healthy option, egg yolks do contain more saturated fat, which has been linked to higher cholesterol, a known risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. If you’re worried that your saturated fat intake might be too high, try making your scrambled eggs with skimmed milk and more egg whites than yolks, which contain less saturated fat.
Mouth-Watering Muffins
A muffin for breakfast might not sound like the healthiest option, but with a couple of clever substitutions, muffins can actually help towards your five-a-day target for fruit and veg. Try banana and blueberry, carrot and date, or savoury courgette and tomato muffins for an early morning boost. The perfect muffin should rise well above its case and have cracks on top, so be sure not to slam the oven door, which could make them sink.
Muffins are a great option if you want to give guests an indulgent yet healthy option, whether you’re entertaining at home or running a business like a Bed and Breakfast. They can be served hot or cold, and aren’t time sensitive. Muffins also shouldn’t take more than about half an hour to prepare, although if you have time, resting the batter can make for a moister muffin.
Perfect Porridge
The ultimate breakfast classic, porridge needn’t be blend or boring, with plenty of ways to update this creamy, satisfying meal. Oats are a complex carbohydrate, which should release energy slower, helping you feel fuller for longer through the day. Top with iron-rich dried fruit and fibre-full seeds, which also contain unsaturated fats, mixing it up with different combinations like cranberries and toasted coconut or linseeds and dates.
If you can’t face cooking breakfast in the morning, an easy option is to make overnight oats. Just stir together your oats, milk and favourite toppings together in a jar or glass and leave in the fridge. A delicious breakfast should be ready for you to eat the next day.