Original photo by kalandrakas

Breakfast has to be the most under-loved meal of our modern lives. Whether the excuse is a lack of time, a lack of ideas, or just plain old-fashioned lazyness, far too many people miss breakfast. I’m a believer in always having something to start the day, even if it’s just a quick grab on the way out.

The problem with having nothing is that you then start your day on an empty stomach. As such, you get a few hours in to your day, and you need something sugary. Whether it’s too much coffee, a donut or, Heaven forbid, a MacMuffin, it’s your body crying out for some sugar and something to digest.

The simple fact of the matter is, a good breakfast just can’t be replaced. So if you’re looking for some inspiration for starting your day, then here’s some quick, simple ideas to get started…

The Sit Down List

Think of these ones as the breakfasts for watching the morning news over. Or reading the paper. Just try not to spill anything!

• Bowl of cereal with fresh fruit and milk. Personally, I like something crisp and crunchy, but go with whatever does it for you. Whack in some fresh cut strawberries, some berries and a splash of ice-cold milk and you’re done.
• Fruit juice and toast. Get some bread, toast it and spread on some jam. A great starter, especially with some orange or apple juice.
• Boiled egg and toast. We always called them eggy soldiers when I was young, but whatever you want to call them, they’re a great source of protein, and a great starter to the day!
• Beans on toast. Ah, you can’t beat a good classic. Whether it’s ordinary baked beans, kidney or something more exotic, you can’t beat them stuck on a nice slice of toasted granary.
• Stuffed peppers. Now, I can understand that peppers aren’t to everyone’s taste, but I love them. Get a pepper, cut off the top and then grill it. Then fill with brown rice cooked with chopped red onion, some peas and a little ground black pepper. It may take a little preparation the night before to do the rice, but it’s just great.

And now for the person who really doesn’t have any time…

The Grab and Go List

For the person who wants something to grab on their way out…

• Bagels with assorted fillings. There’s something wonderfully moreish about bagels. Especially when you get some reduced fat cream cheese and smoked salmon, or maybe just good old-fashioned lettuce and ham. Perfect if you’re walking in to work.
• Crumpets and spreads. Take one crumpet and toast. Add on some fruit spread. Eat. Job done.
• Fruit smoothies. Especially good in the summer on a hot day, but still a good treat any time of the year, just take some fruit and blend the heck out of it until it looks like goo. a great way to get some vitamins and fruity goodness.
• Cereal bars. For those times when you just haven’t got time to grab anything else, a good cereal bar will get you off to a good start.
• Brioche, pan au chocolat or cuissant. I freely confess to loving all three of these. There’s very little better of a morning than a gently microwaved French baked something. Just stick it in the microwave for ten seconds, and the job’s done. Viola!

And there you are. Ten great, and healthy ways to start your day. What do you like?