For most people following a low-carb diet, breakfast is the most difficult meal to plan. Traditional breakfasts like cereals, toast and pancakes are out, as they're just too high in carbs, and it can be hard to stomach a low-carb meal of meat and vegetables so early in the day. But with a few easy-to-make, healthy low-carb recipes, you can turn breakfast from a chore into a meal worth getting up for.
Cheese and Vegetable Omelet
Take a handful each of spinach, broccoli and mushrooms, and fry them in a pan for 1 minute along with a tablespoon of butter. Whisk three medium eggs, and add these to the pan. Cook the eggs omelet style until they are at your desired consistency, and remove from the heat. Sprinkle a small handful of your favorite cheese over the omelet, and put the pan over the heat for another minute to melt the cheese. Eggs are a great way to start the day, as they are rich in iron, vitamins A and D, choline and protein.
Peanut Mocha Protein Shake
In a blender, put one scoop of chocolate-flavored protein powder, 1 tsp. coffee granules and 1 tbsp. peanut butter. Add water to get it to your desired consistency, and blend on full power for 30 seconds. This will make a delicious high-protein, low-carb, mocha-flavored drink. This breakfast can be made in seconds and consumed on the way to work or school. You can substitute the water for almond milk if you wish, but bear in mind that this will raise the carb and calorie content slightly.
Meat and Nuts
The meat and nuts breakfast is a favorite of renowned strength coach Charles Poliquin. The meat causes blood sugar to rise slowly, unlike most carb-heavy breakfasts, which cause a rapid rise in blood sugar and insulin, and the nuts provide essential fats. It's a good idea to experiment with different meats here, and rotate them regularly. Try some buffalo, elk or venison if you're able to locate a supplier. Likewise, you don't have to stick to the same nuts all the time. Brazils, pecans, macadamias, hazelnuts, cashews and many others provide different nutritional benefits and keep breakfast interesting.
Asparagus and Chorizo Frittata
Finely chop six asparagus stalks and 12 small slices of chorizo, and add them to an oven-proof frying pan over a medium heat. Allow these to soften while whisking six eggs and a handful of Parmesan cheese together in a bowl. Add the eggs and cheese to the pan, and cook until the eggs at the bottom of the pan are starting to set. At this point, put the pan in a preheated oven set at 200 degrees F. When the top of the fritatta is brown, it is ready to be taken out of the oven. This makes two to four servings.
Member Comments