Overview
If you haven't heard of Mark Sisson yet, you soon will. The founder of Primal Kitchen and best-selling author of "The Primal Blueprint," "Primal Endurance" and "The Keto Reset Diet" is quickly becoming the industry's go-to expert when it comes to eating primal and following the keto diet. And for good reason. The former elite endurance athlete with a 2:18 marathon and fourth-place Hawaii Ironman finisher is walking proof that a diet high in fat and low in carbs can be a healthy lifestyle choice.
Sisson, who also runs his blog MarksDailyApple.com, focuses on combining the principles of living primal with keto all while eating whole foods to achieve optimal health. Here, he shares some of his favorite keto-friendly breakfast recipes — from hearty lamb shakshuka to primal Scotch eggs — that will quickly become your favorites as well.
Rocket Fuel Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie
This smoothie is not only high in beneficial fats, protein and antioxidants, but it's also low carb and keto-friendly, making it an easy morning go-to — especially when you are short on time.
Sisson recommends supercharging this drink by adding collagen peptides and Himalayan rock salt to get your electrolytes up. He adds, "Don't skip the MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil for a host of health benefits and full-fat coconut milk for a flavorful boost. Brighten it up with some cacao nibs, cinnamon or raspberries, but keep the toppings to a minimum, otherwise, you'll hit your sugar limit for the day."
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Rocket Fuel Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie
Garlic, Dill and Cheddar Keto Bread
A slice of warm buttered bread can be hard to resist, but thanks to this keto bread, you don't have to sacrifice your waistline to enjoy your morning toast or lunchtime sandwiches. Sisson's recipe sets itself apart from other keto bread recipes by producing a lighter loaf that isn't too moist and spongy and isn't too "eggy" tasting. The "eggy" flavor often associated with keto bread is toned down in this recipe by using fewer eggs and by adding bolder flavors like dried herbs, garlic and cheese. For another variation, try honey and cinnamon.
Sisson warns, "This isn't going to taste exactly like 'regular' bread, but it has a similar texture, and with the right toppings you will get your bread fix. Make sure you read all the way through the recipe, as it includes many tips that will ensure your loaf turns out perfectly."
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Garlic, Dill and Cheddar Keto Bread
Curried Pork Frittata
With an airy texture and buttery flavor, this curried pork frittata offers the richness of coconut milk, the heartiness of ground pork and the pepperiness of arugula.
Although slightly more time-consuming to cook than a fried or scrambled egg, Sisson says this frittata is worth the effort (don't worry, the effort is minimal). The batter comes together quickly in a blender and is poured over cooked ground pork, then all you have to do is throw some arugula on top. The best part: You can serve it warm out of the oven, or make it ahead and serve it at room temperature.
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Curried Pork Frittata
Keto Blueberry Muffin
According to Sisson, these keto-friendly muffins are without question one of the best gluten-free, low-carb muffins out there. "With only a trace of sugar per serving (they're sweetened with stevia), they are a treat worth making on the weekend," he says.
"They're fluffy and moist with a smooth cake-like texture, proving once and for all that you don't need white flour, sugar or a long list of not-so-natural ingredients to make genuinely delicious baked goods," explains Sisson. "For more flavor and sweetness, add a little almond extract and liquid stevia — but you can omit sweetener entirely if you add some fresh blueberries. And the best part? You can use this recipe as a base for whatever type of muffin you crave."
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Keto Blueberry Muffins
Lamb Shakshuka
Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern shakshuka, this version is for meat lovers. The cherry tomatoes, plus a generous amount of herbs, give this high-protein meal a fresh, light flavor that's perfect for any meal of the day.
If you want to start your day with this powerhouse recipe, consider cooking the lamb and tomatoes ahead of time. Right before breakfast, reheat the meat in a skillet with eggs. Now there's no excuse not to enjoy a hearty breakfast and get out the door on time.
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Lamb Shakshuka
Primal Scotch Eggs
While Scotch eggs are nice, Sisson's Primal Scotch Egg improves on the standard British fare by skipping the carb-heavy flour and breadcrumbs. The result is a snack that's slightly less crunchy on the outside, but just as creamy and delicious inside.
For frying, you can go all the way and deep-fry the egg into an extracrispy golden nugget. Alternatively, you can pan-fry in a generous amount of oil and finish the egg off in the oven to make sure the sausage is cooked through.
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Primal Scotch Eggs
Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Frittata With Garlic Aioli
Sisson says, "You can't go wrong with this incredible frittata, topped with my favorite garlic aioli mayo. This dish is filled with tons of fats and antioxidants, not to mention being 100 percent Whole30 compliant and keto-friendly."
This sophisticated (yet simple) dish makes staying in feel like a real treat. Serve the frittata with a handful of arugula tossed with a lemon-turmeric vinaigrette and you've got a nutrient-dense, tasty meal that will keep you fueled throughout the day.
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Frittata
Fajita Frittata With Avocado Sauce
This make-ahead recipe brings bold flavor to breakfast without being overly complicated. Seasoned steak and peppers are sauteed and then quickly baked with eggs and topped with a bright and flavorful avocado salsa.
The result is a healthy breakfast that can be made the day before and sliced into portions to be eaten at home or on the go. Sisson says, "While you can throw just about anything into a frittata for flavor, for me there's something about the combination of steak and eggs that's extra satisfying."
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Fajita Frittata With Avocado Sauce
Keto Cacao Smoothie
When you're craving a bit of chocolate, this smoothie is the way to go. It delivers a full blast of protein and healthy fats from the high-fat coconut milk, cacao powder, almond butter, avocado, collagen protein and more.
By including cacao nibs, cinnamon or raspberries you can add more flavor. But be careful or you'll exceed your sugar intake for the day. Sisson likes this smoothie as a breakfast choice, especially after a workout, or as dessert.
Recipe and Nutritional Info: Keto Cacao Smoothie
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