Sunday 8 May 2011

Low Carb Breakfast

Most dietitians and nutritionists agree that having a good breakfast in the morning is very important. Deciding to opt for a low carb diet, especially in aiding weight loss, should also include a healthy low carb breakfast.

There are many low carb breakfast options that are both quick and easy to make and will help you feel fuller for longer. Here I have given you some low carb breakfast recipes to help you stick to a low carb diet regimen and fulfil some of your dietary needs for the day.

Before you decide on a low carb breakfast food, it is important that you understand which foods are low in carbohydrates. Foods vary greatly in their carbohydrate content and are split up into two categories, simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. For those wishing to follow a low carb diet, whether it be for weight loss or to control diabetes, the main rule is to opt for complex carbohydrate foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and some non-starchy vegetables. Depending on the particular low carb diet plan you have chosen, some diets allow fruits and whole grains.

Eggs are probably the most popular and easiest low carb breakfast you can make. Eggs are not only incredibly versatile, but cheap and nutritious too. Eggs and bacon, accompanied with mushrooms and tomato, make a very traditional breakfast that will keep you satisfied all morning. Eggs can also be scrambled, poached or boiled.

For a little more variety try Florentine eggs and ham.

Ingredients;
275g washed ready to eat fresh spinach
2 table spoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
225g sliced lean ham
1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
2 eggs

Microwave the spinach on high for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the cheese and season to taste. Chop the spinach into bite sized pieces and divide onto two plates. Saute the ham in a non-stick frying pan for 2 minutes or until slightly browned. Divide over the plates of spinach.

Add the vinegar to a pan of simmering water and create a whirlpool in the center. Drop an egg into the whirlpool, turn off heat and leave covered for 4 minutes or until set. Repeat with the second egg.
Serve the eggs over the ham.

Omelettes also make a quick and substantial low carb breakfast. Try adding ham, mushrooms, cheese or peppers to your omelette to add more flavor.

Low-carb burritos make a very filling breakfast dish. First scramble some eggs, and add some jalapenos. Fill a low-carb tortilla with the eggs and sprinkle over with grated cheese and salsa.

If you are used to having cereal in the mornings for a quick breakfast beware, most cereals have a high carbohydrate content and are not included on a low carb diet. However, there are some cereals which have a lower carbohydrate value and make very good low carb breakfast food. It is important to read the carbohydrate content on the packet first.

Oatmeal in the morning is a good low carb breakfast alternative if you want a hot breakfast, but not eggs. This can easily be made in the microwave.

Ingredients
110g oatmeal
450ml water
225ml skimmed milk or soya milk
2g artificial sweetener (optional)

Combine the oatmeal and water in a microwave safe bowl and cook on high for 4 minutes. Stir in the milk and sweetener if used and divide between 2 bowls.

If preparing on the hob, combine the oatmeal and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Reduce the heat and cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the milk and sweetener, divide between 2 bowls.

For those who prefer a cold meal in the mornings, plain or flavored low carb yogurt is a good breakfast
option. Combining the yogurt with a cup of nuts or frozen berries or flax seed makes a quick low carb breakfast option.

Low carb shakes are another quick option that will keep you satisfied for some time. These can be bought already prepared from health stores or you can make your own. Blend together a cup of milk or soya milk with 1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate low carb protein powder, half a cup of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons flax seed, sweetener to taste and 3-4 ice cubes.

These are just a few suggestions for a low carb breakfast. Once having done some research to identify the right sort of low carb foods you can have will make it easier for you to stock up on your favourite ingredients. Varying your meals will also help you stick to your diet and achieve your low carb diet weight loss successfully.

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