You’ve heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In as much as this may be true for you, it is important that your breakfast is stocked with health-promoting foods, not nutrient deficient junk. Eating a healthy breakfast is a great way to reduce overall inflammation in the body, boost immunity and give you the fuel that you need for all-day energy.
Why should you worry about inflammation?
When you fall and break your ankle, inflammation is a good thing. This kind of inflammation, known as acute inflammation, is the body’s way of sending all that is needed to start the healing process.
Sadly, millions of Americans are suffering from chronic inflammation which puts the body in a constant state of excitement and eventually leads to a host of very serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. The worst part about chronic inflammation is that it is silent, creeping up on you and hitting you over the head with a very serious condition before you know it.
What causes chronic inflammation?
The biggest exacerbator of chronic inflammation is the Standard American Diet (SAD), which is truly sad. Diets loaded with processed foods, unhealthy oils, fillers, sugar and other refined ingredients contribute to a constant state of inflammation in the body.
How to make breakfast matter
Here is the good news, you can reverse inflammation in your body by simply changing your diet. The following breakfast foods will kill inflammation and promote wellness. Are you ready to make the switch to save your health?
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a nutritional superhero, loaded with energy promoting nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and high-quality protein. These seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which make them an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. The following is my favorite chia seed pudding recipe. Top your pudding with fresh berries to increase the anti-inflammation kick!
Easy Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- ½ cup chia seeds
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit
How to make it
- Combine coconut milk chia seeds, vanilla and maple syrup in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- Cover the bowl and put in the fridge overnight.
- Top with fresh fruit and enjoy!
Farm Fresh Eggs
Don’t let the bad rap that eggs have gotten fool you. When you buy farm fresh, cage-free, organic eggs you couldn’t be doing more for your health. Eggs contain plenty of protein, B12, selenium and health inflammation busting omega-3 fats. The protein in eggs stabilizes blood sugar, the B12 keeps our red blood cells and nervous system in top shape and the selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
This delicious breakfast idea combines healthy eggs with fresh greens and avocados that contain healthy fats useful for killing inflammation. The ghee in this recipe can ease your digestive tract which allows you gut to absorb vital nutrients and keep toxins at bay.
Gluten-Free Egg Bagel
- ½ gluten free bagel
- 1 ½ teaspoon ghee
- ½ avocado
- Fresh spinach
- 1 poached farm fresh egg
- Sea salt, pepper
- Red pepper flakes
How to make it
- Toast the bagel half and top with ghee.
- Spread the avocado on the bagel and top with fresh spinach.
- Add the poached egg and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Hemp Seeds
Not only are hemp seeds incredibly nutritious but they are loaded with vitamins C, E, A and beta-carotene, protein, minerals, and fiber. According to a study from The University of Seville, hemp seeds have the perfect ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids which lower blood pressure and reduce whole body inflammation. The hemp and blueberry smoothie recipe below is loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients, vitamins, and minerals that will give you the best start to the day while reducing chronic inflammation.
Hemp and Blueberry Delight
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons organic hemp seeds
- 1 scoop pea protein
- ½ cup packed spinach
- 1 tsp spirulina
- 1 ¼ cup almond milk (unflavored)
- ¼ teaspoon holy basil powder
How to make it
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and mix until smooth.
Yummy! Who else is hungry for a healthy breakfast?
-The Alternative Daily