The phrase ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ dates all the way back to the 19th century. It’s credited to James Caleb Jackson and John Harvey Kellogg as a tactic to sell their newly invented breakfast cereal, but countless research since has found that they’re not wrong. We all need a kick start in the morning and particularly during winter when plummeting temperatures and dark early mornings can make it harder to feel energised.
Breakfast should be balanced and nutritious all year round, but in winter you’re likely to want something a little more substantial (and hot!). Luckily, there are plenty of breakfast options to choose from to help you through the cold winter days, from a traditional cooked breakfast, to egg dishes and winter breakfast bowls. If you’re bored of the same cereal and toast and are looking for something a little more exciting, read on for some of the best breakfasts to fuel you all through winter.
Why is breakfast so important?
The name breakfast is rather literal; the first meal of the day breaks the fast that occurs overnight and kick starts your metabolism. Skipping breakfast puts your body into conservation mode, which means that it won’t burn as many calories throughout the day.
Breakfast also replenishes glucose supplies to boost your energy levels and alertness and many breakfast foods contain important nutrients and minerals. A healthy balanced breakfast will give your body a dose of calcium, iron, protein, fibre and B vitamins. You also feel the cold more if you’re hungry or not getting enough food, so it’s even more important to eat breakfast before stepping out into the cold winter weather.
Feeling alert and energetic is even more important during the winter months, when the shorter days, cold weather and long, dark nights can add up to make us feel lethargic and sluggish. Pay attention to your body and what works for you; the ideal winter breakfast should leave you feeling satisfied (but not too full), awake and refreshed.
Winter breakfast ideas
Summer breakfasts are usually on the lighter side; think natural yoghurt, plenty of fresh fruit and granola. In winter, however, you’ll need something more filling to give you energy for the colder weather. If you have the time, then a warm, cooked breakfast is the perfect way to set you up for the day, but there are plenty of tasty breakfasts that can be eaten on the go too.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite winter breakfast ideas below to give you some inspiration, from savoury egg dishes to delicious breakfast bowls.
Winter breakfast bowls
Breakfast bowls are a staple for many people all year round, especially if you don’t have much time in the morning. These no cook breakfasts are tasty, filling and you can use whatever fruit or seeds you have lying around. The most common base for a breakfast bowl is yoghurt (Greek yoghurt, natural yoghurt or whatever you fancy), plus toasted oats or granola.
For winter, try adding heavier or dried fruits with a festive twist, like dates, cranberries, orange, clementine and dried cherries. Throw in some toasted coconut flakes, almonds or pecans and you’ve got yourself a quick, easy, delicious breakfast.
Shakshuka
This baked egg dish is rich, filling and so tasty, and you can make a pared back version with just five ingredients. Take an onion and red pepper and fry for about five minutes, or until the onion softens. Add two tins of chopped tomatoes and stir for five minutes until the mixture boils and thickens slightly. Make four wells in the tomato mixture and crack an egg into each one, then turn down the heat and cover the pan to simmer the mixture for 10 minutes (slightly more or less depending on how firm you like your eggs).
Once cooked, sprinkle with parsley leaves and serve. You can also add some feta cheese crumbled on top if you like and serve with crusty bread to make a filling brunch meal at the weekend.
Porridge
Porridge is a winter staple and with good reason. Porridge contains more fibre than wholemeal bread and it’s been proven to stabilise blood sugar, thanks to the low glycemic index of oats. There are many different winter flavour combinations to experiment with; try adding apricots and cranberries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or ground ginger and maple syrup.
Breakfast muffins
If you’re pushed for time in the morning, make some breakfast muffins one weekend so you have something healthy to grab on the go. There are many different recipes available, but popular combinations include banana and pumpkin or seeds, blueberry and banana. Many recipes use honey or applesauce for extra sweetness in place of refined sugar, as well as wholemeal flour for slow release energy.
Toast with a twist
Toast doesn’t have to mean grabbing a slice as you’re heading out the door, it can be an exciting breakfast in its own right if you know what to add. Try a healthier twist on French toast by using almond or coconut milk instead of cream, plus wholemeal bread and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Avocado on toast is still a classic and it pairs very well with pear and gorgonzola for a festive twist. If you’re looking for another indulgent spin on humble toast, try figs, honey and ricotta.
Classic cooked breakfast
A traditional full English breakfast is a real treat on weekends, but it’s not the healthiest option for everyday. A hot breakfast is very welcome on cold mornings however, so if you want to eat a full cooked breakfast more often, consider some healthy swaps. Replace fried bread with extra veg like sauteed spinach, grilled tomatoes or mushrooms. Vegetarian sausages also tend to be lower in saturated fat and you could choose bacon with a lower fat content.
Pancakes and waffles
Pancakes and waffles feel very indulgent and you can add extra ingredients for added protein and slow release energy. A blend of granola, oats, bananas, eggs, milk and baking powder creates a delicious pancake batter that will also help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Top with natural yoghurt, banana, honey or dried winter fruits like cranberries and apricots.
Adding cottage cheese to a waffle mix is another way to add in extra protein and ensure you’ve got enough energy for the day. Cottage cheese (use natural yoghurt if you prefer), eggs, almond flour and vanilla extract makes the perfect waffle batter and the cheese or yoghurt will make the mixture fluffier too. Top with blueberries or a winter combination of apple, pear and raisins.
High quality wholesale breakfast products – from the experts at Freshways
Here at Freshways, we understand that a good breakfast needs high quality products, so if you’re looking for premium wholesale food and dairy products, we’ve got you covered. As the UK’s largest independent processing dairy, we deliver to customers across London, Wales and the UK. Whether you’re a small local cafe, bakery, or large hotel, we’ve got the products you need to serve delicious breakfasts all year round.
We stock a range of milks (including dairy alternatives), yoghurt, eggs, cream, juice and bread products. We’re also proud to offer a wide selection of cheeses, including brie, stilton, mozzarella, goat’s cheese, Camembert and many more. For more information about our products or to place an order, give us a call today or get in touch via our website.