PROTEIN FOR BREAKFAST
My morning meal had devolved into a glass of orange juice with supplements, so my first new habit for 2014 was to eat a proper breakfast with a serving of protein.
I knew from a failed 2013 resolution that it would be a challenge for my creativity as well as my flagging appetite. I set myself up for success in December by printing recipes and writing shopping lists to tuck in my 2014 planner.
The first morning of the new year found me up bright and early, stewing fresh tomatoes and zucchini for eggs Italiano and watching—fascinated—when I cracked a few eggs into simmering vinegar water.
Over the next few days I ate heartily every morning, and enjoyed greater energy throughout the day. Although I was eating much more, I had a roaring appetite by noon, and continued to {unintentionally} lose weight.
The menu of the last several weeks has broadened my conception of breakfast foods, as well as boosted my morning appetite. I’ve dressed up my eggs with vegetables and herbs, thickened my oatmeal with Greek yoghurt, and developed a taste for hearty buckwheat pancakes.
Eggs Italiano–A balsamic vegetable sauce is spooned over toasted English muffins and topped by a soft-boiled egg, parmesan and fresh basil. This hearty and flavorful breakfast stretched my morning appetite, which had become both weak and meager. Eating eggs Italiano makes us sing ‘Mambo Italiano’ and other Dean Martin hits.
Buckwheat Pancakes—The distinctive flavor of buckwheat, tempered by whole wheat, makes for an unusual, hearty pancake that tastes incredibly delicious when soaked with sweet butter and homemade elderberry honey.
Salmon Lox—Rosy salmon lox on buttered English muffins taste especially delicious when sprinkled with snipped dill from a friend’s garden. A side of broccoli florets and sliced white onion, sauteed briefly in coconut oil, makes a complementary side for a heartier breakfast, though my father informs me that no normal person eats vegetables for breakfast. {See ‘Eggs Italiano.’}
Greek yoghurt with sliced mango—Plain yoghurt is thick and creamy, and ice cold mangos from last season sweeten the deal. This is a light and quick breakfast for busy mornings.
Huevos Rancheros Verdes—Yes, you see red tomatoes. I only made this once, as I was not a fan of the bland pinto beans and very crisp tortillas.
• breakfast in January •
January 14, 2014