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So it’s a new year and most likely, many of you have some pretty big health goals in mind, right? Well we’d like to help you make those goals much more than resolutions and more of lifestyle changes to benefit you for years to come. With some simple nutrition tips and some healthy breakfast ideas to jump-start your week, going meat-free in the morning for 2015 has never been tastier or easier. Forget the number of pounds you want to lose for now; for now, just focus on making your meals more healthy and clean (a.k.a. animal-free, free of added sugars, and unprocessed as possible) and you’ll be on your way to a healthy weight in the blink of an eye. The best time to start that healthy routine is at breakfast, which is where you’ll set the tone for the rest of your day.
How to Master a Healthy Meatless Morning
The goal for breakfast is to choose something full of protein, complex carbs full of fiber, and a little healthy fat for satiety, healthy digestion, and a healthy heart. It’s also smart to avoid excess sodium, added sugars, and processed ingredients. Whatever you fancy, these options will satisfy. Don’t worry, these options below will prove that clean eating really is delicious, enjoyable, and anything less than boring.
Cheers to healthy, meatless mornings (and days) – no bacon, eggs, (or even milk) needed!
1. The Perfect Whole Grain Protein Bowl
Forget eggs for protein, and skip the whey while you’re at it- this protein bowl is packed with plant-based protein, and a delicious assortment of flavorful superfoods to energize you naturally. Since quinoa has all essential amino acids, there’s no need for any meat or other animal products in the morning routine. Don’t like quinoa? Oats are a perfect substitute since they’re also packed with protein and filling fiber.
2. Matcha Porridge With Pomegranate Seeds
Now isn’t this a pretty way to start the day? This breakfast is jam-packed with supefood nutrition, protein, and essential fatty acids. You can use stevia as your liquid sweetener to keep it naturally sugar-free, and even add some other fruits to the mix if you enjoy them. Pomegranate seeds offer a plentiful punch of antioxidants and they help fight free radicals and high cholesterol. They’re also naturally sweet to satisfy your sweet tooth. Matcha green tea powder is added here, which adds a rich, buttery flavor, not to mention more chlorophyll than even spinach or kale!
3. Protein-Packed Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
If you’re looking for something healthy and energizing, look no further than this filling breakfast bowl. Not only does it include quinoa that contains protein, but also almonds, chia seeds, and and sunflower seeds to boot! If you’d like to keep this low in sugar, use stevia in place of maple syrup, or use maple syrup as a natural sweetener. The berries and spices will add plenty of antioxidants to your breakfast and you’ll be sure to be going long and strong for hours on end, no hunger pangs in sight!
4. Creamy Pumpkin Acai Bowl
If you’re a superfoodie like we are, you’re going to absolutely love this breakfast! Get ready to dig your spoon into a bowl full of creamy, healthy nutrients that tastes like dessert! Not only is it colorful, but also packed with protein, antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, B vitamins and healthy fats. The best part is, this breakfast is easy to digest and light on the stomach, yet it will keep you full for hours. Did you know that pistachios have been linked to a healthier digestive system and mulberries have been said to aid in lowering blood sugar? Avocado and acai are also full of healthy omega 3 fatty acids, and the pumpkin here will provide fiber to aid regularity and plenty of Vitamin A to keep your skin and heart healthy. Use coconut kefir to keep this vegan and be sure to use non-dairy milk for the milk called for here.
5. Berry Breakfast Smoothie With Cacao Drizzle and Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is nothing new, but this breakfast is sure gives them a brand new light! Chia seeds provide all the magnesium, potassium, iron, protein, and fiber you could ask from such a tiny little seed. Just two tablespoons of chia seed each morning will keep you full for hours on end. To add flavor, cacao and berries are added here, which also add antioxidants, additional fiber, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C. Cacao is also one of the best foods for boosting brain function and lowering stress. The best part about this breakfast is you make it the night before and keep it in the fridge ready to go. This is great in case you’re short on time for morning meals. (See other tips for meal ideas for the busy bunch here.)
6. Simple, Healthy Breakfast Bowl
Not only is this breakfast easy, it’s also energizing, filling, and nutritious too. Containing some of the most potent superfoods on the planet, it’s packed with nutrients to get you going when you need them the most: morning time! If you’re never tried superfoods or even healthy foods before, breakfast is a good time to do that. It gets you motivated for the day ahead and can inspire some of your most beloved meals for days to come. Try this easy breakfast out, you’ll love the way it makes you feel thanks to the superfood berries and healthy fats and protein.
7. Easy Vegan Spinach Pepper Quiche
For those of you that happen to enjoy eggs, you’ll love this version which is egg-free. Eggs are inflammatory to the body, while plant-based options are much easier to digest and also better for the blood, lymphatic system, and the joints. Here we’ve used a delicious whole food option to make a quiche with, tofu, and flavored it with nutritional yeast which has a rich, cheesy flavor. For good measure, veggies and spinach are added here as well, which also add even more nutrition and antioxidant protection. Quit the crackin’ eggs each morning- just mix up this in seconds and you’re set to go!
Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home
Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects.
For those of you interested in eating more plant-based we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Here are some great resources to get you started:
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