Thursday, June 27, 2013

Nontraditional Breakfast Foods

Avocados are protein and calorie packed, making for an all-inclusive breakfast.


There virtually is no "rule" of what a breakfast can be other than being edible and stomach-able in the morning. In the United States it is often considered odd when someone is seen eating "real" food for breakfast rather than breakfast-acceptable fare. The purpose of breakfast is to break the food fast our bodies experience while sleeping, so the only thing a breakfast should hinge on is good nutrition. Sugary cereal does not have to be the norm over energy-sustaining balanced nontraditional breakfast foods.


Leftovers


It is common, though usually done privately, to eat the previous night's leftovers for breakfast, as it is both already made and contains meal-like nutrition. If you can handle stomaching complex foods in the morning, eating leftovers in the morning, such as reheated pasta, pizza, rice, chili, soups or salads, is a fast energy packed way to start the day. Another advantage to leftovers for breakfast is that it decreases food waste, as leftovers are often forgotten and spoil after time.


Japanese Breakfast


Though a traditional Japanese breakfast is common in Japanese culture, it is definitely non-traditional in the eyes of Americans. Classic Japanese breakfast includes freshly steamed rice, miso soup, seaweed wrappers, pickled or steamed vegetables, fish that is either boiled or grilled and a vegetable dish including tofu or eggs (Japanese omelet). As this comprises more separate dishes than a usual American dinner does, feel free to choose components that match your taste and time limit, remembering to include at least one of the protein items and one of the carbohydrates. If you are not used to Japanese cooking, try waiting until the weekend to prepare the breakfast.








Eastern Breakfast








Middle Eastern breakfasts vary per country and culture, however one common element among many is the combination of hot steaming flat breads dipped in yogurt, goat cheese, cream cheese and black and green olives. In Egypt, beans are cooked with lentils and mixed with olive oil and lemon juice, while in Syria and Lebanon a type of small pizza is covered in minced meat, tomatoes, pine nuts and parsley. While it may be difficult to recreate dishes exactly, play off of their ideas. Heat pitta breads and dip in plain yogurt or cheese spread, prepare a black bean or lentil soup, or make small meat and herb crepes.


Meat and Cheese


Though not unheard of in a traditional American breakfast, meat and cheese is undoubtedly considered more standard in other regions of the world such as Germany, Italy and Brazil. Americans eat toast for breakfast, yet a ham and cheese sandwich seems odd. Bread, meat and cheese is a great breakfast staple as it provides protein, carbohydrates and dairy. They can either be eaten cold stuffed into hot rolls or toasted like a panini in flat or sandwich bread. In many cultures it is more common to eat sandwiches for breakfast than for lunch.


Avocados


Avocados are an extremely versatile and nutritious fruit. Full of calories and protein, an avocado in itself can be a great breakfast food. In the United States, avocados are considered as vegetables and are usually eaten salty. A salty avocado can be eaten sprinkled with salt and eaten with a fork or sandwiched in between bread. In other countries, such as Brazil, avocados are eaten sweet like fruit. A common running-late quick breakfast in Brazil consists of an avocado blended with lemon juice, sugar and milk to form a sweet protein smoothie.

Tags: great breakfast, leftovers breakfast, lemon juice, United States