It’s Farmhouse Breakfast Week – Time to give yourself a natural boost in the mornings

I confess that I have quite old fashioned views when it comes to breakfast. I really do see it as the most important meal of the day. After we have been sleeping for eight hours, we need a natural, healthy boost to wake up our body and balance our blood sugar. We don’t have to import cereals from around the world or eat a sugar-laden breakfast. There are many more ethical and sustainable ideas. If you grow your own fruit and have chickens that lay eggs, you may be able to enjoy a self sufficient breakfast for most of the year.

Exploding the weight loss myth

[amazon-product small=”1″]0753507269[/amazon-product]Many people skip breakfast, either because they think they will gain weight be eating it, or they are simply in too much of a hurry in the morning’s to prioritise it.

The idea that you will lose weight by not eating breakfast is a complete myth. In most cases, your blood sugar will crash mid morning and the chances are you will crave something sugary such as a donut or chocolate bar or a high caffeine coffee to stop the shakes. Eating a healthy breakfast will help to slowly release energy throughout the morning. This helps stabilise your mood and gives you the energy to get through your morning without binge eating.

Commit to your health

Why not make a commitment to yourself from now on to get up 15 minutes earlier in the morning and sit down to a good breakfast?

I’m not talking a full English fry up, but something to stabilise your blood sugar and give you a great start to the day. Your body and mind will thank you for it! Plus it’s a fabulous way to get a head start on your ‘five a day’ fruit and vegetable portions.

Start slowly

If you’ve never eaten breakfast, it is likely that you literally won’t be able to ‘stomach’ it and the very thought will leave you feeling queasy. In this case choose something light. Just one piece of fruit, a small pot of bio yogurt or a thin slice of toast and butter with a glass of freshly squeezed juice will set you up for the day.

Get out of the rut!

If you’re stuck in a rut with breakfast, then why not make the decision to get a little more adventurous – it doesn’t have to be a bowl of cornflakes and a cup of tea every morning!

Hot winter comfort

One of my favourite gadgets it our slow cooker. We can come down to warm porrage or rice pudding for breakfast in the winter. We then add our own toppings from a choice of dried and fresh fruit, natural yogurt, honey and mixed seeds.

Springtime smoothies

In the springtime, a smoothie makes a great start to the day. If you include a selection of berries you will be giving your body an antioxidant-rich treat every morning. You can add some seeds and yogurt or any type of milk to make a thick, nutritious and satisfying shake. If you want something warm, how about scrambled eggs or tofu with some chopped parsley and chives and grilled tomatoes.

Summer fruits

In the summer, there is nothing quote so wonderful as a bowl of fresh fruit. Strawberries, raspberries and melon in a little apple juice, topped with mint makes a refreshing start to the day. It’s even better if you go out into your garden to pick your own fruit freshly warmed by the sun.

Warming autumn dishes

Autumn is a good time for stewed fruits. Poached pears cooked in the slow cooker overnight, warm fruit compote and a selection of organic grains to make your own muesli, served with mixed seeds and nuts makes for a satisfying feel-good breakfast.

Go on – you know you’re worth it! Tell me what your favourite breakfast is.