Delicious healthy breakfast ideas for Veterans

A bowl of cold, crunchy cereal or chilly, creamy yogurt will satisfy morning hunger, but every now and then a warm breakfast feeds the soul.

Technically, breakfast is any food eaten after the fasting hours of slumber, but cultural favorites have emerged. As our bodies wake up, they crave energy. Hearty, “stick-to-your-ribs” options like porridge have been eaten since the Paleolithic age.

Fluffy pancakes, a Middle English term coined in the 15th century, are attributed to ancient Greece. Known then as teganitai, a recipe for crispy griddle cakes was found in Galen’s 200 CE recipe book, “De Alimentorum Facultatibus,” which translates to, “On the Properties of Foodstuffs.”

As our ancestors discovered, few things are better than piping hot meals, especially in the winter and science confirms it. Eating is a sensual experience that’s enhanced when food is heated. Hot food releases more airborne particles than cold. These molecules infiltrate our nostrils to tantalize odor receptors and prepare the brain for something delicious.

Streamline breakfast with simple ingredients

When it comes to breakfast, the options are endless. The challenge is the preparation time. Fast-paced societies ruled by families, work and schedules make weekday mornings hectic. For those who like to plan, try prepping a breakfast the night before to reheat in the morning when time is short.

Another great option is to streamline the morning using simple ingredients. Start with a few quick bases, such as oats, eggs or toast, and then add variety by changing the add-ons.

Try these warm breakfast ideas throughout the week:

• Oatmeal with a dollop of jam, fruit or slivered almonds
• Oatmeal with walnuts and cinnamon
• Eggs, any style, with veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers
• Toast with avocado, peanut butter or local honey with apple slices (for a nutrient-dense option, choose sprouted grain, sourdough, flax or rye bread)

Here are recipes to get started. If craving something savory, try this loaded vegetable omelet. For something sweet, how about banana oatmeal protein pancakes. For more ideas, visit your VA dietitian today.