Breakfast grains for a healthy start
Breakfast grains: We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. How important is it to incorporate grains into your morning meals? Think of the daily cereals you consume. They are likely chock-full of wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, and spelt. Another popular breakfast food filled with fiber? Yup, you guessed it: oatmeal, which is of course made from oats.
Why are grains incorporated into breakfast foods?
Grains are a popular breakfast food because they are high in fiber. According to MayoClinic.org, grains are a necessary component of a well-balanced diet because they are high in fiber. Fiber also “helps lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels, aids in achieving a healthy weight, and helps maintain bowel health.” Grains are therefore a vital source in maintaining dietary health.
Need another reason to eat breakfast grains? Protein!
Whole grains are a great source of protein. Think before you reach for one of those often questionable protein bars (a whopping 18 grams of protein in a 50 gram protein bar? That’s because most often the protein is isolated, which is bad news, please read the linked story), and get your whole grain cereal started: It will be ready in a jiffy!
Would you like some fiber with that?
Needing some grain-inspired breakfast recipes? Levana’s Hot Cereal Breakfast recipe is sure to provide you with the necessary fiber intake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups each: Cracked barley (Gluten-Free: Coarse corn meal), medium granulation Kasha, steel-cut oats, teff, millet, quinoa , brown rice farina.
- 3/4 cup cinnamon powder
- 1/4 cup sea salt
Instructions
In a medium-small saucepan, bring 1/4 cup of the grain mixture to boil with 1 water and 1 cup milk or dairy-free milk such as almond or rice (if you like your cereal thicker, use less liquid), and a nice handful of raisins: You could use a little maple syrup instead if you prefer.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately lower the flame to low (so the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the saucepan), and cover. It will be ready in 10 minutes, and will make you two generous servings. Feel free to make more and reheat the next day or two, thinning it with a little more water or milk.
Makes 14 cups hot cereal mixture, enough for a good 3 dozen or more servings.
Have fun with adding your favorite toppings to this healthy breakfast recipe. Some favorites include a spoonful of yogurt, fruit, seeds, and nuts.
Yet another healthy breakfast option…
Want to add some extra fiber to your breakfast routine? Try the Levana Nourishments Overnight Oats Recipe. This recipe is great because it requires no cooking and can be stored overnight, creating an easy, hassle-free breakfast the next morning. Make sure you have steel-cut oats, raisins, and chia seeds on hand (among other tasty ingredients). Now you never need to eat uninspired, boring breakfast foods again! You will soon find yourself reaching for whole-grains way beyond breakfast to create a nutritious and well-balanced meal.
-Talya Hyman
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