Sticking with a diet might seem tough, especially if you're focusing on what you can't have. Many of our favorite breakfast classics, like eggs, pastries, and cereal, are not compliant with the autoimmune protocol (AIP) version of the paleo diet. But, don't despair-- there are plenty of delicious, healthy breakfast ideas that can help you satisfy your morning meal cravings.
Here are six great AIP paleo breakfast ideas to help inspire you to stay on track without forcing you to sacrifice on good flavor or variety:
Fruit Smoothies
Do you find yourself in too much of a hurry to sit down to breakfast in the morning? Try blending up your own AIP-friendly smoothies for a convenient breakfast that's done in less than ten minutes. Fruits and veggies like strawberries, bananas, pineapple, kale, carrots, and celery can be blended together in any combination you choose to make a truly nutritious and filling morning smoothie. Add coconut milk and coconut cream to create an irresistibly smooth, almost shake-like texture, or blend your ingredients with ice and coconut water to make a refreshing frozen beverage. When you're ready, just pour your creation into your favorite insulated to-go cup and hit the road (on time).
AIP Paleo Granola
Granola is normally a thing of the past for autoimmune sufferers, but it can easily become your new morning go-to again. AIP-compliant granola includes things like tigernuts, raisins, dried banana slices, unsweetened coconut, and honey. Tigernuts, which are sweet, nutty miniature tubers, are a huge asset to any AIP paleo dieter's pantry. Their versatile and delicious flavor makes them perfect for all sorts of diet-friendly treats, either whole or made into a gluten-free flour. Granola also makes a great snack that keeps well without refrigeration, so don't be afraid to make enough to last. Whether you prefer to eat it by the handful or in a bowl with some coconut milk, this is one AIP-compliant treat that anyone can enjoy!
Bone Broth Soups
Gut health is extremely important, especially to those who are healing from an autoimmune condition. While soup for breakfast is not conventional in Western society, many Eastern countries enjoy hot, nutritious broth containing meat and veggies for their morning meal. Consuming bone broth is an excellent way to start the day, especially for those who struggle with eating a solid meal when they wake up. This AIP staple is rich in collagen, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Bone broth has even been shown to treat and prevent the condition "leaky gut," due to its high levels of glutamine. This vital amino acid restores, protects, and fortifies the lining of the stomach and intestines, shielding them from damage. Because warm broth is so wholesome and easy to consume, it's a great way to soothe an upset stomach while staying well-nourished.
AIP Paleo Pancakes and Waffles
Without flour, eggs, milk, and butter, making a batch of delicious pancakes for breakfast can seem impossible. Luckily, more AIP paleo ingredients are popping up by the day in even the most basic grocery stores; things like coconut, plantain, cassava, and banana flours are generally easy to find and use. Most AIP pancake and waffle recipes use gelatin as an egg replacement to help the end products retain their recognizable shapes, and the dough or batter can be spiced any way you like. Feel free to decorate these tasty morsels just like their non-paleo counterparts, since maple syrup is AIP-friendly (in moderation). For an extra decadent twist, add a little carob powder to create a rich, chocolate taste that will almost make you feel like you're cheating on your diet.
"Faux" Oatmeal
By far the most inventive of AIP-friendly copycat foods, faux oatmeal could make you wonder what else you've been missing out on. As the name suggests, a warm dish of mashed bananas, puréed acorn squash, or puréed cauliflower are all convincingly delicious oatmeal substitutes that can be customized to your liking without too much effort. Add fruit and honey for a little extra sweetness, or top it off with coconut milk to make it extra creamy-- you decide. These warm "faux oatmeal" dishes are packed with nutrients and will keep you full from breakfast to lunch. Prepare ahead of time and store them in microwave-safe dishes for a quick pre-work meal, or, if you have the time, whip up a fresh batch for a cozy early morning treat. Unlike regular oatmeal, these faux versions can also be frozen and reheated for the utmost convenience.
Cauliflower "Eggs"
Are you craving scrambled eggs for breakfast? Look no further than spiced, steamed cauliflower. We all know that eggs are a no-go on AIP paleo, but our favorite low-carb veggie is here to save the day again. This simple veggie, when cooked well, has a soft texture that makes a delicious egg substitute. Mix in a little anti-inflammatory turmeric to give the cauliflower a yellow color, add some coconut milk for extra creaminess, and you'll be surprised at how well this dish complements a few slices of freshly-cooked bacon. A great addition to breakfast casseroles and fry-ups, steamed cauliflower is also high in fiber and antioxidants, and can help keep you feeling satisfied for longer.
Making Delicious AIP Paleo Meals Is Easier Than You Think
Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging. Cooking great, healthy meals at home doesn't have to be a struggle when you have dietary restrictions, however. You deserve to enjoy every meal of the day without compromising on flavor or variety, and we're here to guide you toward making that a reality.
Here at Paleo Angel, we're committed to providing you with the motivation, information, and tools you need to stay healthy and make better dietary decisions. We believe that happiness and health can be gained through nutrition, and that the AIP paleolithic diet exists to improve the lives of those struggling with autoimmune disease. For more tips, motivational content, and products that you can trust, visit our website or contact us today.