I try to limit breakfast foods that are super processed* or have refined flour** in them but for a treat, these pancakes are a hit and I love that they taste good and are nutritious.  I often get asked what I eat for breakfast by friends and clients so I have included a handful of super healthy and delicious breakfast ideas.  

The ideal winter breakfast is warm, filling and of course satisfying.  Having just a smoothie or a bowl of cereal or some yogurt and fruit may be a good option but if it's missing that truly hearty element, you're likely to be hungry again in an hour or two and just not feel satisfied.  My hearty breakfasts often include a warm grain, a protein and veggies and sometimes a healthy breakfast desert. I love marrying different flavors and textures for breakfast: creamy, crunchy, salty, bitter, spicy and sweet top the list.  But the truth is, not all of us have time to cook the real deal especially on weekday mornings when we are rushing off to work or taking care of others. Many of the items listed below can be prepped the night before and stored in the fridge or precooked so all you have to do is heat it up and/or put it together the next morning.

1. Bob's Gluten Free Hot Breakfast Cereal with butter or ghee and a drop of sea salt and maybe a bit of honey to satisfy the sweet taste.  Pair with some protein such as nitrite free sausage, bacon, or smoked salmon (any leftover protein such as beans or ground meat is good too)  and saut�ed greens (Substitute  Bob's cereal for Oatmeal or Cornmeal or Grits) (top with ground flaxseed to get the extra fiber and omega 3's).

2. One or two fried or scrambled egg(s) with saut�ed veggies and beans (black or pinto or refried -my new favorite) For a breakfast burrito and good on the go-  wrap up in 2 corn tortillas (sprouted corn tortillas from Food for Life are the healthiest).

3. Sunshine Burgers (any variety) with saut�ed veggies (onions, zucchini, garlic and kale). Pair with some bacon or sausage or some smoked salmon.

4. Bowl of Brown Rice or quinoa with some almond milk, cinnamon and shredded coconut. Pair with some beans and spinach or steamed chard.

5. Nitrite free bacon (pork or turkey) or a natural sausage with roasted squash or sweet potato and some steamed spinach.

6. Smoked salmon wrapped in nori seaweed with avocado and some steamed chard or kale or just some greens and black sesame seeds. Good with rice in it as well. A super easy Real Deal especially if the rice is waiting for you already cooked in the fridge.

7. Plain yogurt- Goat, Sheep or Greek with Local Honey some chia seeds, roasted nuts (love walnuts and pecans) and maybe a bit of fruit- apple, grapefruit, pomegranate seeds.  (Yogurt and nuts provide ample protein).

All the fresh herbs are great on the veggies as is something spicy such as cayenne pepper or chemical free hot sauce.  I love using dried herbs such as turmeric, fenugreek, dill, black pepper and oregano on my veggies.  Green juice, green soup or warm broth is another great addition to these breakfasts. And I love love love love to add a bit of raw sauerkraut for the probiotics!

If your breakfast is void of a sweet element, it definitely calls for a sweet finish...try some plain yogurt and honey sprinkled toasted nuts and cinnamon. Warm some corn tortillas and roll them up and dip into honey or drizzle with maple syrup, a small bowl of the freshest granola possible with some almond or rice milk or "So Delicious coconut milk", Or nibble on a couple of squares of dark chocolate.

* **Super processed/refined flour: dry/cold boxed breakfast cereals, bagels, pastries, toast, baguette, French toast, pancakes, waffles.