I know that having smoothies for breakfast is trendy, but I can't do it. Not because I don't like them, or because they don't seem healthy, but because they're usually too cold.
I prefer to start the day with a hot breakfast, or at least one that isn't cold. These are some of my tricks to be able to do it every morning, even during the week.
- I start my day by drinking a glass of water, but not cold, room temperature water. Since I drink filtered water which comes out very cold, I fill my glass and let it sit for a while before drinking it.
- Hot drink: I have an infusion, coffee, or miso broth every day. Making miso broth is very easy; I simply heat water, without letting it boil, and pour it into a cup with a tablespoon of red miso. Miso broth not only warms the body but also supports the digestive system with pre- and probiotics. It feels wonderful.
- Overnight chia and oat pudding: I like to make these two breakfasts at night because they make mornings more relaxed. To take the chill out of the refrigerator where they've been sitting for hours, I make them a little drier than the recipe calls for, and I pour hot milk over the pudding once it's served. I mix it well before adding fruit, seeds, almond butter, etc. Here's the recipe for chia pudding.
- Quick oatmeal or porridge: I don't have a microwave, but it only takes about 5 minutes to cook oats in a pot. I make it by feel with water, rolled oats, and a pinch of salt, and finish it with a little plant-based milk to make it creamy without it becoming mushy, and whatever else you'd like to add. Hemp seeds, cacao nibs, and almond butter are some options.
- Smoothies: Smoothies are a great option, but they're almost always served cold. You can make them using fresh fruit instead of frozen, use hot water instead of cold water or milk to blend the fruit, and/or add warming spices like ginger.
- Fruit compote: Although I like to make compote and keep it ready for several days in the refrigerator, heating it up is very easy. Simply add a little water to a saucepan and simmer it, covered, for a few minutes, stirring a couple of times to ensure even heating. Once heated, you can spread it on oats, toast, yogurt, etc.
Do you like to have a cold or hot breakfast?