The ONLY good thing about working out at 5:00am is having time to eat a proper breakfast in after the workout. I treated breakfast as a reward for surviving Shaun T’s Insanity workout and this motivated me to prepare a healthy meal to refuel my body. Eating the right food post workout can speed up your metabolism, help repair muscle damage and help with weight loss. This means foods that are high in fibre, protein and antioxidants like chia seeds, oatmeal, eggs, or a protein shake.

On that note, here are my 5 ‘breakfast of champions’ that I prepare every morning. They are easy, satisfying, delicious and healthy. One item that I haven’t featured in the post is Miranda Kerr’s green juice that I drink whenever I can find coconut water in the supermarket. Anthony absolutely hates the taste of it so you be the judge if you want to try it, recipe here.

Banana Chia Seeds Pudding

Chia seeds is ‘THE’ superfood of the year and I understand why everyone is going gaga about it. It delivers maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. The high fiber will also leave you full and satisfied for longer. 

Serving: 1

1 ripe banana

2 tbsp. chia seeds

½ skim milk or almond milk

Blueberries

Crushed Almonds

Agave Syrup

 Directions:

1. In a bowl, mash the banana until it turns into a puree consistency
2. Add the chia seeds and milk. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. The next morning, the chia pudding is ready to eat. Add blueberries and almonds and a drizzle of agave syrup

Classic Oatmeal

You can never go wrong with classic oatmeal. I make mine with water instead of milk to cut back on the dairy  and so it doesn’t come up creamy. Adding cinnamon and maple syrup makes a world of difference to plain oatmeal. Top it off with your favorite fruit and nuts combo.

Serving: 1

½ cup organic rolled oats

1 cup of water

Splash of milk

Cinnamon

Drizzle of maple syrup

Fruits and nuts for toppings: banana and almonds

 Directions:

1. Add the water in a small saucepan and let it boil.
2. Once it comes to a roaring boil, add the oatmeal and stir until your desired thickness is achieved (I like mine a bit thick).
3. Add the cinnamon and remove from the heat
4. Transfer into a breakfast bowl and add the toppings: banana, almonds and drizzle with maple syrup.

Savory Oatmeal

This is my take on oatmeal since it’s Asian style. It reminds me of congee porridge I used to eat when I was a kid. I got this idea from Cameron Diaz who prepare savory oatmeal with a side of eggs. Don’t be disgusted with salty oatmeal, it’s absolutely delicious.

Serving: 1

½ cup organic rolled oatmeal

½ cup water

½ chicken stock

3 shitake mushroom

handful of sliced zucchini

½ tsp. low-sodium soy sauce

drizzle of Sesame oil

1 tsp. Ponzu sauce

1 Egg

Directions:

1. Combine water and stock in a small saucepan and bring to boil
2. Add the oatmeal and stir until desired thickness and consistency is achieved
3. Transfer into a bowl and combine with soy sauce, sesame oil and ponzu sauce.
4. Lightly sauté mushroom and zucchini and transfer into the oatmeal bowl
5. Top off with a fried egg

 Bagel with cream cheese and salmon

I keep whole-wheat bagel in the house all the time for when I don’t have much time to prepare breakfast where I whip up a simple cream cheese bagel with smoked salmon.

Serving: 1

1 whole-wheat bagel toasted

1 tbsp. low-fat cream cheese spread like Philadelphia cream cheese

Dried Dill

½ cup of slides strawberries

 Directions:

1. Toast bagel and spread cream cheese
2. Top it with smoked salmon and sprinkle dried dill on top
3. Eat with a side of fresh strawberries

Egg McMuffin

We found this 100 calories whole-wheat bread buns in Carrefour that we use with sandwiches, burgers and breakfast as well. This is my low-fat version of Egg McMuffin.

Serving: 1

100 calorie bread buns (can be found in Carrefour)

1 egg

2 slices of turkey ham

0% fat cheddar cheese slices (can be found in Carrefour)

Veganaise

Dried dill

Directions:

1. In a small skillet, fry the egg using non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Slice the bun in half and toast.
3. Spread vegenaise and place cheese slice on the other side.
4. Place the egg and place two slices of turkey ham on top, sprinkle with chives

Would love to know what’s your breakfast staple in the morning? share your recipes and ideas below on the comment section.

P.S.: Stay tuned this Thursday for D.I.Y. Natural mascara remover