When the low carb buzz initially hit, I have to say I wasn’t an immediate fan.

Most of all, I hated how certain foods were villainized almost overnight.

As you know, I do believe that all foods can be enjoyed in moderation within a healthy diet.

However, if you have diabetes or you are trying to lose weight, research suggests that following a lower carb diet plan can be extremely beneficial.

When I refer to low carb, however, I do not mean the exclusion of fruits and vegetables from your diet. I also don’t mean a diet that is extremely high in processed meats, such as sausages and bacon.

I think it’s pretty clear by now that that kind of long-term eating plan is not healthy.

So, what is a healthy low carb diet plan?

Of course, the answer to this will depend on your long-term goals, but your diet plan may look something like this:

• Lots of fresh vegetables
• Moderate amounts of fresh fruits
• Zero, or very little, white carbs (e.g. white bread, pasta, rice), and wholegrains when you do eat grains (e.g brown rice, oats)
• Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, beef, all fish, and also eggs
• Moderate amounts of dairy foods
• Fats from healthy sources, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, nut butters and oily fish
• Low intake of added sugars

So, what is a low carb breakfast?

Some people find that when they switch to a lower carb eating plan, breakfast becomes one of their biggest challenges.

One reason for this, is that most people in Western societies associate breakfast with carb-rich foods, like cereals and breads. As I’ve already hinted, I’m not anti-carb, but these choices are nothing more than empty calories, in many instances.

One of the easiest ways to get around this, though, is to think of low carb breakfast ideas that are slightly more lunch-like in nature.

I know it can seem difficult to get into the way of cooking first thing in the morning, when you’re so used to simply opening a packet.

However, there are lots of quick, easy and healthy options for you to try out. So, here’s just a few.

Low Carb Breakfast Ideas

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1. Eggs

Eggs are a wonderfully versatile food, and they are my favorite breakfast option at present.

A vegetable frittata is a great way to use up leftover vegetables from the night before. You can really put any vegetables you want in there. I’ve shared my zucchini frittata recipe before on this article.

Another option is to scramble eggs with some leftover vegetables and a little cheese. Or, an omelet is another alternative.

If you want something a bit simpler, go for a boiled or poached egg.

2. Protein Shake

If you immediately think of commercially prepared smoothies when I say “shake,” you can be sure what you’ve tasted in the past has been loaded with sugar, syrup, and other unnecessary ingredients.

A smoothie can, however, be a very healthy breakfast option. And, it’s quick, too.

One option is to use soft tofu as your central protein source. Or, you could try adding whey protein powder. Raw eggs also work well, if you can stomach the thought

To make a breakfast smoothie blend up some milk with frozen berries, some green leaves (e.g. baby spinach), a little natural nut butter (optional), and your chosen protein source. A little ground flaxseed is a nice addition, too.

3. Tofu

Scrambled tofu is a good alternative to regular scrambled eggs.

Again, you can add some other ingredients to the pan, such as chopped onions, peppers and mushrooms. Add a dash of soy sauce and black pepper as you stir-fry, and you have a fast and delicious meal in no time.

4. Dairy Foods

Dairy foods are perfect for breakfast, and the protein content will help to sustain your hunger right throughout the morning.

Go for a full fat or a low fat natural yogurt, rather than non fat options, which tend to be loaded with sugar and/or artificial sweeteners.

I recommend adding your own flavor and sweetness with fresh fruits, such as mixed berries.

I also love my yogurt topped with crushed nuts, seeds, or ground flaxseeds.

Cottage cheese is another very good breakfast option. Try having it with a little fresh fruit, such as peaches, pineapple, or strawberries.

Or, if you prefer, you can make it savory, by adding some chopped vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.

5. Fish

You may think eating fish at breakfast is unusual, but it is actually a very popular choice in many countries at breakfast time, for example in Japan.

It is also a wonderfully healthy option, and another way to add more fish to your diet.

You could try serving your favorite fish along with some cooked mushrooms and tomatoes, for an alternative breakfast option.

Or, if you’re feeling a little extravagant, go for smoked salmon with poached eggs and some mixed vegetables.

6. Oatmeal

If you really can’t imagine breakfast without cereals or grains, try oatmeal with some added extras.

One of my favorite ways to eat cooked oats is to add a little cinnamon, a grated apple and some chopped nuts and/or ground flaxseeds.

Oats eaten like this are full of fiber, nutrients, protein and healthy fats, in comparison to most of the ready-to-eat breakfast cereals available in supermarkets.

Low Carb Seed And Nut Granola

Alternatively, here is a recipe for seed and nut granola.

Ingredients
1 cup flaxseeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped almonds
1/3 cup of oil (e.g. rice bran oil)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. In a large roasting pan, mix together the flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, coconut and nuts. Drizzle with the oil. Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla
2. Then, toast in the oven at 160 degrees for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Note: I haven’t suggested breads with any of the above ideas, however, if you feel you can’t go without bread, choose a wholegrain option and just one slice, to keep your carb intake low.

Low Carb Breakfast Ideas

Here are 12 low carb breakfast ideas to make choosing what to have for breakfast simple and fast:

• Vegetable frittata
• Yogurt with fruit, nuts, seeds or ground flaxseeds
• Protein berry shake with soft tofu, milk, berries
• Scrambled tofu with leftover vegetables
• Cottage cheese with fresh fruit
• Kippers with tomatoes and mushrooms
• Omelet with leftover vegetables
• Oatmeal with ground flaxseeds and fruit
• Low carb seed and nut granola
• Scrambled eggs with leftover vegetables
• Smoked salmon with eggs and leftover vegetables
• Boiled or poached eggs