We all probably know all of the benefits of whole grains: a decreased risk of strokes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, just to name a few.
But are you really eating enough of whole-grain food? If you are like most people, probably not. Start your day off right with a big serving of healthy grains, and we are going to help you with some cool ideas for your whole-grain healthy breakfast.
1. Eggs McMochi
“Mochi” means flattened cereal grains. Mochi is made from steamed sweet brown rice then pounded into a flat sticky cake.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 4 slices sesame garlic mochi
– 2 cups cooked kale, chopped, drained
Instructions:
Heat up the waffle iron. Open the mochi package and slice the mochi into 4 half-inch strips, or as many as you need for your iron. Lay the strips in the waffle iron spaced apart. Close the iron and bake until the waffle iron light signals they are done. Meanwhile, cook your eggs as you like them. When the mochi is done, remove to a plate and serve with the kale and eggs on top. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy.
2. Quick cranberry multigrain bread
This healthy and delicious whole grain bread takes only 10 minutes to prepare (plus baking). It is just perfect breakfast food.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 cup multigrain cereal
– 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
– 2 eggs
– 1-1/4 cup soymilk, rice milk or almond milk
– ¼ cup honey
– ¼ cup olive oil
– ½ cup dried organic cranberries
Instructions:
Mix dry ingredients (except dried cranberries) together in a food processor. In another bowl, mix liquid ingredients together. Pour into dry ingredients and mix. Putt dried cranberries and mix shortly. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
3. The healthiest quick oatmeal
Oats are high in fiber, calcium, protein and even some B vitamins. You can make them as you like; the variations are endless.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup steel cut oats
– 4 cups water
– Optional: fresh or frozen fruit, seeds or nuts.
Instructions:
It’s better to make smaller batches when you use a rice cooker to avoid the mixture from bubbling over. Add ingredients, cover, cook on low heat for 30 min., and serve.
4. Grits with fruit
This creamy corn meal is similar to cream of wheat or polenta and can be made either sweet or savory. Fruited grits is a nice fruity twist on a popular breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups soy milk
– 1 cup cooking grits
– 3 tbsp. honey
– 1/2 tsp. salt
– Blueberries, blackberries and/or sliced strawberries
Instructions:
In a saucepan, bring grits, honey, salt and milk to a boil. Stir frequently. When the mixture has boils, turn heat to low. Stir frequently and cook until thickened, about 10 min. When done, remove from heat and transfer to serving bowl. Add fruit and serve warm.
5. Green tea pancakes
Green tea pancakes make a sweet and healthy breakfast treat. This recipe combines drinking green tea in the morning and pancakes. Pretty cool, right?
Ingredients:
– 1 ½ cup oat flour
– 1 tsp. baking powder
– Pinch salt
– 1 tbsp. green tea powder
– 1 egg
– 1 tbsp. canola oil
– 1 cup + 1 tbsp. cup milk
Instructions:
Preheat griddle to medium heat. In a large bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, salt and tea powder with a whisk. Mix all your wet ingredients in another bowl then add wet to dry. Mix until well combined. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes. With a nonstick spray coat the griddle and scoop the mixture on 1/4 cup measurements. Flip when edges appear dry and bubbles form on top. Serve with desired healthy toppings. Bon appetit.