Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. I remember when I first started the gluten-free diet, I was so concerned about what I was going to eat for breakfast. I was so used to eating a bagel or bowl of high-fiber cereal, I felt lost when those items were taken away from me. When I quit freaking out and really started to think about it, there were plenty of foods that I could eat for breakfast. I think I was under the assumption that if I couldn’t pop it in the toaster or pour it from a box, it took too long to make. Part of starting the gluten-free diet, or really any diet/lifestyle change, is keeping an open mind and embracing change instead of fighting it.
Turns out there are plenty of quick, easy breakfast choices that also happen to be gluten-free. If time is tight in the mornings or you prefer not to spend a lot of time preparing breakfast, do most of the preparation in advance.
1. Scrambled eggs with cheese – This takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish. Heat your pan up while you are cracking the eggs and adding a dash of milk. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray and pour the egg mixture in. Cook until desired doneness, sprinkle with salt, pepper and shredded cheese. Stir, plate and top with more cheese. Done.
2. Pancakes – Take a little extra time on the weekend to make additional pancakes to store in the refrigerator or freezer. Heat in the microwave or toaster oven and serve.
3. Quinoa breakfast bowl – Make the quinoa on the weekend or make extra one night for dinner. Simple, fast,delicious and nutritious!
4. Oatmeal – There are many ways to make oatmeal fast and easy. There are instant varieties on the market now which take 5 minutes to make. If you prefer to make your own, you could get most of the dish ready the night before and then finish the next morning with Overnight Oats. *Not all people with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance can tolerate oatmeal, even the certified gluten-free oats. If you haven’t introduced oats back into your diet yet, please do so slowly.
5. Oatmeal Raisin Bars – While these may be a little more like a snack or dessert, they still contain a couple of healthy ingredients like oatmeal and raisins. These are great for grab-and-go breakfasts. The sugar can be reduced to make them a little healthier, too. *I may try to make these this week with reduced oil and adding in some unsweetened applesauce.
6. Waffles – Frozen waffles are quick and easy and can be doctored up to suit your needs. In a big hurry? Make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich out of waffles! There are several gluten-free frozen brands or you can make additional homemade waffles in advance and freeze them.
Of course there are always cereal options, as well as bacon or sausage made in advance. Don’t care for breakfast foods? No worries. Who says that breakfast has to be traditional breakfast foods? Have a turkey and cheese sandwich, leftover slice of pizza or pasta. You know what “they” say, right? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
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