The excitement, the jitters, the rush, the anticipation — wedding morning is just a whole bouquet of different emotions. In the midst of it all, it's so easy to forget about something as simple as breakfast. But the truth is, without a proper morning meal, your body might struggle and the hunger might catch up with you by the time the official ceremony begins. So, instead of focusing on your vows, you'll be daydreaming about a delicious scramble with bacon or a bowl of salad. You definitely don't want anything to distract you from the biggest moment of your life, right? Well, we've got you covered! Below, find out what makes for an ideal wedding morning breakfast, which foods to avoid and what recipes to try.
Why Breakfast Is a Must
Starting your day with a healthy breakfast is always a good idea, even more so if it's the morning of your wedding — one of the most special and magical days in your life. But with so much going on, from styling your hair to calming nerves, it's easy to forget about the need to eat. While we completely understand that, you absolutely shouldn't skip your morning meal! Reasons? For one, a nutritious breakfast will give you a mood boost and fill you up with the energy your body will need to endure such a long and tiring day ahead. Also, stress and an empty stomach don't mix well and may cause dizziness. A good morning meal, however, can help prevent you from feeling sick during the ceremony. And finally, having breakfast can help you stay focused and enjoy every moment of your special day to the max.
What Your Breakfast Should Include
For your breakfast, focus on carbohydrates, as they are a major source of energy. However, steer clear of pastries and cakes — they have the opposite effect, leaving you feeling hungry quickly. Instead, opt for buckwheat, oatmeal, whole-grain bread or brown rice. Don't forget about proteins either! They will keep you feeling good throughout the morning until your next eating time. Some of the best protein-rich breakfast ingredients are eggs, nuts, nut butter, beans, and cheese. Fruits and vegetables are also a big yes! Add some to your plate for vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can enjoy them in a delicious and healthy smoothie or as a side dish.
What to Avoid
Now that you've got the lowdown on what to include in your breakfast, you might be wondering, "What should I avoid?" Too salty and spicy foods — that's for sure. They can leave you feeling thirsty and even cause digestive discomfort. Not exactly the wedding-day vibe you're going for, right? Stay away from foods high in sugar and deep-fried ones as well. They won't do your energy levels any favors, and the last thing you want is a sugar crash or feeling heavy on your wedding day. And just as a general reminder, save any culinary experiments for another time. Eating unfamiliar meals before the wedding day and on the morning of your wedding can cause unwanted side effects like allergies, and that's definitely something you want to avoid. As for drinks, skip on coffee, which can give you the jitters and aggravate your central nervous system.
A Protein-Packed Omelet
As we've already mentioned, the perfect breakfast should be filled with protein, fat and fiber. The safest bet is to cook a whole egg omelet. It’s a simple yet very delicious way to kick off your morning. You can eat your omelet as it is or fill it with some healthy ingredients. The perfect addition would be spinach, avocado, veggies or nicely diced turkey. When your omelet is cooked add pre-sautéed spinach, vegetables and a little bit of cheese over one half of the omelet. Then gently fold the other half over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Let the omelet cook for another minute, and that’s it!
Scramble and Avocado Mash on Toast
This breakfast idea provides just the right amount of fiber to keep you feeling satisfied without causing bloating. Scramble and avocado mash on toast is a perfect choice for those who prefer smaller morning meals or have limited time. Start by scooping out the flesh of a ripe avocado into a bowl, then mash it nicely with a fork and add a pinch of salt for flavor. In a separate bowl whisk two eggs and cook them in a pan, gently stirring until they are softly scrambled. The final step is the simplest — you just need to toast a few slices of whole-grain bread. Once done, evenly spread your mashed avocado mixture and top it with the scrambled eggs. You can also replace scrambled eggs with soft boiled eggs, if you want to.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Greek yogurt offers a fantastic dose of calcium and also probiotics, which support a healthy bacterial balance in the gut. So how about starting your morning with a Greek yogurt parfait? Super easy, delicious and healthy breakfast idea. Layer the yogurt at the bottom of a glass or a small bowl, then add a layer of fresh fruits or berries, sprinkle a bit of granola on top of them and drizzle some honey for sweetness. Repeat the layers until your glass or bowl is filled. Greek yogurt parfait not only tastes good but looks good too!
Oatmeal with Toppings
Oatmeal is a superhero in the world of whole grains! Packed with protein and fiber, it will keep you full and satisfied for much longer. But if a simple bowl of oatmeal doesn't excite your taste buds that much, customize it with various toppings for extra flavor and texture. The perfect match are sliced bananas, berries or diced apples. Oatmeal also goes well with chopped nuts like almonds and walnuts, and seeds, adding to the meal extra crunch. And for a touch of sweetness, just drizzle on some honey and sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on top.
Savory Quinoa Bowl
Not in the mood for oatmeal? Give quinoa a try! It's just as versatile and nutritious as oatmeal, plus it's gluten-free, which is just ideal for people with gluten sensitivities. So, while your quinoa is cooking, chop some fresh vegetables and sauté spinach. Next, in the same pan, cook two eggs the way you like it. Now, put it all together in a delicious bowl! First layer a generous serving of quinoa and then top it with all your fresh veggies, spinach and your perfectly cooked eggs. Optionally, you can drizzle some olive oil and add your favorite herbs.
@chloecleroux, @wellbeingwithjanne
Berry Smoothie
Start the morning of your wedding with a filling and delicious smoothie. Add to your blender mixed berries, almond milk (or Greek yogurt), spinach, chia seeds and honey. Turn it on and wait for the magic! When the mixture is smooth and creamy, give it a quick taste test. If needed, adjust the sweetness or consistency by adding more honey or almond milk. Pour your smoothie into a glass and you are ready to enjoy!
Egg Muffins
One awesome thing about egg muffins is that you can cook and prep them in advance, which will save you from any kitchen stress on the morning of your wedding. For this meal you’ll need eggs for that dose of protein, roasted red peppers or sundried tomatoes, spinach and cottage cheese. Whisk up the eggs and all the ingredients listed above, pour the mixture into a muffin tray and bake it up until golden. That’s basically it! Store your egg muffins in the fridge and the next morning enjoy them with a cup of calming herbal tea.