Breakfast, the a. m chewing habit has been around since Adam. But it’s become the most controversial of meal times stemming from wildly conflicting if not (out rightly confusing) studies, advice, and menus from around the world. Even my Mom has joined the fray to contribute her ‘experienced’ experiments on breakfast- timing, meals and their effects on your metabolism! What you eat, when you eat and even how you eat your Breakfast all count on your calorie chart.
Eating to lose weight is ideal but just how convenient is it? From hectic commutes to insane workloads plus home front responsibilities, it’s so easy to eat just about anything! In times of stress overload I do eat a plateful of junk- chips, beef burgers + soda, fried plantains, white bread, sugar-coated pies and the likes not because deep down I really wanted to but because I was ravenous, pressed for time and the bad stuff well…..they were readily available!
My healthy Nigerian breakfast ideas for weight loss combines readily available food items in recipes that are tasty, filling and importantly(yes) easy to prep

1. FRUIT SALAD
   
   Fruits for breakfast might seem out of place but hey, it’s in and with a little planning will give you the much-needed energy and fullness requisite of every meal. Protein-rich fruits like avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, oranges, papaya are the champions here. A quick combo of any of them will yield a bowl of fresh natural goodness you’ll come to love!
   You can create varieties of this meal by adding other fruits, nuts, yoghurt or a sprinkling of powdered milk
2. OAT PORRIDGE

   

   Oat whether rolled, quick or one-minute variety is a versatile ingredient in any kitchen. From breakfast, swallows, sauces, soups there are countless ways to enjoy the nutrient benefits of oats. Oat porridge is one quick of enjoying oats for breakfast.
   To relieve the boredom of plain oat porridge, get versatile and serve with, honey, nuts, healthy bread, nut butter, fruits- banana, dried coconut, apples the list is endless

3. OVERNIGHT OATS
   Overnight oats are easy to prep, delicious and waistline friendly. Overnight oats don’t require cooking, can be adapted to whatever you have in your pantry and involve minimalist washing up!
   To make a bowl for breakfast combine you rolled oats (instant or quick cooking variety just won’t do here), fresh fruits, milk, yoghurt, nuts, nut butter, spice, chocolate, veggies or whatever else that sparks your interest. To create a picture worthy meal, using your favourite snap ware, arrange oats and other ingredients in layers and sprinkle your spice on top. Refrigerate, grab and go in the morning!
4. EGG OMELET
   Egg omelet is one dish that’s a winner any day and it’s sooo easy to make! Omelette can be made plain or with a filing. Either way, it’s delicious and chock full of nutrients. Best eaten with whole wheat bread, potatoes, yam, boiled plantain
5. BANANA AND OAT PANCAKES WITH JUICE
   Pancakes are a breeze to make and are delicious too. Our oat and banana pancakes are no brainers but are packed with enough nutrition to fuel your mornings right. Do go easy with your sweeteners too. Your choice of Juice just has to be the real thing…. Watermelon, orange, pineapple etc. Stay clear of the packaged variety, please.
6. MUESLI
   
   Muesli is a raw cereal based mixture first prepared by the Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Benner as a nutritious breakfast for his patients. Muesli combines dried fruits, cereals, oats, seeds, nuts are typically eaten hot or cold with milk or yoghurt. Fresh fruits are not left out as they add a unique flavour to any bowl of muesli.
   Muesli can be store bought or homemade. The homemade version is usually fresher, uses ingredients known to you and can be adapted to local ingredients available.
7. AKARA(BEANBALLS) with fish and pepper sauce
   
   Now this one has me thinking of Mama Blessing as I write. Her akara balls are super delicious. To make it a complete meal, I eat it with smoked fish, ugu and scent leaf tossed in pepper sauce. I simply prepare my sauce ahead, add the veggies in the morning and pick up my akara from the vendor Yummy!
8. SWEET POTATOES WITH WARM SALAD SMOKED FISH
   My warm salad really is a set of diced veggies tossed in vegetable oil, spiced with seasoning and pepper(optional). With your potatoes on the boil, quickly combine fresh(firm) tomatoes, onions, fresh peas and steam fry for 3 minutes. Then add green peppers, grated carrots, a tablespoon of vegetable/olive oil, a bouillon cube and voila your warm salad is ready to eat.
   Serve with boiled/ baked sweet potatoes, plantain
9. ACHA GRUEL WITH BREAD
   Acha or fonio is a tiny off white or brown protein grain/cereal easily mistaken for sand grown in the northern part of the country. Acha can be used on its own or as a thickener for soups, excellent in baking and very good for muesli. It’s very rich in methionine and cysteine-vital amino acids essential to human health
   Acha’s nutritional profile is simply amazing! Check out details at nap.edu.com. As a protein breakfast option, simmer 1 cup of Acha grain in 3 cups of milk on medium heat until the grains are soft and much of the milk is absorbed for . minutes Sweeten with honey/brown sugar/ molasses and serve with fruits and Ezekiel bread or whole wheat bread.
10. SMOOTHIES
    Smoothies are my weight loss pals. They are easy to prep, helps keep you full, supplies with potent antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and water all geared to trim you!
    Smoothies can be easily made with your local leafy greens, seeds, eggs, oats, acha, fruits in season, nut milk and butter. In fact, just sub with what is available so long as its fresh and minimally processed