After a restorative sleep and a prolonged fast of several hours, grabbing a cup of coffee in a hurry as the first and only food of the morning is not the most advisable choice. Nutritionists agree that starting the day with a balanced diet is the best thing you can do for your body, as among the benefits that a good breakfast brings, the following stand out: • Promotes concentration, memory, creativity, and other mental skills. • Improves physical, work, and school performance. • Provides the energy and clarity you need to start the day. • Activates metabolism. • Maintains a good mood. • Controls weight. • Contributes to family bonding.  

An Infinite Variety

In Mexico, it is customary to have a hearty breakfast, and depending on the region, dishes such as grilled meat, huevos rancheros, refried beans, birria, barbacoa, machaca, menudo, quesadillas, and a wide variety of other dishes are consumed. Due to our proximity to the United States, we are also accustomed to having pancakes, waffles, or sunny-side-up eggs with bacon and ham for breakfast. Furthermore, because of the vast amount of fruits and vegetables available in Mexico, we can indulge in starting the day with fresh fruit juices and cocktails, which are considered a luxury in other parts of the world due to their high price.  

The Perfect Balance

Breakfast is one of the main meals of the day and should provide between 20 and 25% of daily calories. To be balanced, it should include at least the following food groups, take note: • Whole grains and breads: provide carbohydrates that supply energy, vitamins, minerals, and since they are whole, also fiber. • Dairy products: contain quality proteins, calcium, vitamins A, D, and B group vitamins. Fruits: provide carbohydrates, water, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. • Meat derivatives: ham, sausages, and other cold cuts. If they are low in salt, fats, and made from turkey, they are better because they are healthier for the family. Below are some tips to make your breakfasts more nutritious.  

Tips:

• Add a teaspoon of amaranth and wheat germ to chopped fruit or to a soy milk smoothie with banana. • Toast a couple of slices of whole grain bread, drizzle with olive oil, add thin slices of tomato, powdered basil, and salt. • Avoid letting your child consume too many sweet foods for breakfast: powdered chocolate, sugary cereals, jam… • Ensure that their breakfast contains only one of these products and complement it with fresh fruit. • On days off, try to offer your family slightly more elaborate breakfasts. • Take care to decorate the table with a special detail and enjoy each other's company in harmony.  

Breakfast Recipes

Recipe for Green Chilaquiles

Ingredients: - 10 green tomatoes - 4 serrano chilies - 1 clove of garlic finely chopped - 8 tortillas cut into triangles from the previous day - oil - 1/2 cup of chopped onion - 2/3 cup of chopped cilantro - 3/4 cup of crumbled fresh cheese - 1/3 cup of sour cream To see how to prepare this recipe click here.  

Recipe for Scrambled Eggs with Cream Cheese

Ingredients: - 8 eggs - 1 package of cream cheese - 1 tablespoon of butter - pepper Click here and discover how to prepare this delicious breakfast.  

Recipe for Pancakes with Banana and Chocolate

Ingredients: - 2 eggs - 2 cups of milk - 1 tablespoon of lemon juice - 6 tablespoons of butter - 1 1/2 cups of flour - 1/4 cup of sugar - 2 tablespoons of baking powder - 1/2 tablespoon of sea salt - 4 bananas - 6 tablespoons of liquid chocolate Click here to see how to prepare this delicious breakfast.  

Recipe for Strawberry and Raspberry Smoothie

Ingredients: - 1 cup of low-fat natural yogurt - 1 cup of low-fat milk - 1 1/2 cups of frozen strawberries - 1/2 cup of raspberries or more strawberries if not available - 1 teaspoon of vanilla Did this smoothie make your mouth water? Click here to see the preparation procedure.     Article written by   If you want to see more breakfast recipes click here.  

"And do you have breakfast every day?"