Ayurvedic Breakfast for Busy Mornings
Let’s talk about breakfast- one of the most important meals of the day. First, let’s start with the why.
WHY is breakfast the most important meal of the day?
As suggested by the term, we are quite literally ‘break’ing the overnight ‘fast’. The first thing we consume in the morning will set the tone for the day and kickstart our digestive system to take on the day. A warm breakfast kindles the digestive fire (agni) and promotes optimal digestion- responsible for breaking down everything we eat and is of the utmost importance in Ayurveda to remain disease free.
WHAT should we eat for breakfast?
According to Ayurveda, a warm and balanced breakfast is recommended. Why warm, you ask? Think of starting your car- when you turn on the ignition (read: wake up), it takes some time for the car to heat up and reach optimal operating status. The body is much the same. When we wake up, our body environment is sluggish and cold. Warm foods are easier on the digestive system and balance the elements in our body (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
Some options include:
Oatmeal (Steel cut oats are best)
Ragi Malt (Ragi is a millet)
Flattened rice (Poha)
Chickpea pancakes (Besan Chillas)
Stewed and spiced (e.g. cinnamon) apples
Note: Please avoid cold milk with cereal, especially for children.
HOW can I make quick and nutritions Ayurvedic breakfast?
Recipe: Steel Cut Oats (1 serving)
Prep Time: 1 min. Cook Time: 20 min.
1/2 cup steel cut oats
2 cups coconut milk (milk of your choice - adjust proportions per your consistency preference)
Raisins
A pinch of cinnamon
Chia seeds
Jaggery or sweetener of your choice
Rice Cooker (optional) or Pot/Pan
Add all of the ingredients in a rice cooker, it’ll be done in 20 minutes. If you prefer to make it on a stove top, add all the ingredients to a pot and let it cook for 20 minutes. I sprinkle coconut shavings and pumpkin seeds/chia seeds for texture and nutrition.
Recipe: Ragi Malt (1 serving) - Gluten Free
Prep Time: 1 min. Cook Time: 4 mins.
1 tbsp Ragi (millet)
1/2 cup Coconut milk (milk of your choice - adjust proportions per your consistency preference)
A pinch of cinnamon
3 Cardamom pods or a pinch of Cardamom powder
Jaggery or sweetener of your choice
Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds (optional)
Pot
Add 1/2 cup milk of your choice and 1/2 cup water to a pot on the stove. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tbsp water with 1 tbsp Ragi and stir. Add the ragi mixture along with all the other ingredients to the pot on the stove and let it come to a boil (~4 mins). I sprinkle coconut shavings and pumpkin seeds for texture and nutrition. Pour it in a cup, or take it with you on the go for those rushed mornings (eat mindfully whenever possible).
Let me know if you try these recipes, I’d love to hear from you! Here’s to wishing you health and longevity!
