Allyson | Week 5 | Bacon

Recently I read a couple articles written by some ya-hoos claiming they had scientific proof that we really don’t need to, and shouldn’t eat breakfast.  Yes, you read that correctly… “we shouldn’t eat breakfast.”  I visited the links they provided for their “proof” of this notion, [something about how our metabolisms actually get slowed down if they are fed within three (3!) hours of being awake] and sure, it seemed convincing.  However, give me any topic and I’ll give you “scientific proof” to prove either side of it.  If you don’t want to eat breakfast, be my guest, but let me use a little logic (albeit a fallacy, logic nonetheless) to explain why I eat breakfast:

Allyson is cranky if she does not eat breakfast.
Allyson did not eat breakfast.
Therefore, Allyson is cranky.
And no one wants a cranky Allyson.

I tried the whole not-eating-until-after-I’ve-been-awake-for-three-hours nonsense and, let me tell you, it was not pretty. I was starving, irritable, and had a headache for the first parts of those days.  I don’t care what proof you have as to why I shouldn’t eat breakfast, my growling stomach and irritable mood are proof enough to tell me that I do need to eat breakfast.

Last year a friend of mine was pregnant and she developed gestational diabetes.  One day she was discussing the diet restrictions her doctor place upon her.  She was completely overwhelmed that she was only allowed to have 30 carbs for breakfast. When she said that I’m pretty sure I flipped out because at the time I was only eating about 30 carbs a DAY! [That was unwise and I have since generously increased that amount and I do not recommend that anyone eat that few carbs without discussing a plan with your doctor first…and even then, I don’t think it’s the wisest move]. Anyways, my friend kept saying how there is just nothing she would be able to eat besides one piece of toast with jelly because that alone is 30 carbs and it isn’t even enough to fill her up.  Needless to say I educated her on her low-carb [and filling] breakfast options, just as I will now educate you with some of those options! 

First of all, the best part of a low-carb lifestyle: bacon! Sorry you calorie-watchers, this is one goody you’ll probably pass on, but lowcarbers can fully enjoy! [And don’t try to say turkey bacon is just as good. It’s not. That’s a lie. I’ve had both and there is just no comparing turkey bacon with the real deal.]  So, a simple, quick go-to low-carb breakfast option: 

Bacon and Eggs.  

God bless America. 

Problem: Eggs are bland and boring. Let’s give those eggs a little more flavor and sprinkle some lovely sharp cheddar cheese on them (none for you, low-cal pals!). Add a south of the border flair? Absolutely! Slice up some onions and peppers, sauté those bad boys, scramble in your eggs, melt some cheese in there, then top with salsa and guac. ¡Fiesta en mi boca!

Other low carb breakfast options:

Oatmeal. Yes, you CAN have oatmeal!

• 1/4 C dry oats
• 1/2 C water or non-dairy milk [I like Westsoy Organic Unsweetened Soy milk to add in some protein, or use unsweetened vanilla Almond milk for a bit more sweetness] 
• Cinnamon to taste
• If you wish, you can add pure syrup or honey, but then you’re adding a lot to the carbs, defeating the purpose

Read the directions on the oatmeal package. Do that. Add cinnamon or other spice or possible sweetner after you’ve cooked the oats. Roughly 12cb, 8ptn…unless you sweeten it up.

Chocolate-PB Protein Shake

• 1 scoop of protein powder [I like this one]
• 1 C non-dairy milk [I like Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond]
• 2 Tbls Crunchy PB [This has the lowest carb PB you’ll probably ever find]
• 3 to 4 ice cubes

This is real complicated: Blend all ingredients together to your desired consistency. Around 10 carbs and 35 protein, depending on the brands you choose...those are the numbers for what I use.

More eggs.  You’ll probably get sick of eggs.

Egg Soufflés

I often make egg soufflés containing eggs, milk, cheese, ham or sausage, onions, and spinach.  I mix the ingredients together and pour into large muffin tins. I don’t have an exact recipe because I just throw it together based on how many mini soufflés I want to make, but there are tons of recipes floating around on Pinterest. Like this one, or this one, or this one, or…you get the point, Pinterest it.

Eggs in a basket

You can even have bread! I know I just made that big post last week about only buying ingredients with less than five ingredients and most non-bakery breads do not fall into this category, but sometimes I just want bread and I don’t care about that rule! This Schwebel's bread in particular is friendly to both low-carbers and low-calers with only 11 carbs and 35 cals. [By the way….when I give the carb count, it is the net carb count. You find the net carbs by taking the total carbs and subtracting the fiber from that number. I’ll talk more about that next week.]

• Slice of bread

• 1 egg

• Butter

• Optional- Salsa

Cut a hole in the center of your bread…I use a drinking glass. DISCARD that bread! Butter both sides of the bread, place into preheated pan on the stove. Crack your egg into the hole in the bread and cook as long as you want, then flip and finish cooking until egg is desired doneness and bread is nicely toasted. I like to top with salsa and have another fiesta en mi boca.

Omelets (YouTube how to make one…they're not difficult)

Cream Cheese Pancakes- seriously amazing...especially served with bacon

(From ibreatheimhungry)

• 2oz cream cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 packet stevia
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Put all the ingredient in a blender and mix until smooth and let rest until bubbles settle. Pour 1/4 of batter onto a hot pan greased with butter. Cook for 2 minutes, flip and cook for 1 more minute. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve with sugar-free syrup or fresh berries.

Get the idea? You CAN eat and enjoy and be filled by low-carb breakfasts.  The key is to pump up the volume with protein.

Rule #36: Don't eat breakfast cereal that changes the color of the milk. 
These cereals are loaded with carbs and sugars and obviously dyes. These cereals won't keep you full...well, they might keep your hips and booty full, but they won't give you a full-feeling in your belly.  Instead, opt for organic cereals from Kashi and Mom's Best Cereals.