Years ago I was constantly on the hunt for the “perfect” way to eat — trying to find a daily menu that would make me my “healthiest” and make my body look the way I wanted it to. Many health bloggers and nutritionists would put out “what I eat in a day” posts and I would read them all. They were always eating less than I was, cleaner than I was, and I wanted to be as “good” as them.
When I started eating intuitively I left those meal plans and notions around the “right” way to eat behind. Now, what I eat in a day can look a thousand different ways. Sometimes I have a really big breakfast and then snack throughout the day. Sometimes I have 3 regular meals. Sometimes I’m ravenous and need to eat constantly. It all depends.
As a testament to just how varied my meals and eating can be, here are 5 very different breakfasts as well as the reasons behind why I chose them to start my day, how I felt during and afterwards and what I learned about my body from that particular meal. Because intuitive eating isn’t about finding the “perfect” way to eat and getting upset with ourselves when we don’t. It’s about listening to our bodies, learning about ourselves, and above all, being kind to ourselves along the way.
Green Smoothie
Why I chose this meal: I had a big family dinner the night before and wasn’t particularly hungry but it had been a couple hours since I woke up and didn’t want to be low-energy when we headed out water-skiing so I made a light smoothie.
How I felt eating this meal: I loved the flavours of the mango, banana and spinach and a smoothie can be so refreshing on a warm day.
How I felt afterwards: Nourished and ready to spend time with my family.
Takeaways: A green smoothie is a great start to my day when I want something light. However, I have also had it on cold days or days where I needed something more filling and grounding and ended up feeling the need to snack throughout the whole rest of the morning. So it’s best for me to choose this smoothie when it’s warm out and I want something light and refreshing.
Thai Coconut Sticky Rice
Why I chose this meal: I was at my friend’s and she makes BOMB sticky rice. Was it brown rice? Nope. Was it organic sugar? No, ma’am. Was it light coconut milk? Hell to the no. Was it delicious and just what I wanted and need? Gosh yes.
How I felt eating this meal: So happy. Coconut milk, rice, sugar and mango? Sign. Me. Up.
How I felt afterwards: A little bloated. Higher amounts of sugar and carbs can occasionally have this effect on me. It passed after about an hour.
Takeaways: This breakfast doesn’t necessarily make me feel my most energized because bloating is uncomfortable but it was darn good. I will definitely have it again but won’t necessarily make it a daily event.
Loaded-Up Chia Pudding
Why I chose this meal: I can always count on my powered-up chia breakfast bowl to make me feel satisfied and energized. I can change up the toppings depending on what I’m craving and how hungry I am.
How I felt eating this meal: There are so many flavours and textures in this breakfast bowl that come bursting through. I loved eating it.
How I felt afterwards: On top of the world. Ready to take on my day.
Takeaways: When I’m craving a sweet and satiating breakfast, this bowl is likely to fit the bill.
Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice
Why I chose this meal: I surprisingly felt like something savoury for breakfast, this was in my fridge from the night before and felt like just what I wanted.
How I felt eating this meal: Great! I thought I would miss having a sweet breakfast but really enjoyed all the flavours and textures in this bowl.
How I felt afterwards: All the veggies in this meal along with it being a great source of protein and fat helped me feel satiated for hours and very satisfied by my yummy breakfast.
Takeaways: I normally crave sweet breakfasts like oatmeal, chia pudding or a smoothie. But when I’m hungering for something savoury, leftovers from the night before, like this butter chicken, are perfect.
Pancakes, Tofu Scramble & Hash Browns
Why I chose this meal: As someone with food allergies, it is so rare I’m able to have both pancakes and a version of scrambled eggs that I can eat at a restaurant so I definitely wanted to try both at this vegan diner!
How I felt eating this meal: I savoured every bite. But I also knew it was more food than I could comfortably eat in one sitting so I shared some with friends and took some home.
How I felt afterwards: Fuller than usual but so happy to have had an allergy-friendly meal at a restaurant with my best friends.
Takeaways: Having brunch with friends is such a nice treat. I might find myself feeling a little fuller than usual and not needing much food later in the day but that’s okay!
Choosing the breakfast for you
As you can see, sometimes my meals are super nutrient-rich and balanced, other times they’re less so. Most of the time my breakfast makes me feel like I can conquer the world but sometimes I feel a little “meh”. The key thing is, I don’t beat myself up regardless of my choices. I do my best to pick something that feels satisfying and energizing to me, take the time to enjoy it, and then get on with my day. Because life’s for living, not for stressing about what you ate for breakfast 😉
I want to know: What are some of your favourite breakfasts and how do they make you feel? Let me know in the comments below!
More Breakfasts:
Pumpkin Oatmeal
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Nut & Seed Bars
very interesting as there is such variety. I prefer the same thing every day, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup of home made yogurt with a few berries, and 1/4 slice of home made bread…and decaf coffee of course