Start your day the organic way

During the launch of the health food movement in the 1960s, American nutritionist Adelle Davis, advised: “Eat like a king for breakfast, a prince for lunch and a pauper for dinner.” Breakfast has been very well-documented as the most important meal of the day, and if done right, it can boost your energy for the day ahead and be good for your wellbeing.

And if you choose an organic breakfast it’s food as it should be, brimming with goodness and a wide range of benefits. Organic farming is better for nature with farmers using fewer pesticides, which helps protect soil, water and wildlife. Organic farms have 50% more wildlife - which means more bees, butterflies, birds and plants to pollinate. With organic you know what’s in your food, as it’s free from GM ingredients, artificial additives and preservatives. It’s also better for the animals, as organic livestock are naturally free range, able to feel the sun on their backs and have space to forage and roam.

Many of us, as creatures of habit, tend to eat the same meal each morning with little change or creativity. Often, breakfast is reduced to a quick bowl of cereal and porridge. According to research agency Kantar, the average time taken to prep breakfast in Britain is now averaging 7.4 minutes, and breakfast cereals are most likely to be chosen, accounting for 34% of all brekkies.

Breakfast has so much more potential, and a fast organic breakfast can still be creative and healthy. So, whether it’s your default go-to porridge, muesli bar, or takeaway smoothie, here’s some ideas to help expand your horizons.

The 2-minute Wonder Muesli

A Swiss physician, Dr Maximilian Oskar Bircher-Benner, created muesli for his patients in the 1900s and was accused by his colleagues of running a health prison, despite the proven health benefits for his patients. Ironically, today muesli is a staple breakfast food with supermarket shelves devoted to less healthy versions. Follow in Dr Max’s footsteps - the best way is to go homemade.

In a pan, add a portion of oats (about 60 grams), some chopped almonds, broken up brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, cinnamon and/or nutmeg, and dry fry until the oats are lightly browned. When ready, add some organic yoghurt and top with fruit. This recipe is flexible - you can add any of your favourite nuts and seeds. To save time, make a big batch for the week ahead.

Fancy overnight porridge (with chocolate if you want!)

Porridge is the default breakfast for many, and rightly so as oats are packed with nutrients like magnesium and are a good source of dietary fibre. They also leave you feeling fuller for longer.

For overnight porridge, place one portion of oats in a jar with milk or plant-based alternative, shake well and leave in the fridge. When ready to eat, add cinnamon (or any spice you like such as ginger, or even better - dark chocolate shavings) and top with fruit of your choice. Add a tablespoon of organic chia seeds for extra omega and fibre. The jar also makes it easy for eating on the go, or taking to work.

Baked eggs, anyway you like

Eggs have long been a breakfast staple and are an inexpensive and nutritious protein source. A lovely weekend treat, baked eggs are perfect for dipping toast or even asparagus spears in. You could cook your eggs with mushrooms, spinach and tomatoes or keep it simple: preheat the oven to 165°C, carefully crack a whole egg into each section of a little oiled cupcake tin (or individual ramekin dishes), and leave to cook for 30 minutes. Cook them to the point where the yolk is still runny and the white is nicely set. Get your toast buttered and ready!

Melon, kale and broccoli smoothie

Easy and quick to make, smoothies are perfect for those who are pressed for time, and great for anyone who lacks a big appetite in the morning. It’s also an easy way to boost your 5-a-day intake. Kale and broccoli give this smoothie a superfood status, and honeydew melon is about 90% water and contains electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium which makes it a perfect way to start your day. If you want to turn it into a smoothie bowl, just pour into a bowl and add a selection of your favourite toppings!

You can find more breakfast inspiration over in our recipe section, here.

Don’t forget to join us on Wednesday 12 June for a free organic mini breakfast at independent stores across the country. Find your local event by searching our interactive map, here.