Bring on the protein! If you want a recipe that will keep you satisfied for hours as you start your day, this is the one to try. Especially if you have weight to lose, eating a protein packed breakfast is a smart choice.

Why?

Well, let’s look at some popular breakfast choices. Cereal, pastries, bread (toast and croissants), pancakes and waffles (made with processed flours) are beloved breakfast choices here in the Western world but they are full of sugar and refined carbs.

Not only that, but they lack protein so you’re feeling hungry again in a much shorter period of time. In the case of high sugar breakfasts like gooey pastries your blood sugar spikes and then crashes later on. You’ll probably feel tired, unable to focus and – you guessed it – hungry…maybe even ravenous.

And it can be much harder to make healthy choices at that point.

The other thing is that the amount of protein in your diet is actually linked to belly weight. The more healthy protein you eat (we’re not talking McDonald’s Sausage, here) the easier it is to get a lean mid-section (1).

The other thing is that breakfast includes important macronutrients like protein and healthy fat. This breakfast contains tons of protein with quinoa, eggs, bacon and healthy fat from the avocado, coconut oil and butter.

Plus, it’s tasty – an absolute requirement.

If you’re worried about the quinoa, because you’re strict Paleo consider leaving it out altogether, or try this sprouted quinoa brand that I love. Sprouting reduces levels of saponins, phytic acid and lectins that are avoided on the Paleo Diet.

This one will fill you up and give you an amazing start to the day! Check out the time-saving tips underneath the recipe for shortcuts to make your morning meal simple and easy.

Apple Cinnamon and Quinoa Protein Bowls

Author: Erica Jones
Yield: 2 - 4 People 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This will serve 4 for a breakfast, but if you are very hungry (like after a workout) it will likely be enough for 2.

Tip: If it’s your first time cooking quinoa and you run out of water in the pan before the quinoa is ready, you can add some more to finish cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup quinoa
1 cup of water
2 tbsp. organic grass-fed butter (divided)
2 tsp. maple syrup
Sea salt and pepper (to taste)
3 tbsp. coconut oil (divided)
4 strips organic turkey or grass-fed beef bacon (optional)
2 apples (seeded and chopped)
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 eggs
1 avocado (seeded and chopped)

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Instructions

Add the water and quinoa to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for 15 minutes. The liquid will be absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
While the quinoa is cooking you can go ahead and start the bacon. Heat up a pan, add a tbsp. Of coconut oil and cook the bacon until done. Chop and set aside.
Once the quinoa is finished cooking, add 1 tbsp. Of butter, the maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt and toss to combine.
In the same pan you cooked the bacon, add another tablespoon of coconut oil and heat over medium. Add the apples and sprinkle with cinnamon. Toss the apples in the pan to coat with the cinnamon and coconut oil.
Continue cooking the apples for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a tablespoon of butter, stir the apples and cover the pan. Reduce the heat to low and cook the apples until they are soft and tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the eggs and cook to your preference, seasoning with sea salt and pepper to taste.
Bring it all together. Divide the quinoa, bacon, eggs and avocado amongst the bowls. Toss to combine and sprinkle with a little sea salt and pepper, if desired.

Notes

Mornings can be a busy time in most households. To simplify this recipe for an easy breakfast, make the quinoa and apples the night before. That way in the morning you only have the bacon and eggs to make fresh. Then you can eat and you’re out the door!

Sources:

1- Authority Nutrition – How Protein at Breakfast Can Help You Lose Weight

Apple Cinnamon and Quinoa Protein Bowls