Paleo Breakfast Ideas

Monday, August 2, 2010

Since switching back to a Paleo way of eating last week, my grocery shopping has pretty much been limited to the produce section, the meat and seafood department, the bulk nuts area, and eggs. Speaking of eggs, veggie omelets are an obvious choice for the primal/Paleo eater. However, a little variety is nice. And growing up, I’m sure most of us had enough Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch to get that cereal craving every now and then. Or, if you’re like me, you could eat cereal all day every day and be the happiest person on the planet! However, with the loads of refined grains and sugars in the stuff, your body will unfortunately not thank you as much as your taste buds will – nor will your physique, aesthetically or functionally speaking.

The Paleo diet menu list, is well, sparse to sat the least, which some people’s first reaction equals boring. Veggies, fruit, nuts, meat, eggs… cool. So we’re going to eating the same 3 meals every day, month after month? Ahhh… not so fast. God is smart, and put the food on the planet we were meant to eat for a reason! You can pretty much “Paleo-ize” any meal or dish out there. Spaghetti? No problem – get a spaghetti squash. Rice? Cauliflower of all things makes an amazing rice substitute with a food processor.

But back to out childhood favorite (besides Otter-pops and Gushers)… cereal! How? Enter: Paleo Cereal. (Yes, that’s it below)

You're not gonna find this in a Kellog's box...

Cereal, but not what you’re used to seeing

On cereal boxes, you usually see sugar-laden carb flakes with accents of the healthy stuff… usually banana slices or blueberries. With my newly created Paleo cereal, blueberries are the highlight of the bowl filled goodness. Above, you can definitely see what I’m talking about. Comprised of fruit and nuts and soaked in unsweetened almond milk, this is an excellent breakfast option and you always feel good and “clean” after eating. Never bogged down, guilty, or winding up of the sugar roller coaster.

You can pretty much throw in whatever suits your fancy here. Above is a really outstanding version, and here’s how to do it:

Paleo Cereal Recipe:

  • blueberries (I went organic, they were on sale… nice!)
  • strawberries (again, organic)
  • raw walnuts
  • raw almonds
  • goji berries
  • unsweetened almond milk
  • cinnamon

Right, cinnamon. No, it’s not dirty almond milk in the picture. Cinnamon is a powerful spice, great for health, and adds a nice touch to the Paleo cereal. Again, add or omit as you see fit. This is what’s shown above, and it’s amazing to say the least. Oh and almond milk is not 100% paleo, more like 95%, but good enough for me! I get Almon Breeze’s Original version, unsweetened. It can be found at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, and more. Check it out.

My almost empty bottle of Naked Juice made a cameo :)

Eggs: A Paleo staple food

Breakfast of Champions? Not Wheaties. As shown above, you can make an amazingly natural, healthy, and delicious cereal using nature’s goodness. But eggs are always found in my fridge and for good reason. I eat them almost every day! They are cheap, easy to make, and incredibly healthy. What more can you ask for? And for the cholesterol worried folks, dietary cholesterol does not translate directly into blood cholesterol. And for the weight lifters, dietary cholesterol has actually been shown to increase testosterone levels and strength, according to Men’s Health.

So, I hope you’re ready for another breakfast idea – at least one I keep in my arsenal and consume often. I don’t really have a cool catchy name for this guy, but it’s basically scrambled eggs with mixed veggies. Bam! Sometimes I make an omelet; other times (like in the picture below), I just throw them side by side. Goes down easy no matter how it’s configured on your plate. I use coconut oil for cooking pretty much anything now. The fat in it is extremely healthy and it tastes great! Plus, olive oil changes its properties when cooked, but coconut oil can withstand higher cooking temperatures before doing so.

We all like pictures, so here you go!

Sliced avocado on top? Yes please!

Flax and hemp seeds on top here

Nothing fancy here, but a couple tricks:

  • I strongly prefer coconut oil over olive oil for cooking
  • add hemp and flax seeds for a nice crunch and omega boost
  • salt-free seasoning rocks… thank you Mrs. Dash!

So basically all I did for this was heat up some coconut oil in a pan and then added in some broccoli and carrots. After they cooked about two minutes, I added two eggs, and just stirred it up til the eggs were cooked. I like the veggies kind of half raw. If you want them more cooked, wait longer to add the eggs. Top it off with some healthy seeds and some avocado and BAM! Quick easy Paleo breakfast.

For website purposes I had to eat both of these this morning… the sacrifices I make for you guys and gals :)

I would love to hear your Paleo recipe ideas – definitely give the Paleo cereal a try… you won’t miss your Trix at all!

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Posted in Nutrition, Recipes

About the Author

Hey guys, this is Craig Avera and Cesar Flores. We run Hollywood Body Fitness - which is geared toward achieving a lean athletic A-List Physique!

  • http://leanmeanvirilemachine.com Darrin – Lean, Mean, Virile Machine

    I’m mostly Paleo but I’m not shy about adding dairy into my diet. (I’m 100% Scandinavian, and my peeps have the lowest rates of lactose intolerance in the world.) I also only eat breakfast on the weekends, so they tend to be a little more “deluxe” than if I was in a rush to get to work. Nevertheless, here’s my typical weekend breakfast fare:

    3-egg omelette with sauteed garlic and onions, cheese, and bacon or sausage, cooked up in a LOT of coconut oil.

    Yogurt and berries.

    Coffee with cream and cinnamon
    Darrin – Lean, Mean, Virile Machine´s last [type] ..The James Bond Diet and Workout

  • http://hollywoodbodyfitness.com Craig Avera

    Darrin,
    Your diet sounds right up my alley! I also am not 100% strict Paleo and will eat cheese. I try and eat goat cheese over cow’s milk cheese, though. PS.. your omelet sounds amazing! Gotta try that!

  • Avishay

    Here is another great breakfast idea very Paleo,
    3-4 oz of smoked salmon,half of avocado sliced ,
    on top a dressing from the juice of half a lemon,soy sauce and sesame oil,sprinkle with black sesame seeds or chopped scallions
    yummy

  • http://hollywoodbodyfitness.com Craig Avera

    Avishay,
    Sounds fabulous – Love smoked salmon… I’m definitely trying that one out! Thanks for the idea.

  • http://www.zenmyfitness.com Raymond – ZenMyFitness

    Like most I do my own version of Paleo but essentially I don’t eat anything that comes from a box or bag, dairy etc. only unprocessed natural whole foods So my food variety is pretty limited. I only drink water and black coffee.

    But my wife makes cake which I do eat. It’s based on Chia seeds that the Aztecs made famous. Ingreditents are: Chia Seeds, crushed Almonds, eggs and oranges (no milk or flour) baked it makes a cake …tastes unreal.

    Excellent topic everyone should consider following at some level
    Raymond
    Raymond – ZenMyFitness´s last [type] ..MMA Training Zen Style – A Guest Post by Aundre of MMA UK Blog

  • http://hollywoodbodyfitness.com Craig Avera

    Raymond,
    You would make a good room mate because our grocery lists are probably very similar! You could not have said that better – everyone should consider following at SOME level. No one has to be 100% Paleo to reap the benefits but there are so many awesome traits that people should use it to a degree.

    Also, if you have that cake recipe handy, and wouldn’t mind sending my way, I’d love to try it out!

  • Zorik

    I am also trying to do about 90% Paleo now to get lean. I really like your Paleo cereal. I will have to try it!! I break out from eggs so I can’t eat your second Paleo breakfast version.

  • http://RelativeStrengthAdvantage.com Yavor

    This post is a homerun baby! You are a genius dude! Awesome paleo cereal and the other ones are kickass too!

    The only ingredient I can’t seem to find here is the almond milk..
    Yavor´s last [type] ..Push-up Strength Training- A Guide to Using the Hip Push-up for More Muscular Density and Definition

  • http://www.theleanlook.com Tim – The Lean Look

    Craig,

    Great breakfast ideas. I’ve have been trying to eat a little more paleo myself lately (around 75& of my diet) and you do need to be a little creative or it can get boring.

    Thanks,

    - Tim
    Tim – The Lean Look´s last [type] ..Suit Tips – Buying the Right Pants Can Make or Break a Suit!

  • http://www.fitnessbreakout.com Alykhan – Fitness Breakout

    Craig,

    So no more cheat days of pizza and sushi? My favorite Paleo meal is a loaded omelet with plenty of meat, cheese, and veggies. Can’t go wrong and it fills me up for hours!

    Alykhan
    Alykhan – Fitness Breakout´s last [type] ..Why You Should Read Fitness Blogs

  • http://www.notyouraveragefitnesstips.com Dave – Fitness Training Tips

    Craig,
    I’ve slowly been embracing some aspects of the paleo diet, particularly limiting my sugar consumption during the week. I’m not ready to give up my cheat day filled with all sorts of disgusting foods…especially when so many of my son’s friends are having birthday parties. Cake and cupcakes are a big weakness!
    Dave
    Dave – Fitness Training Tips´s last [type] ..Can Performing Morning Cardio on Empty Stomach Fasted Cardio Help Burn Fat

  • http://fitexcellence.com FitXcel

    I made the mistake of reading this post while on my fast. Big mistake! Now I’m starving. Those look so delicious! Keep them coming!

    -Drew
    FitXcel´s last [type] ..5 Mix Distance Running with Interval Training

  • Matt S

    Hey Craig, I just made the cereal….so good!

    How much walnuts and almonds would you put in it not to go overboard on the calories.

    I ate it right after a workout and it hit the spot.

  • http://hollywoodbodyfitness.com Craig Avera

    Drew,
    Sorry bout that buddy :) Hopefully you pushed through!

    Matt,
    I use a handful of an almond/walnut mix and the rest is pretty much berries.

    Good call, because it can get calorically heavy if you eat too much… which is easy to do because it’s pretty dang good!

  • Matt S

    Alright nice, thats about how much I used.
    I just bought visual impact and am on stage 1, gatta say eating a bit more is nice ahhaha

  • http://www.straightforwardhealth.com David

    I make a “cereal” in the mornings using 4 Tbs of flax seed meal, 1/4 C of water, an egg, and some sweetener. After mixing and letting it sit for 10 minutes I put 1.5 Tbs of cream cheese in the middle and microwave it all for 2 minutes. This is a great source of fiber and Omega 3′s. And tasty too!

  • http://www.thefittestvegan.com Alejandro “The Fittest Vegan”

    This diet is right up my alley, that cereal mix looks wicked. I’m addicted to the almond milk, particularly the chocolate almond milk.

    I haven’t had eggs in a while, but the picture with avocados is making me question that.
    Alejandro “The Fittest Vegan”´s last [type] ..Why You Need to Exercise Outdoors

  • http://hollywoodbodyfitness.com Craig Avera

    Matt,
    Yeah Phase 1 is awesome in that regard! Enjoy it!

    David,
    Sounds like an amazing low-carb breakfast – one that I’m definitely going to have to try.

    Alejandro,
    Oh almond milk is my friend too! Chocolate is amazing but I usually buy the unsweetened vanilla. So good!

  • http://www.zenmyfitness.com Raymond – ZenMyFintess

    here you go Craig,

    Orange & Chia Cake

    2 large oranges
    6 large free range eggs
    250g castor sugar (I don’t use this much sugar, try honey or stevia)
    250g almond meal (or finely crushed almonds)
    2 tspns baking powder
    1/2 cup of chia seeds

    Icing (optional)
    3/4 cup cream cheese
    juice of half a lemon
    1/2 cup icing sugar

    Preheat oven to 175 deg. Boil oranges or put in a bowl, cover with cling film and microwave on high for 7 mins. Blend whole cooked oranges until smooth and set aside. Beat eggs & sugar until thick and pale. Fold together almond meal, baking powder, chia and orange pulp. Pour into a large, well greased and lined cake tin and bake for 35-40 mins on a low shelf. If icing – combine ingredients and spread onto the cooled cake and sprinkle with more chia.
    Raymond – ZenMyFintess´s last [type] ..More Crazy Celebrity Diets That Do Work

  • http://hollywoodbodyfitness.com Craig Avera

    Raymond,
    I’ve yet to break the chia seed barrier but will have to do so now! This paleo cake looks amazing! I might eat the whole thing :) Thanks for the recipe buddy!

  • http://www.moreprimetime.com/ Darren

    I live on eggs as well.

    Easy on the CTC, that was my brand when I worked at General Mills. I have some pretty funny stories about filming commercials with tweens.

    Great post,

    Darren
    Darren´s last [type] ..Jogging for Beginners – Week 10

  • Derek

    Craig, I’m new to the site and your fitness and nutrition ideas have peaked my interest. I gave the Paleo cereal a try this morning and WOW! Amazing stuff…I have no problems eating this alternative on a regular basis. Thnx!

  • http://hollywoodbodyfitness.com Craig Avera

    Derek,
    The Paleo cereal is one of my favorites! And your body will thank you for making the switch as well.

  • MK

    Hey do you have a breakfast idea for me (I am vegetarian and do not eat EGG too)

  • steve

    looks the bomb!

  • http://www.paleodietfoodlist.net paleo diet paleo

    great recipes… ty!

    this blog post could be very interesting for you to read: Growing up on paleo diet

    beautiful life story if nothing else :)
    paleo diet paleo´s last [type] ..Paleo Valentine Idea

  • http://www.paleodietfoodlist.net paleo diet paleo

    I’ve found some more paleo breakfast ideas
    paleo diet paleo´s last [type] ..Paleo Valentine Idea

  • http://www.hollywoodbodyfitness.com/paleo-breakfast-ideas Theresa

    Hi.
    This all sounds great and I am looking forward to implementing the Paleo lifestyle.
    The cereal looks yummy. My unfortunate issue is that a have a tree nut allergy (so no almonds, walnuts, peanuts seeds etc etc). Any advice on protein ideas. I can only have eggs so often for breakfast. Any other ideas?
    T
    Theresa´s last [type] ..Workout of the Day- March 1- 2011

  • http://hollywoodbodyfitness.com Craig Avera

    Theresa,
    I’m very excited for you to incorporate Paleo into your life… it works wonders for me and I love me! Beware the first 10-14 days can be a rough adjustment period and you can expect to feel fatigued and cranky those few days, but after that, it’s smooth sailing! 1 step backward to move 3 forward.

    I end up buying a lot of ground sirloin, 90/10 and cooking up a good ol’ hamburger for breakfast. Coupled with some sliced avocado and homemade Paleo BBQ sauce, it doesn’t get much better than that. You will likely end up eating non-breakfast type food for breakfast, which may seem weird at first, but becomes natural quickly.

  • http://www.iloveleftovers.wordpress.com Rene Lynch

    Thanks very much for this, terrific suggestions.

  • MC

    Thanks so much I love the new cereal version. I am sensitive to eggs so any other ideas are always welcome. BTW my reaction to eggs is fatigue, so be aware of that. I overdid eggs once upon a time. Variety is always best. I always have a big supply of seasoned seaweed, so I fill this with whatever sandwich I use to make.
    What a difference this lifestyle makes: I have a clearer head and less inflammation.

    Keep the ideas coming, it only takes creativity.

  • Anders

    I’m quite interested in this kind of diet, I’m just about to start working out again, in such a horrible state of fitness from 3 years ago when I was a lean lad of 23.

    I do have a huge problem however, I’m “cross-allergic” (Due to pollen-allergies) to a majority of fruits, veggies and berries. If its cooked, usually I’m okay except for some fruits which I’m highly sensitive towards (Bananas are the worst!). Even Cucumber can set me off if I have a bit too much.

    Salads for me can at the most contain a mixture of lettuce, baby spinach and arugula. Some red paprika and cucumber. And then its not in any large portions, I have to overload on chicken or usually some form of bread to get any sense that I’ve actually eaten.

    It sucks :(

  • shalla

    My husband and I have been eating paleo for about a month and a half and we love it! We do eggs and some sort of meat and a fruit and veggie smoothie for breakfast and mid-morning snack every day (no smoothie on the weekends) but that can get a bit boring. I was searching the net for any other ideas (other than having lunch or dinner type meals) for breakfast and your cereal looked amazing! I just made myself a bowl and WOW! I used coconut milk instead of almond milk and also threw in half a banana for good measure and it was so tasty- the cinammon is a great idea because it gives it a “cereal-y” taste. Thank you for adding a tasty option to my weekly menu!

  • Gary

    In anyone’s opinion – is raw unpasteurized
    milk OK? I consume that and use the non fat one, get it at Erewhon Market for those in
    Los Angeles? Would that be ok?

    Gary at garebla@yahoo.com

  • Mills

    Want to try something new in your breakfast meal? Here you go with hundreds of recipes
    http://bit.ly/ldk2XL

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  • http://www.paleochallenge.net paleo challenge

    It isn’t to late go join our paleo challenge! It will be starting in few days. For instruction and rules please check –
    paleo challenge´s last [type] ..    Starting the 30-day Paleo Challenge

  • trac

    As an addition to the great Paleo cereal above, I have been adding course ground almond meal (Bob’s makes one that is fine ground which is ok, or Vitamin Cottage has a coarse ground – or grind your own), 2-3 tablespoons and ground flax seed – 2 teaspoons. Adds some nice crunchy texture and bulk to the cereal mix, and the good way to get your flax seed in – be sure to grind the flax seed or buy Bobs ground flax seed and keep it in the refrigerator to retain its nutritional value. I also keep the Almond meal in the freezer along with most nuts to keep them fresh. But now I am hungry for the eggs above…mmmm…

  • Craig

    Trac,
    I like that idea a lot… ooh tomorrow it’s on!

  • Hermione Hairpie

    Oh yeah, broccoli and egg farts in the morning, that’s such a turn on. :P

  • johnfocker

    Very interesting!
    But maybe you should cut off all the “God is so smart that…” cause it discredits you to the eyes of people like me… ;)

  • Annanfamily

    I am new to Paleo and have often thought that diet can be summed up in this way, “If God made it, and man hasn’t messed with it, eat it”. For example, I know wheat is not OK, but todays wheat is not what God created. I appreciate you referencing an Intelligent Maker.

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