The traditional breakfast meal might be bacon and sausage for many, but it’s not the healthiest option. Instead, the Mayo Clinic suggests eating a healthy breakfast that contains low-fat dairy, whole grains, vegetables, and lean meats.
For those who want to cut down on calories, we’ve compiled a list of some healthy breakfast meats that are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Bacon
Bacon is one of the most popular breakfast meats. It has a good amount of protein and is low in calories, fat, and sodium.
It is also a good source of niacin, selenium, vitamin B, and zinc. It is a good choice for people who have low blood sugar and may help regulate their glucose levels.
Another reason that bacon is a good choice for your breakfast is because it contains healthy unsaturated fats, similar to olive oil. This type of fat helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, there is a significant amount of saturated fat in bacon. This is the kind of fat that some health professionals have suggested increases your risk of heart disease, but studies have shown that these factors are more often linked to diet and lifestyle choices than to dietary cholesterol intake.
In general, a healthy breakfast should consist of a combination of whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, and lean proteins. The Mayo Clinic recommends that a breakfast high in these ingredients will provide lasting energy and assist you to feel energized throughout the day.
Sausage
Sausage is one of the best breakfast meats, and it can be made with many different types of protein. You can find sausages made from pork, beef, turkey, chicken, venison and even plant-based options.
However, it is important to choose a high-quality product. Most cured sausages are injected with nitrates and nitrites to prevent bacteria from growing and to preserve the meat’s flavor.
While nitrates and nitrites are considered to be safe in small amounts, they can cause health problems such as cancer if eaten on a regular basis.
Additionally, sausages are usually very high in sodium. This can increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, so it’s best to choose a low-sodium sausage product.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, try switching to an organic breakfast sausage. These products contain no hormones or antibiotics, and they’re also produced from animals that are raised in a more natural environment than conventional sausages.
Lean Cuts of Meat
Lean cuts of meat are great breakfast foods that offer plenty of flavor. They are also low in saturated fat, which can promote heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.
In addition to beef, other lean protein choices include pork, chicken and turkey. Grass-fed beef has been shown to be healthier, with a lower fat profile and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than commercially raised meat.
The leanest cuts of beef include round steaks and roasts (eye of round, top round, bottom round, round tip), top loin, top sirloin, chuck shoulder and arm roasts.
When cooking lean cuts of meat, cook them rare or medium-rare for best results. Sear them on a grill or in a skillet to seal in the flavorful juices.
Fish
Fish is a great choice for breakfast because it’s a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, it’s lower in fat than many other breakfast foods, making it a good choice for those who want to lose weight or reduce their risk of heart disease.
What’s more, fish is a smart dietary choice because it can be prepared quickly and easily. You can grill, broil or roast it to perfection!
The most notable thing about fish is its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. The fatty acids help prevent heart disease and cancer, and improve brain function.
A popular breakfast food is lox, a salt-cured or brined salmon fillet that’s often served on a bagel with capers and tomato. Other tasty seafood options include mackerel, lake trout, herring and sardines. It’s a good idea to opt for low-sodium canned varieties and rinse them before eating.