If you’re a health-conscious eater, breakfast is probably your most important meal of the day. It can help you regulate your appetite, prevent blood sugar swings and fill up on all the essential nutrients.
However, not all breakfasts are created equal. And if you’re trying to lose weight, you’re probably not getting enough protein in your first meal of the day.
1. France
When people think of French breakfast, they often conjure up an Instagram-worthy image of a croissant sitting atop a perfectly brewed espresso. But that’s not always the case.
One of the most popular breakfast dishes in France is omelettes, which are made with simple ingredients like eggs and milk. They are usually served as a quick snack or breakfast on the go and they come in a variety of fillings.
Another French classic is Croque Monsieur which is a sandwich made with soft sweet brioche bread filled with cheese and ham. It’s typically topped with bechamel sauce and a softly fried egg.
2. Japan
When it comes to the healthiest breakfast, Japan is a leader. Its combination of healthy foods and ingredients deliver a large amount of vitamins and minerals that offer a variety of benefits to the body.
The Japanese eat a lot of fish, vegetables, seaweed, fermented products, and beans in the morning to help improve digestion and overall health. These foods also provide a great source of protein that helps to sustain energy throughout the day.
The traditional breakfast includes a main dish of grilled fish or a fish egg omelet (yakizakana) and a bowl of chewy, steamed rice. Miso soup and green tea are also common accompaniments to this meal.
3. Korea
A typical Korean breakfast consists of a bowl of rice with various banchans. Those include seaweed, traditional pickled veggies like kimchi, anchovies, salted fish, bean sprouts, and mushrooms.
Another popular dish is a cold soy milk noodle soup (konggusku) topped with cucumbers and tomatoes. This is a great light meal that’s also low in sodium.
However, if you’re looking to lose weight, you might want to avoid hearty dishes with meat and fat in them. These dishes can also be high in calories and sodium, so you should try to choose lean proteins or a vegetarian option instead.
4. Germany
When it comes to breakfast, many countries around the world have a different take on this most important meal of the day. Some focus on the amount of carbs they can get in before a busy work day, while others are more focused on eating light and healthy before lunch or dinner.
Germany is no exception. The country is famous for its beer, but it also has a lot to offer when it comes to food.
In fact, bread plays an integral part in German cuisine. They love a wide variety of breads, from multi-grain to mixed rye and even seed-based rolls.
It’s not uncommon to see bread accompanied by other savory options, like eggs, cheese or meats. This makes this type of breakfast more filling than other versions, while also being very nutritious.
5. Mexico
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast that will keep you full through lunch, then you can’t go wrong with a Mexican meal. There are several delicious options, including a variety of egg dishes.
A popular side in Mexico is fresh fruit or vegetable juice, and a scoop of rice is common on many breakfast tables. Pan dulce, a sweet bread, is also often served for breakfast.
In addition to these breakfast staples, there are plenty of other savory options to choose from when it comes to Mexican cuisine. For example, huevos rancheros is a traditional Mexican dish that combines tortillas, eggs, beans, and a salsa or tomato-chili sauce for flavor.