TUESDAY'S TIP : Allergy Free Breakfast

I have issues with wheat, oat, rye, dairy, and eggs. Although it's difficult sometimes to plan meals in general, I find that breakfast can be the most challenging. I tend to find two or three foods that work and rotate them, but it gets boring. Some recent reader comments prompted me to seek out some alternatives. Here's what I came up with.



Of course you can always check out your gluten free section of the supermarket and pick up some allergy free frozen waffles, or box mixes for pancakes and such, but be careful to read the ingredients. Not all GF foods are created equal. See my post about "Free From" foods to get some tips on what to look out for. One of my favorites is a buckwheat waffle with honey and peanut or almond butter (you can try sunflower seed butter if you're allergic to peanuts and/or tree nuts). 



Smoothies can be made quite easily with a blender or Magic bullet. You can use your favorite fruits and mix them with yogurt, apple juice, or orange juice. Select the fruits and liquids that are most suitable for your particular needs and blend away. Add honey, agave, or any other sweetener if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. 


I find that fruit salad is a refreshing way to start the day. Again, choose the fruits that are appropriate for you, chop them up and throw them in a bowl. Voila! It doesn't get any simpler than that. 


If eggs are not an issue, or you're able to eat egg whites (like me) then omletes or fritattas are a good choice. You can also make French toast with your favorite GF bread or "eggs in a basket" by cutting out the center of your bread, cracking an egg into it and frying it up.


Allergy free cereals are good, but again, check "Free From" for tips there. You might also try some hot cereals like grits, cream of buckwheat, cream of rice, or oatmeal (although oatmeal's out for me). 


A word on breakfast meats. Be sure to read the ingredients carefully. Some meats are processed with wheat products as fillers or stabilizers. Be sure to check before you end up with more than you bargained for.  


Don't limit yourself to "breakfast" foods. We seem to have this unwritten rule that breakfast must be cereal, eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles... you get the idea. Well, who says? Eat the foods you're able to eat... even at breakfast. Who says you can't have chicken in the morning? Why should a salad be limited to lunch or dinner. Bottom line, food is fuel. So throw the rules out the window and start eating what you enjoy, regardless of what time of day it is!


I have some breakfast recipes coming soon! Be on the look out for them!