Breakfast Styles Around the World: From Healthy to Classic

Breakfast can be a meal of comfort, convenience, and health, depending on your choices and personal preferences. From a simple egg white casserole to a hearty English breakfast, there are numerous ways to start your day. Let’s explore various breakfast styles and the factors that influence them.

Healthy and Budget-Friendly: The Egg White Turkey Casserole

For some individuals, breakfast can be an efficient and healthy option that stretches throughout the week. Take, for example, the author who makes a casserole on the weekend and enjoys it for several days. This meal typically includes egg whites, ground turkey, onions, peppers, garlic, and green vegetables. Here is the recipe:

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites, ground turkey, onions, peppers, and garlic. Top with spinach or mustard greens, and bake for 30 minutes. Serve each portion with a scoop of avocado on top.

This breakfast is not only nutritious but also cost-effective and time-saving, making it a practical choice for busy individuals.

A Classic All-Day Breakfast: The English Style

The English breakfast is a more extensive dining experience that can span from morning to evening. It is often referred to as a 'lunch' or 'all-day' breakfast because it is hearty enough to last for several hours. Here are the typical elements of an English breakfast:

Bacon or back sausage Lean ham or pork Eggs (poached, fried, or scrambled) Mushrooms and plums tomatoes Toast with butter Potatoes (garden, hash browns, or waffles) Milk tea or hot chocolate

The author enjoys this meal because it is so delicious and satisfying, making it ideal for a leisurely morning session or a late afternoon snack.

No Breakfast for Me: The Two-Meal a Day Approach

Some individuals prefer to skip breakfast entirely, as demonstrated by the author who chooses to have two large meals: lunch and dinner, with no snacks in between. This preference is influenced by lifestyle and social factors. For instance, dinner is a social occasion for the author, but skipping dinner is not an option because it is a family and friend gathering.

Roti and Paratha: A Popular Option for School and Work

Others opt for lighter but more substantial options, such as roti or paratha, which are common in Indian cuisine. These flatbreads are often enjoyed with chutneys, butter, and pickles, providing both fiber and flavor. For example, the aaloo paratha (potato paratha) is a favored choice, accompanied by a cup of milk tea. Other popular breakfast items include chole bhature and chole poori. While these meals are enjoyable, they can be quite filling, making the author less likely to stay awake after consuming a combination of paratha and lassi.

Traditional British Retiree’s Breakfast

For an 83-year-old retiree living in Calgary, the morning routine begins early, often at 4 AM for reading and devotion. This simple breakfast consists of a boiled egg, two slices of toast with butter and jam, and a strong coffee. This meal serves as a satisfying start to the day, with the author enjoying it until lunchtime.

These diverse breakfast styles reflect the global nature of breakfast foods and the personal preferences that define them. Whether you opt for a nourishing and economical option, a hearty and satisfying dish, or a simple traditional meal, breakfast remains a cornerstone of daily life, providing energy, comfort, and a sense of routine.