Smoked foods are delicious and can be enjoyed any time of day. So, is it appropriate to include them in your breakfast? Let’s look at the pros and cons.
In this post we'll cover:
Fuel Your Day with a Balanced Breakfast
Why Protein is Important
When it comes to healthy eating, protein is the real MVP. It’s made up of chains of amino acids, which your body needs for different functions. Eating protein can help keep your blood sugar levels in check, and make you feel fuller for longer, so you don’t get cravings for sugary snacks. Plus, it’s essential for growth and development, repairing muscles and tissue, and keeping your immune system in tip-top shape.
You can get protein from both animal and plant sources, so there’s something for everyone. It’s especially important for athletes, pregnant women, and anyone trying to lose weight or build muscle.
The Benefits of a Balanced Breakfast
It’s no surprise that a balanced breakfast is the best way to start your day. Aim for a combination of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, and you’ll stay full for longer. Whole grains are a great source of unrefined carbs, so they can give you a boost of energy too. If you’re not sure what kind of breakfast is right for you, consider talking to a nutritionist or dietitian.
Make Breakfast Fun
Breakfast doesn’t have to be boring! Get creative in the kitchen and try out different recipes. You can even make breakfast-inspired snacks for later in the day. And don’t forget to have fun while you’re eating – it’s the most important meal of the day, after all.
Protein-Packed Breakfast Ideas
Pork Bacon
- Who doesn’t love bacon? It’s so popular that there’s even a camp dedicated to it! Pork bacon is a great source of protein, and it’s low in carbs. Plus, it can help regulate your blood sugar levels if you eat it before you have any carbs.
- Bacon has 12 grams of protein per 100 grams, and it’s packed with vitamins B, selenium, and zinc. The downside? It’s high in fat and can be really salty. So, if you’re salt-sensitive or on a salt-restricted diet, you may want to skip this one.
- Bacon is low in carbs and sugar (unless you choose a glazed or sugar-seasoned option), so it won’t cause your blood sugar to spike. The high fat content can slow digestion and glucose metabolism, which can help keep your blood sugar levels steady.
Turkey Bacon
- Turkey bacon is a lighter, lower-fat alternative to pork bacon. It’s got less fat and calories, and it has 21.43 grams of protein per serving.
- Turkey bacon is low in carbs and won’t cause your blood sugar to spike. However, it can be high in salt, so if you’re salt-sensitive, you may want to choose a low-sodium option.
Canadian Bacon
- Canadian bacon is actually more like ham than traditional bacon. It’s leaner and healthier, and it’s got a delicious smoky flavor.
- Canadian bacon is made from pork loin, so it’s lower in fat and calories than regular bacon. It’s also high in protein and minerals like zinc and phosphorus. Plus, it’s low in carbs, so it won’t cause your blood sugar to spike.
- The only downside? Canadian bacon is a processed food, so it may not be the best choice for daily consumption. But it’s a great option if you want to switch up your breakfast without affecting your blood sugar.
Start Your Day with High-Protein Breakfast Foods
Eggs
If you’re looking for a high-protein breakfast that’s sure to start your day off right, eggs are the way to go! They’re packed with protein, low in glucose, and oh-so-tasty. Plus, you can have them scrambled, poached, boiled, or fried – so there’s something for everyone.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a great high-protein breakfast option for those looking for something a little different. It’s made from fermented soybeans, so it’s a great source of plant-based protein. Plus, it’s low in glucose, so it’s a great way to start your day.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a great way to add a boost of protein and fiber to your breakfast. They’re low in glucose, so they won’t spike your blood sugar levels. Plus, they’re super versatile – you can add them to oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, and more.
Nut Butter
Nut butter is a great way to add some protein and flavor to your breakfast. It’s low in glucose, so it won’t spike your blood sugar levels. Plus, it’s delicious when spread on toast, added to oatmeal, or even eaten straight from the jar.
Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, and they’re low in glucose. Plus, they’re super versatile – you can add them to omelets, burritos, salads, and more. So if you’re looking for a high-protein breakfast that’s sure to fill you up, beans are the way to go.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, and it’s low in glucose. Plus, it’s delicious when topped with fruit, nuts, or granola. So if you’re looking for a high-protein breakfast that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, Greek yogurt is the way to go.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, and it’s low in glucose. Plus, it’s delicious when topped with fruit, nuts, or granola. So if you’re looking for a high-protein breakfast that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds, cottage cheese is the way to go.
A Delicious Way to Start Your Day: The BBQ Fatty
What is a BBQ Fatty?
A BBQ fatty is like a stuffed pork loin meets a meatloaf, but way more delicious! It’s a ground pork patty wrapped in a bacon weave and smoked low and slow on your smoker until it’s cooked to perfection. It’s a great way to feed a crowd for a Sunday morning get together, Easter brunch, or Christmas morning.
What’s Inside?
A BBQ fatty is filled with all the breakfast goodies you love:
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Peppers
And whatever else you want to stuff in there!
How to Make a BBQ Fatty
Making a BBQ fatty is easy! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground pork
- Bacon
- Your favorite breakfast fillings
First, layer your breakfast fillings over the ground pork. Then, wrap it up tightly in a bacon weave. Place it on your smoker and cook it low and slow until it’s fully cooked and the bacon is crispy. Slice it up and serve it to your hungry crowd. Enjoy!
How to Make a Bacon Weave for the Grill
What is a Bacon Weave?
Bacon weaves are the ultimate way to keep your ground sausage and breakfast filling together when you’re grilling. Plus, they look pretty darn cool.
How to Make a Bacon Weave
Making a bacon weave is just like making a lattice for a pie crust. Here’s how to do it:
- Grab 6 slices of thin-cut bacon from the package.
- Place a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap on a flat surface.
- Lay the 6 slices of bacon down vertically, right next to each other.
- Fold every other strip of bacon back, then lay a strip of bacon horizontally over the strips you folded back.
- Place the folded strips of bacon back over the horizontal strip.
- Fold the other 3 strips of bacon back, then lay another horizontal strip of bacon over them.
- Repeat the process until all the strips of bacon are woven together.
- If you want, season the inside of the bacon weave with BBQ seasoning.
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a bacon weave that’s ready to be grilled.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy breakfast, why not try smoking your food? Smoking your breakfast foods can add a delicious smoky flavor to your meal and make it extra special. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family! Just remember to use thin slices of bacon for the bacon weave and to season your sausage layer with a BBQ dry rub for an extra kick. And don’t forget the most important part: have fun! After all, BREAKFAST is the most important meal of the day.
