Build Your Own Savoury Breakfast
How to Build Your Own Savoury Breakfast: The Glucose Goddess Way
When it comes to balancing blood sugar, a savoury breakfast is one of the best things you can do for your body. Unlike traditional sweet breakfasts that can cause glucose spikes (think pastries, cereals, or sugary smoothies), a savoury breakfast keeps your energy stable and helps manage hunger throughout the day. While it may not be what you’re used to, embracing savoury options in the morning is a powerful step towards health and balance.
This blog will guide you on how to confidently create your own savoury breakfast following the Glucose Goddess method, with clear suggestions for fibre, protein, fats, and healthy carbs. By understanding how to mix and match these elements, you'll feel empowered to whip up delicious meals that keep your blood sugar stable and your body nourished.
Key Components of a Glucose-Friendly Breakfast
Here’s a breakdown of what your breakfast should include to keep you full, satisfied, and in control of your hunger:
Fibre
Protein
Healthy Fats
Complex Carbohydrates (optional and eaten last)
1. Fibre: The Foundation
Fibre is essential for controlling blood sugar and ensuring smooth digestion. It slows down glucose absorption, helping you avoid spikes and crashes.
Suggested Fibre Sources & Weights:
Vegetables (cooked or raw):
Spinach, kale, broccoli, courgettes, peppers – around 1 cup
Seeds:
Chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds – 1 tablespoon
Legumes:
Lentils, chickpeas – around 1/4 cup cooked
Fibre is your first bite! Start your meal with vegetables or fibre-rich foods to lay a steady foundation for your blood sugar.
2. Protein: Satiate and Energise
Protein helps you stay full longer, supports muscle health, and contributes to slow glucose absorption.
Suggested Protein Sources & Weights:
Eggs:
2-3 eggs (scrambled, poached, boiled)
Greek Yoghurt:
1 cup unsweetened, full-fat Greek yoghurt
Tofu or Tempeh:
1/2 cup cooked
Chicken or Turkey Sausage (nitrate-free):
1 small link or around 50-75g
Smoked Salmon:
Around 50-75g
Once you’ve eaten your fibre-rich veggies, move on to your protein. It provides staying power to keep you satisfied until your next meal.
3. Healthy Fats: Stay Satiated
Fats are crucial for balancing blood sugar, as they slow down the absorption of glucose and help keep you feeling full for longer.
Suggested Healthy Fat Sources & Weights:
Avocado:
1/2 avocado
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon (for cooking or drizzling)
Nuts:
Almonds, walnuts, or cashews – a small handful (15-20g)
Nut Butters:
Almond butter or peanut butter – 1 tablespoon
Incorporate healthy fats to keep your energy steady and avoid mid-morning crashes. Fats pair beautifully with fibre and protein, creating a nutrient-dense meal.
4. Complex Carbohydrates: Fuel with Balance (Optional)
Carbs are a source of energy, but they can cause spikes if eaten alone. In the Glucose Goddess method, we include carbs after eating fibre, protein, and fats to prevent glucose spikes.
Suggested Complex Carbohydrate Sources & Weights:
Wholegrain or Sourdough Bread:
1 slice
Quinoa:
1/4 cup cooked
Sweet Potatoes:
1/2 medium-sized sweet potato (baked or boiled)
Oats (if you prefer an oat-based breakfast):
1/4 cup (pair with savoury toppings like avocado, seeds, and eggs)
If you choose to include complex carbs in your breakfast, save them for last to avoid sharp blood sugar spikes.
Building Your Savoury Breakfast: Mix & Match
Now that you understand the components, let’s look at some fresh examples of how you can mix and match these elements to create balanced, delicious savoury breakfasts:
Example 1: Veggie-Stuffed Omelette
Fibre: 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers
Protein: 3 eggs (whisked for the omelette)
Healthy Fats: Cook in 1 tablespoon olive oil and serve with 1/4 avocado
Complex Carbs (optional): 1 slice of wholegrain toast
Example 2: Tofu Scramble with Greens
Fibre: 1 cup cooked kale and spinach
Protein: 1/2 cup firm tofu, crumbled
Healthy Fats: 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds
Complex Carbs (optional): 1/2 sweet potato, roasted
Example 3: Salmon and Veggie Bowl
Fibre: 1 cup cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens
Protein: 50-75g smoked salmon
Healthy Fats: 1/2 avocado and 1 tablespoon olive oil drizzled on the salad
Complex Carbs (optional): 1/4 cup cooked quinoa
Why Savoury Over Sweet?
You might be thinking, "But I love my sweet breakfast!" While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying something sweet, starting your day with a sugary meal (like fruit bowls or pancakes) can lead to a blood sugar rollercoaster that makes you feel tired, hungry, and craving more sugar throughout the day.
By switching to a savoury breakfast, you’re prioritising balance and giving your body the nutrients it needs to thrive. Sweet foods can still be part of your day, but it’s best to have them later in the afternoon when your body is more prepared to handle a glucose spike.
Weighing It Out: A Quick Reference
Here’s a quick guide to the suggested amounts for each component:
Fibre (vegetables, seeds, legumes): 1 cup of veggies or 1 tablespoon of seeds
Protein (eggs, yoghurt, sausage): 2-3 eggs or 50-75g of protein
Healthy Fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil): 1/2 avocado or 1 tablespoon oil or nut butter
Complex Carbs (bread, sweet potatoes, quinoa): 1 slice or 1/4 cup cooked
A Final Thought
Savoury breakfasts might be different from what you’re used to, but embracing this approach will give you more energy, improve your mood, and help you regulate your blood sugar. Remember, balance is key, and this is about nourishing your body for long-term health. You can still enjoy your favourite sweet treats later in the day—just start your morning with the right fuel for your body!