As a population, I think we face two major issues with consuming a high protein diet, especially one that involves eating a protein-rich breakfast! Firstly is that many people believe, (and girls I am talking mainly about us here!) that consuming protein or drinking protein shakes post-workouts will make us ‘hench’ and manly, I promise you it won’t! It’s a somewhat reasonable way of thinking seeming as we are constantly filtered images of huge and muscly men downing their protein shakes or rugby boys devouring steaks for breakfasts, but it’s incorrect and we need to be aware of the important benefits that protein brings. Secondly is that we are petrified of the thought of consuming the saturated fat from meat incase it literally just turns to fat on our tummies, hmm…!

For 2.5 million years, every single human on the planet ate lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables. This is the only “diet” that fits our genetic make up, nobody designed this diet, nature did. DNA evidence shows that genetically, humans have hardly changed at all. In fact the human genome has changed less than 0.02% in 40,000 years.

So, if we are meant to eat protein, what is the scare about the saturated fat from meat?

Not all protein is created equal. When scientists stigmatised red meat, they threw out the proverbial baby with the bath water. Meat is a mixture of protein and fat. Lean meat such as found in wild game and seafood is about 80% protein and 20 % fat. But fatty meats like lamb chops can be a whopping 75 % fat and 25 % protein. Other lean meats such as sirloin steak, chicken breast, turkey, duck, are just a handful of the many lean meats that are excellent for your health. It is the high levels of saturated fat, NOT the protein that can cause the problems. This is why the Atkins diet eventually came under fire; he was right in some respects but forgot to account for the fact that bacon and sausages as your source of protein for breakfast every day is going to cause some issues eventually!

 If you choose from the list of LEAN meats you will:

• Increase your metabolism and slow your appetite
• Lose weight
• Improve insulin metabolism
• Help lower blood pressure
• Feed your brain (DHA)
• Satisfy your appetite

Not sure about you Ladies, but those benefits sounds pretty spot on to me!

Having protein in your breakfast has numerous benefits: 

• When you eat protein your body releases a hormone called Ghrelin which tells your brain that you’re full. You therefore feel more satiated and are far more unlikely to snack and feel hungry sooner. There is plenty of evidence to suggest people who eat a high-protein breakfast will consume fewer calories throughout the rest of the day because of this.
• It sets your body clock for the rest of day so that you are not on an up and down yoyo with sugar cravings: good for your metabolism and weight loss.
• It is also vital for building and repairing muscle tissue so a protein-rich breakfast following a morning weights session is essential. If you’re trying to put on muscle mass but starving your body of protein it needs, you’re going to get negative results.

The Nuts?

The nuts of your breakfast are designed to provide rich sources of good fat, (monounsaturated). These fats can lower cholesterol; reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers including breast cancer. Remember, that nuts are concentrated sources of fat though so for a weight loss program limit the intake to 6-10 nuts in one serving.

 The Fruit?

The fruit is there for its antioxidant content and fibre, as well as a natural sugar. Blueberries are one of the most powerful antioxidants, (disease fighter) on the planet! Be sure to vary your fruit though as different fruits provide different anti-oxidants.

So don’t waste any more time and start your day (yep I’m going to say it…) the right way!