When we think about a traditional English breakfast it conjures up images of greasy sausages and fried eggs that are good for the soul but not so good for our waistlines or our health.
The cooked breakfast is a great British institution and was first recorded in recipes dating back to 1840, however the menu wasn’t fixed and included everything from halibut to kidneys on toast and pork pies. Mrs Beeton’s 1861 book on household management listed a vast range of options to serve as the cooked breakfast continued to grow in popularity, and by 1956 half of us Brits were still having a cooked breakfast even if it was just a boiled egg.
Over the years our appetite for a traditional English breakfast hasn’t changed, although our cooking habits have. We’re now more conscious of what we eat meaning the traditional English breakfast is usually only eaten as a weekend treat or a café brunch.
Here at Prestige we’ve looked at how you can still treat yourself to a full English breakfast, by making a lighter healthier alternative that will still set you up for the day ahead.
A traditional English breakfast can be a whopping 1,035 calories! However, by making a few small changes you can easily halve this without compromising on the taste. Take a look at our step-by-step guide to a healthier start to the day.
Change your ingredients
As a special treat try to find higher quality sausages and bacon either from a farmers’ market or a supermarket’s premium range. They are less likely to contain reconstituted meat and will also contain less fat meaning a healthier alternative for you.
Focus on the veggie part of your plate -- tomatoes, mushrooms and baked beans are all key features of a Full English, and will beef up your plate without beefing up the calorie count.
No oil!
It may sound obvious but steer clear of any oils when cooking your English breakfast. Try experimenting with different ways of cooking such as grilling your sausages and bacon and poaching or scrambling your eggs.
If you do want to fry, using high quality non-stick cookware means you can get away with cooking with less oil.
Know your bread
Fried bread is an easy ingredient to replace. Why not try a tasty sour dough or toasted wholegrain instead? These alternatives are much healthier and make great accompaniments for the perfect English breakfast.
Look for leaner meats…
There’s quick and easy ways you can make a healthy English breakfast including cutting the fat off your bacon and buying sausages made with leaner cuts of meat.
Why not try the veggie sausage option too if you’re looking for a meat free alternative?
We’ve all heard the expression that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and in fact research suggests that people who eat breakfast are slimmer because they tend to eat less during the day, especially high calorie snacks.
With our tips and ideas on healthier alternatives you can still enjoy a delicious English breakfast, and don’t forget to serve it with that other great British institution… a perfectly brewed pot of tea!
What are your tips for cutting the calories without cutting the taste? Share them with on @YourPrestigeKitchen on Instagram
