PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
paleo breakfast recipes

6 paleo breakfast ideas

23 Nov 2022 • 2 min read

Breakfast can be a rushed meal at the best of times, especially if you’re on a restrictive food plan. However, eating the paleo way doesn’t mean you have to forego a filling, nutritious start to the day.

What is the paleo diet?

Paleo is short for Paleolithic – the ancient era beginning 2.5 million years ago in which our prehistoric ancestors lived.1 The paleo diet is based on the idea that Stone Age men and women thrived for millions of years on a diet of wild-caught meat, fish, nuts, berries, fruit and some vegetables. Grains and dairy products aren’t included in the paleo diet, as these things weren’t around during the Paleolithic era. The Paleolithic era came to an end around 10,000 years ago, when humans began farming and domesticating animals.2 This is when food like bread started to appear in the daily diets of our ancestors, replacing much of the meat which was harder to come by than gr ain. The paleo diet is similar to the low-carb diet, as it doesn’t allow high-carb foods such as rice, bread and potatoes.

Benefits of the paleo diet

There should be no artificial foods on a paleo diet, so in that respect you are eating in a natural, wholesome way. The paleo diet is a ‘clean’ diet which doesn’t include any processed foods, refined sugars, or simple carbohydrates. Eliminating these reduces your risk of certain diseases which include heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.3 Protein and fibre from eggs, nuts, seeds will keep you fuller for longer between meals, meaning that 3pm hankering for a sugary snack could be a thing of the past on paleo. Further, the nutrients from fruit and vegetables will offer anti-inflammatory benefits, a healthy gut and enhanced immunity.4 However, if you’re following a paleo plan, you should be careful with your intake of saturated fat and protein from meat. This can cause weight gain and high cholesterol over time. There is also an increased risk of some cancers associated with a high intake of red meat.5 It's also important to remember – with hunting, fire-starting and preparing animals for food and skins, your Paleolithic ancestors were almost certainly more active than we are, so make sure you’re not eating a diet fit for a hunter before settling down to a day in front of a computer. Here are some paleo FAQs:

Can I eat oatmeal on paleo diet?

Oatmeal is a grain, so a strict paleo diet wouldn’t allow it. Some people choose to alter their paleo plans to include healthy foods such as oats.

Can you eat eggs on a paleo diet?

Yes – the Paelolithic man enjoyed eggs which means you can, too! Since they’re so nutritious you’re likely to find eggs feature in many paleo recipes and make a great paleo breakfast.

Are eggs and bacon paleo?

This breakfast favourite is paleo- according to some people. After all, meat, including pork, is considered a paleo food. However, much like ham, hotdogs, salami and chorizo - bacon is a processed meat with chemical flavourings and preservatives added. For this reason, bacon doesn’t have a place on a true paleo diet.

Are bananas paleo?

Paleo purists think bananas are too sugary to be considered a true paleo food. However, as a natural fruit, bananas can be enjoyed as part of a paleo eating plan.

Healthy paleo breakfast ideas

Our in-house nutritionist, Isabel Tarrant shares 6 filling paleo breakfasts for you to try.

1. Sweet potato toasts

No need for bread, this is the paleo twist on toast! These ingenious toasts are a great source of complex carbohydrates to provide sustained energy throughout the day, high in fibre and vitamin A, protein and healthy fats. Simply slice sweet potato into ¼ inch slices and pop in the toaster or under the grill. Keep it thinly sliced or it won’t cook all the way through. Then, mix it up with a range of toppings, sweet or savoury.
  • banana and nut butter
  • avocado and seeds
  • egg and thyme
  • mashed berries and chia seeds
  • sprinkle with seeds for an extra omega 3 boost

2. Shakshuka

A healthy and delicious dish to fuel your day – one of those paleo breakfast recipes perfect for a weekend morning. Eggs are a brilliant source of protein and vitamin D, both essential for good health. Simmer onions, garlic, peppers, chopped tomatoes and tomato paste along with some paprika and cayenne pepper. Turn the heat down and crack 2 eggs into the mixture. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the egg is white. Serve with fresh parsley
  • Boost your vegetable intake by adding broccoli, spinach, or kale.
  • Top with avocado for a boost of healthy fats and omega 3

3. Chia pudding

A great paleo alternative to overnight oats, chia pudding is a healthy paleo breakfast in a jar. We think it also works as a dessert! Chia seeds are a great source of protein, healthy fats and omega 3. Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to a mason jar half full of milk. Stir well to avoid clumping and leave overnight. In the morning – it’s ready!
  • Add honey, maple or dates, with a sprinkle of cinnamon- no need for refined sugars
  • Make sure to use non diary milk to keep it paleo
  • Sprinkle with berries or your favourite nuts for an antioxidant boost

4. Smoothie for quick mornings

On those days you’re in a rush, whiz together a quick but wholesome smoothie to make sure you’re satisfied enough to face the day. This is an opportunity to avoid eggs and meat and get your greens. Throw in a handful of spinach or kale for a vitamin boost. For an extra protein boost add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or peanut butter, or half an avocado or some chia seeds for healthy fats. We also like:
  • mango & avocado
  • coconut & banana
  • blueberry & banana
  • spinach, apple & kiwi
  • peanut butter & banana
  • kale & pineapple

5. Paleo egg muffins

Eggs are the key to countless paleo diet breakfasts, and we think paleo follower needs to know about these muffins. Full of protein and fibre, these portable snacks are ideal for breakfast or anytime. Simply beat eggs together with some chopped onions and your favourite vegetables, finely chopped. Add salt and pepper then pour into a muffin baking tray. You can make a dozen of these for a perfect healthy paleo grab-and-go snack.
  • Add in tomatoes, kale, broccoli, peppers and your favourite spices

6. Sweet potato pancakes

For an indulgent weekend breakfast, try paleo sweet potato pancakes. Sweet potato is a healthy complex carbohydrate to provide lasting energy throughout the day, as well as fibre and vitamin A. You'll need:
  • 60g mashed sweet potato
  • 2 eggs
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon
  • 120g almond or coconut flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • A little non-dairy milk
Method:
  1. Whisk the ingredients into a batter. Add the milk a tablespoon at a time to avoid the mixture becoming too wet. Then cook as you would regular pancakes – in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat.
  2. Top with maple syrup, berries and nuts for an antioxidant boost
  3. Add a spoonful of peanut butter for an extra protein hit
  4. The pancake batter can also be used in a waffle maker to make paleo sweet potato waffles
Shop Food & Drink Last updated: 27 November 2020 Sources 1 https://www.history.com/news/prehistoric-ages-timeline 2 https://www.history.com/news/prehistoric-ages-timeline 3 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-does-sugar-in-our-diet-affect-our-health/ 4 https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/healthydiet/fruit-and-vegetables.html 5 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/red-meat-and-the-risk-of-bowel-cancer/
isabel-tarrant

Isabel Tarrant

Author

Nutritionist

Joined Holland & Barrett: September 2020

MSc in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition

Registered Nutritionist with an MSc in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition from University College London.

Isabel has expertise in gut health and the role of the gut microbiome in digestive health, immunity and brain health.

Isabel is passionate about improving the wellbeing of customers through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle advice and keeps up with the latest nutritional science to continually enhance her practice.

Isabel believes a well-balanced holistic approach of evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle practices are key to improving wellbeing and happiness.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.