Apple & Banana Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to boost your fruit intake and make an ideal breakfast on the go. You could even pop it into a thermos and have as a mid morning snack. Alternatively, it's ideal as a refreshing outdoor dessert that's perfect for picnics or barbecues.  

You can easily increase the fruit content by adding some mixed berries or soft fruit such as peaches or pears. 

Banana & Bran Muffins

These banana and bran muffins are a light and very moist, yet surprisingly filling. Ideal as a breakfast on the go, or a great top up your daily fibre later in the day.

You could easily increase the fruit content by folding in some fresh blueberries or blackberries to the completed mixture. A handful of chopped nuts would also work, but make sure to count the extra calories if you are watching your weight. 

Raisin & Oatmeal Scones

These raisin and oatmeal scones are very light to eat, yet are surprisingly filling and will keep you full for a good couple of hours. Ideal for a quick breakfast they also work well as a mid-morning snack.

Great served on their own, they are even better sliced in half with some low fat butter and sugar free jam.

Butternut Squash Scones

A bit of baking on the menu today to banish volcanic blues! These scones are a great stand-by that are fantastic with a cuppa. 

Mashed butternut squash boosts the nutrition factor and gives the scones a lighter texture and colour.

They are great served with a little low fat butter and jam, although you could serve them with more savoury toppings such as ham and cheese.

Buckwheat Crepes

Buckwheat crepes are a light thin pancake that can be served with sweet or savoury fillings. This recipe uses a equal portions of buckwheat and plain flour to give a lighter mix that's better for you.

Ideal as a weekend breakfast or a light lunch when served with a sprinkle of sugar and lemon juice or some fresh fruit. Alternatively, the crepes would make a more filling lunch or starter when served with some extra low fat cream cheese and smoked salmon or a slice of low fat cheese with lean ham or salami. 

The batter will make smoother crepes if it's chilled beforehand for at least 30 minutes and can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours on standby. 

Cinnamon & Nutmeg French Toast

French Toast is a classic breakfast/brunch recipe that is perfect for a weekend. Eggy bread, sweetened and seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg served with honey on top!

To keep the dish on the healthy side, I recommend you use brown whole meal bread. French toast is also great with some fresh fruit such as blueberries or strawberries on the side. A little 0% Fat yoghurt would also be very nice. 

Mushroom & Cheese Omelette

Omelettes are a great option for breakfast when trying to loose weight, especially at the weekend when you have a little more time. They are a good source of protein and will keep you going till lunch time and beyond.

You could add some extras to your omelette if you want to make it go further. Chopped tomatoes or a spring onion would go well. Alternatively, you could meat it up with some chopped ham or turkey or a slice or two of grilled bacon would also work. 

Crumpets with Egg, Ham & Cheese

Weekend breakfasts can be a real danger black spot when trying to lose weight! 

This recipe is one of our weekend favourites that really fills you up and keeps you going till lunch. The dish is a good mix of carbs and lean protein. Research suggests this combination can keep hunger pangs at bay for longer than a sugary breakfast. 

Porridge

Porridge has undergone somewhat of a make over in the last few years. Most of us will have dark memories of being force fed porridge as kids. (Or is that just me?) 

Before I started eating it again recently, I'd have said that didn't like it. As a adult, porridge is warm, supper filling and makes you feel like you can conquer the world! It's also ready surprisingly quickly when made in the micro.

Bran Flakes for Brekkie

Supper Satisfaction is not all about the supper! A decent breakfast is essential for good health in general and is even more important when you're trying to lose weight. Bran flakes are a great choice as they are a whole grain food, that fills you up and keeps you full for longer. It also is a great source of fibre.