High Protein Breakfast Ideas

A breakfast somewhat high in protein is a good idea for a person with ADHD for the following reasons.

Some medications, such as methylphenidate, work better with a high protein breakfast.

Protein digests more slowly than carbohydrates, so that there is less of a chance of a sugar/carb crash later in the day.

Some authorities claim that since we need protein to make neurotransmitters, a boost of protein in the morning should help if there are any deficiencies.  I doubt this last one because most Western diets contain an excess of protein, but I mention it for the sake of completeness.

This isn't a discussion of allergen free, gluten free, or low sugar diets.  If you have sensitivities, then it makes getting protein in more difficult, but not impossible.  

Here are some suggestions to add protein to your breakfast.

1)  Add peanut butter to your toast, or even to your cereal.

2)  Have a scoop of cottage cheese with your fruit.

3)  Of the grains commonly eaten for breakfast, oatmeal has the highest protein content.

4)  Soy bits are found in some breakfast cereals (such as Kashi and Special K).

5)  Add soy powder or peanut butter to your smoothie.  Raw eggs are a salmonella risk.

6)  Have an egg, prepared any number of ways--hardboiled could be made the night before if you are in a hurry, scrambled makes portable sandwiches, poached is very low in fat, huevos rancheros are flavorful.

7)  Sausage or ham can be low in fat if you choose wisely.  A simple recipe for turkey sausage patties  is to mix 1 pound of ground turkey with 1 tsp ground sage, 1 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt, marinade over night and the form into patties.  You could cook them and freeze them for microwaving later.

8)  Protein energy bars (most contain peanuts or soy).  I like South Beach diet bars because they do not have a ton of sugar.

9)  Pureed tofu or cottage cheese, or extra eggs can be used to replace some of the milk in pancakes or waffles.

10)  Dinner for breakfast.  Why not?  Who says you have to eat breakfast food to break your fast?

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