A strong start

Breakfast is often considered the most important meal of the day and many fitness enthusiasts including actor Vicky Kaushal swear by ensuring that they begin their mornings with a sumptuous and nutritionpacked spread In a recent social media post Kaushal shared a breakfast that comprised toasted brown bread slices with a vegetablepacked omelette and a bowl of fruits including papaya kiwi and pomegranateChef Neha MathurldquoA wholesome breakfast should comprise plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables whole grains and healthy proteins and fats This ensures that you stay full for longer and donrsquot succumb to the insulin spike that triggers midmorning hunger pangsrdquo says chef Neha Mathur founder of Whiskaffair She shares three quick and nutritious breakfast ideasBanana oatmeal pancakesOats are a glutenfree whole grain and are shown to contribute to weight loss lower blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart disease Bananas are a natural sweetener and reduce the amount of honey required while also improving the texture and nutritional value of the pancakes This breakfast offers a steady source of energy while satiating sugar cravingsIngredientsgtgt 1 and 12 cups oatsgtgt 2 bananas mashedgtgt 2 tbsp Greek yogurtgtgt 12 cup milkgtgt 2 eggsgtgt 14 cup honeygtgt 1 tsp baking powdergtgt 12 tsp ground cinnamonMethodgtgt Blend oats into a powdergtgt Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and blend to make a smooth battergtgt Heat a skillet on medium heat and brush it lightly with a little buttergtgt Pour 14 cup batter on the hot griddle and cook until the bubbles appear on the top of the pancakes and the sides get drygtgt Flip the pancake and cook for another few secondsgtgt Add your favourite topping and serveGreek omeletteEggs nourish your body with vitamins A B5 B12 D E K and B6 folate phosphorus selenium calcium and zinc They are a significant source of proteins and healthy fats Adding vegetables to the mix increases the nutritional value of this dish While spinach contributes iron and Vitamin K to promote bone health olives offer vitamin E an antioxidant iron copper and calciumIngredientsgtgt 1 tsp olive oilgtgt 2 tbsp spinach choppedgtgt 1 tsp Kalamata olives slicedgtgt 1 tbsp tomato choppedgtgt 2 tbsp onion choppedgtgt 2 eggsgtgt 1 tbsp milkgtgt 14 tsp saltgtgt 14 tsp freshlycracked black peppergtgt 12 tbsp fresh mint choppedgtgt 2 tbsp feta crumbledMethodgtgt Heat the olive oil in a nonstick pangtgt Add spinach olives tomato and onion and fry for about 23 minutesgtgt Whisk eggs milk salt and pepper in a bowlgtgt Pour the egg mixture into the pangtgt Cover the pan and cook the omelette until the egg is set from the basegtgt Sprinkle fresh mint and feta on top of the omeletteBeet smoothieBeetroots are a great source of fibre folate vitamin B9 manganese potassium iron and vitamin C Bananas add potassium to improve heart health Celery is very low in calories and rich in antioxidants phytonutrients and fibre This smoothie offers a quick nutritional boostIngredientsgtgt 12 cup peeled and chopped red beetsgtgt 12 cup chopped banana frozengtgt 1 stalk celery choppedgtgt 1 cup plain yogurtgtgt 14 cup milkgtgt 2 tsp honeyMethodgtgt Wash a small beetroot and discard 05 mm of top and the bottom Peel and cut into 1inch cubesgtgt Peel the banana and cut into slices Freeze the slices for 34 hours If you have forgotten to freeze the banana add a few ice cubes while blending the smoothiegtgt Chop one stalk of celery Discard the leavesgtgt Add 12 cup cubed beetroot 12 cup frozen banana 1 stalk chopped celery 1 cup plain yogurt 14 cup milk and 2 tsp honey in the medium jar of a heavyduty blendergtgt Blend until smooth Pour the smoothie into serving glasses Garnish with a sprig of mint and edible flowers and serve immediately