So you're a big fan of mimosas and French toast on Sunday morning—who isn't? As an avid brunch-goer myself and a total health nut, I've run into a bit of a dilemma over the past few years. How can I indulge in all the brunch goodness without feeling like I've strayed from my health goals?
While there's a multitude of healthy alternative recipes out there, finding one you actually want to eat is much easier said than done. So, to all my brunch-loving clean eaters out there, here are 4 ways to brunch without ditching your health goals. These are a few of my favorite tried-and-true recipes.
1.) Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato Waffles
All the crunch and flavor of professional-grade waffles without the suspicious processed ingredients... yes please! I'll admit, when first testing this recipe, I was skeptical. Sweet potato? In my waffles? I tend to associate sweet potato with a savory taste, while in my mind waffles are meant to be a sweet indulgence.
However, this Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato Protein Waffle recipe from Ambitious Kitchen is my new favorite breakfast! I subbed out the cottage cheese for greek yogurt and viola—the creation you see above. You'd never be able to tell that these have sweet potato in them... you can't even tell that they're considered a healthy alternative. (Plus, bonus points for an easy-to-follow recipe with minimal clean up!)
2.) Banana Oat Pancakes
This Oatmeal Blueberry Yogurt Pancake recipe from Ambitious Kitchen is the healthy pancake alternative to end all pancake alternatives. I've tried plenty of healthy "pancake" recipes (my vegan oat pancakes were dry on the outside and wet on the inside and my two-ingredient egg white pancakes turned into a watery mess), but this is the only one that I've found to yield edible results.
These not only look like traditional pancakes, but also have that fluffy texture and naturally sweet taste. With blueberries for a little unprocessed sweetness and 13 grams of protein per serving, these pancakes will keep your tastebuds happy and your stomach full. Is it safe to say this recipe takes the "cake" out of pancakes?
3.) Apple Chai Oatmeal Cups
These Apple Chai Oatmeal Cups from Fit Foodie Finds are a delicious, clean-eating breakfast or snack, especially with a spoonful of creamy peanut butter on top. This recipe is so painless and yields 12 servings, making it perfect for meal-prep or parties.
It's the perfect alternative to traditional muffins, which are typically loaded with processed sugars and simple carbs. While it's important to remember to treat yourself and indulge every now and then, this alternative is great for those of us who want all the muffins, all the time.
4.) Peanut Butter Maple Syrup
This combo is heavenly—if you haven't tried it yet you haven't lived. Mix together equal parts maple syrup and creamy peanut butter for a lower-sugar, protein-packed topping to drizzle over anything—pancakes, waffles, greek yogurt, oatmeal—you name it. The best part? Healthy fats help stabilize your blood sugar when you consume sugar and other carbohydrates, so you can sweeten up your brunch without the sugar rush.
So what are you waiting for? Go brunch! You'll still feel like you're right on track with your healthy eating.