There was one day of the year where my mum would allow me to have chocolate for breakfast: Christmas Day.
Between the ages of 2–7:
“No chocolate with breakfast! Growing boys need milk and (insert bread of the week here).”
Between the ages of 7–12:
“No chocolate with breakfast! Dad’s family have diabetes.”
Between the ages of 13–17:
“No chocolate with breakfast! —or you won’t get into university.”
Clearly, toward the end of my younger years, she was pulling strings.
I still remember my first year of University which entailed freedom of choice when it came to breakfast. It wouldn’t be uncommon for me to eat a chocolate croissant, chocolate milk, leftover chocolate cake from the weekend’s dessert, or a combination of all three, for breakfast. Granted, these meals left me feeling sluggish, heavy and more often than not, resulted in me heading back to bed to nurse a sugar coma.
Now that I’m educated when it comes to nutrition and what works well for me personally, I can make better choices. Something which stays constant—chocolate in my diet. Thanks to these 10 healthy chocolate recipes, I can have it as part of my first meal of the day.
What excuse do you have now, mum?
1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Granola via Cleaneatsfastfeets
We often thank a generous amount of butter or oil for producing a delicious granola. Not this one. Thanks to the natural peanut butter (or nut butter of choice), there is no need to use excessive oils. Add a sprinkling of chocolate chips and you have a balanced breakfast which is sinfully nutritious!
2. Chocolate Kabocha Donuts via Kiss My Broccoli
How many of you can claim already eating a serving of vegetables before lunch time? Not many. These delectable-looking donuts have a hidden mashed winter squash in them, giving you the beta carotene glow before noon. (Don’t take that as verbatim).
3. Dreamy Dark Chocolate Scones via Peas & Crayons
Dreamy Dark Chocolate Scones. Sounds like something I’d wish for my final meal. Thanks to the reduction in sugar and antioxidant boost of dark chocolate, you can convince even the most skeptical of people (*cough* mum *cough*) that this is an acceptable breakfast choice.
4. Grain Free Chocolate Zucchini Muffins via The Healthy Maven
These light, grain-free muffins look like a moreish chocolate treat—who could tell there is shredded zucchini enrobed in it? Another recipe to tackle a vegetable eaten before lunchtime.
5. Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes via Minimalist Baker
If you removed the “Healthy” from the title, my arteries would be dancing in circles. Thanks to the wholesome ingredient list, it’s my heart which is dancing—in nourished joy.
6. Chocolate Covered Orange Pancakes via Kiss My Broccoli
Fluffy, sugar free pancakes with a clean chocolate sauce? I think you could call this breakfast a superfood. Scrap that: pancakes should be a superfood in their own right.
7. Chocolate Brownie Batter Blizzard via Minimalist Baker
Think you need to go to Wendy’s or another fast food chain to get a Blizzard? Nope. Packed full of fruit, cocoa and no added sugar, this brownie batter-inspired blizzard will leave you happy and satisfied—without the heavy feeling from its inspiration.
8. Vegan Double Chocolate Banana Brownies via Blissful Britt
Free from refined sugar, oil and with the addition of a banana, this Vegan-friendly brownie makes a perfect complex carbohydrate choice for your mornings—pair it with a side of eggs and you have a balanced breakfast.
9. Chocolate Chip Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa via How Sweet Eats
A healthy, delicious twist on the classic instant oatmeal packets—this breakfast quinoa is taken to another level, thanks to a sprinkling of chocolate chips.
10. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes via Sally’s Baking Addiction
With Fall in the near future, these delicious seasonally inspired pancakes would be the perfect motivation (and sustenance) to rake some leaves. It’s all about the sustenance—right?
The next time someone bans you from chocolate for breakfast, divert them to this article—or at least, divert my mum here.
Featured photo credit: Arman Liew at thebigmansworld.comiew via media.lifehack.org
