The ancients said, "Eating congee in the morning promotes renewal, benefits the diaphragm and nourishes the stomach, generates body fluids, and keeps one refreshed all day." Therefore, having a bowl of congee for breakfast can moisten dryness and nourish yin, which is beneficial for health maintenance. At the same time, when the weather turns cool, one can also use medicinal cuisine according to the season. During this time, lung qi is predominant and needs gentle nourishment, making medicinal dishes like chrysanthemum pork slices suitable. Additionally, one can choose medicinal dishes suitable for all seasons, such as Poria steamed buns and tremella soup.
First, let's look at the pros and cons of traditional breakfasts:
Congee + small side dishes, lacks protein
Congee is a semi-liquid food that is easy to digest and absorb. Among various types of congee, Laba congee is the best. It is convenient as it is made by mixing several grains together. More importantly, the combination of different grains can "compensate for each other's shortcomings," enhancing the nutritional value of the congee.
However, this breakfast lacks protein-rich foods. It is recommended to add a glass of milk. Nowadays, many people have started to pay attention to their calcium intake. If one is lactose intolerant, an egg can be added, or minced meat can be put into the congee to add protein.
Vegetables + fruits, insufficient energy
This is a preference for some young, white-collar women who strive to maintain a slim figure. This type of breakfast mainly includes fresh fruits, fresh-squeezed juices, preserved fruit juices, and vegetable salads.
These foods can provide vitamins and a certain amount of dietary fiber. However, no matter how they are combined, such a breakfast is not balanced because it lacks sufficient energy and protein to meet the body's "operational" demands. Over time, it can harm health, so it is not recommended.
Bread + milk, relatively healthy
This is the choice for most office workers, as it is convenient, time-saving, and has the basic nutritional components. It is recommended to choose whole wheat bread for more fiber intake, which can lower blood lipids and promote bowel movements. If you get hungry before the morning is over, you can add lettuce leaves, ham, cheese, or butter to the bread, or add a little sugar to the milk.