After a long day at work, I often find myself staring blankly at my fridge, wondering what to whip up for dinner. Online food delivery aggregators offer endless choices, but scrolling through those options can feel like a chore in itself! The overwhelming variety makes it hard to settle on something, and often, Iâm just too exhausted to make yet another decision.
But hereâs a game-changer: why not just have breakfast for dinner? Yes, you read that rightâbrinner is not only a fun concept but also a practical solution to the dinner dilemma.
Why Breakfast for Dinner?
Imagine starting your day with a wholesome bowl of poha packed with veggies and peanuts. Why not end your day with that same comforting dish? Health experts agree that breakfast foods can be a nutritious and convenient choice for dinner, but it all hinges on what you decide to eat. Ideally, you want to go for light, protein-packed meals that won’t leave you feeling sluggish at night.
For example, I used to think nothing of indulging in heavy parathas or fried puris for breakfast. But after learning from experts like dietician Rizwana Sayed, who notes that breakfast ingredients tend to be cheaper, quicker to prepare, and lower in calories, Iâve shifted my perspective. âEating lighter morning dishes in the evening is not just satisfying; it’s beneficial,â she explains.
Nutritional Benefits of Brinner
Think about it: many breakfast foods are easier on your stomach compared to heavier dinner options. Parmeet Kaur, chief nutritionist at Marengo Asia Hospital, echoes this sentiment. âSince breakfast foods are typically lighter, they make a more suitable evening meal,â she says.
Here are some delicious breakfast foods that can double as perfect dinner options:
1. Poha
What it is: A flattened rice dish often cooked with spices, vegetables, and peanuts.
Nutritional Benefits: Poha is rich in carbohydrates and provides quick energy. It’s also a good source of fiber, especially when loaded with veggies like peas and carrots. The peanuts add protein and healthy fats.
How to Prepare: Rinse the poha to remove excess starch, then sauté it with mustard seeds, curry leaves, chopped onions, and your choice of vegetables. Top with freshly squeezed lemon juice for added flavor!
2. Upma
What it is: A savory dish made from semolina (rava) cooked with spices and vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits: Upma is relatively low in calories and can be enriched with vegetables to boost its fiber and nutrient content. Itâs filling but light enough not to weigh you down in the evening.
How to Prepare: Roast semolina lightly, then cook it with sautéed onions, green chilies, and vegetables like carrots and bell peppers. Add water gradually and season with salt.
3. Omelettes
What it is: Eggs whisked and cooked with various fillings like vegetables, cheese, or herbs.
Nutritional Benefits: Eggs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein, vitamins B12 and D, and essential fatty acids. Adding veggies increases fiber and vitamin intake.
How to Prepare: Beat a couple of eggs, season with salt and pepper, and pour into a heated non-stick pan. Add spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms before folding. Cook until the eggs are set.
4. Daliya (Broken Wheat)
What it is: A wholesome grain made from cracked wheat that can be prepared as a savory or sweet dish.
Nutritional Benefits: Daliya is high in fiber, which aids digestion, and it’s also rich in protein and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. Itâs filling yet low in calories.
How to Prepare: Cook daliya in water or vegetable broth with spices and mixed vegetables. For a sweet version, cook with milk, add a bit of jaggery or honey, and top with nuts and fruits.
5. Cheela (Savory Pancakes)
What it is: A pancake made from gram flour (besan) and often mixed with veggies and spices.
Nutritional Benefits: Cheela is high in protein and fiber, making it a filling meal. The gram flour provides essential nutrients like iron and folate.
How to Prepare: Mix gram flour with water to make a batter, adding chopped onions, tomatoes, and spices. Cook on a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
6. Dosa
What it is: A thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter.
Nutritional Benefits: Dosas are a good source of carbohydrates and protein, especially when paired with lentils. The fermentation process also improves digestibility.
How to Prepare: Soak rice and lentils overnight, grind them into a batter, and let it ferment. Spread a thin layer of batter on a hot griddle, and cook until crisp. Serve with coconut chutney.
7. Whole-Grain Cereals
What it is: Cereals made from whole grains, often served with milk or yogurt.
Nutritional Benefits: Theyâre packed with fiber, which supports digestive health, and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
How to Prepare: Simply serve with milk or yogurt and top with fresh fruits, nuts, or seeds for added nutrition.
8. Yogurt with Fruit and Nuts
What it is: A simple dish of yogurt topped with fresh fruits and nuts.
Nutritional Benefits: Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, calcium, and protein, while fruits add vitamins and antioxidants. Nuts provide healthy fats and additional protein.
How to Prepare: Choose your favorite yogurt (preferably unsweetened), add sliced fruits like bananas or berries, and sprinkle with nuts or seeds for crunch.
9. Breakfast Burritos
What it is: Tortillas filled with eggs, vegetables, and beans, wrapped up for a hearty meal.
Nutritional Benefits: Packed with protein and fiber, breakfast burritos can be very filling. They provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
How to Prepare: Scramble some eggs, add black beans, bell peppers, and cheese, then wrap it all in a tortilla. Serve with salsa for extra flavor!
10. Pancakes (in moderation)
What it is: Fluffy cakes made from flour, milk, and eggs, often topped with syrup or fruits.
Nutritional Benefits: While pancakes can be higher in calories, they can be made healthier with whole-grain flour and topped with fruits instead of syrup.
How to Prepare: Mix flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder to create a batter. Cook on a griddle until golden, and serve with fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey.
How to Do Brinner Right
If youâre leaning towards having breakfast for dinner, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Generally, experts recommend a heavier breakfast and a lighter dinner. This means adjusting portion sizes when transitioning breakfast dishes to the evening.
Avoid high-carbohydrate breakfast foods or those loaded with sugar. âWatch out for sugary cereals or pastriesâthey’re not the healthiest choices for supper,â warns Parmeet Kaur.
If your breakfast routine includes indulgent items like pancakes drizzled with syrup or doughnuts, itâs best to leave those for the morning. Instead, focus on the nutrient-rich options mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
Having breakfast for dinner can be a clever way to ensure you’re eating nutritious meals without the stress of extensive meal planning. It simplifies cooking while still being enjoyable! As Iâve discovered, balancing portion sizes and choosing the right ingredients is key.
And remember, regardless of the time of day, maintaining a balanced and varied diet is essential for overall well-being. So the next time youâre unsure what to make for dinner, consider the comfort and convenience of breakfast foods. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you!
Call to Action
Why not give brinner a try tonight? You might find itâs the perfect solution to simplify your meals and enjoy delicious, nutritious food any time of day!