Paleo Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast seems to be the meal people struggle with when moving over to a Paleo diet.

The word breakfast may be synonymous with cereal, toast, pancakes and many other refined carbs – but it really doesn't have to be.  Breakfast is simply the first meal of the day the “break” the “fast” you've carried out since your last meal the previous day.

I'm thrilled to announce I've just finished my first recipe book; the Paleo Breakfast Recipe book, with over 100 pages of beautifully photographed step-by-step recipes – check it out and let me know what you think! I hope you love it as much as I do.

A Paleo Breakfast?

I think the first step is to remove the association of breakfast with a specific type of meal.  Breakfast does not equal cereal, swimming in skim milk.  Think of breakfast on its nutritional merits; that is, base your first meal of the day around a good protein source and marry this with a good fat source and some vegetables.  You may initially find the idea of having meat for breakfast odd, but it’s worth persevering with this, as good quality meat can be a great way to start the day.

If you don’t have much time in the mornings you need to be organised and prepare as much as you can the night before.  I find it helps to plan all of my meals for the whole week in advance, at the weekend.  I then buy the ingredients, so I have no excuses and everything I need on hand.A lot of people skip breakfast, which might be the right thing to do.  If however your reason for skipping breakfast is that you can’t get out of bed in time to make breakfast – this indicates to me that you need breakfast!

Eggs For Breakfast?

Eggs are an obvious breakfast choice.  They are quick, nutritious and very versatile.  I often have bacon & eggs, scrambled eggs with avocado or an omelette, with whichever vegetables I have in the fridge.  I always cook in coconut oil.  Another favourite is making up a batch of egg muffins at the weekend.  I make these up as I would an omelette, but pour them into muffin cases and cook in the oven.  These last for a few days in the fridge and are perfect for busy days when there isn't enough time to make something from scratch.

I’ll also often cook extra chicken at the weekend which is great to base a breakfast around and doesn't need to be reheated, I think it’s great cold.  Chicken and avocado is a great combination.

Leftovers are another great breakfast, once you've got used to the idea of having “non traditional” breakfasts.  You can’t get much quicker and easier than that!

Occasionally at weekends I’ll make Paleo pancakes (using coconut or almond meal).  This is great served with a berry sauce, made with fresh berries, blended in coconut milk. Noatmeal is another infrequent Paleo indulgence which is a great way to start the day.

Whilst strictly, I guess it is Paleo, I never have just fruit for breakfast.  I always base my meal around protein and include fat.  To have fruit (carbohydrate) as a meal on its own would be depriving myself of essential fats and proteins, would raise my blood sugar level and I’d very quickly be hungry.

What are your favourite Paleo breakfasts?  I’d love to hear, in the comments below.

More Inspiring Paleo Breakfast Ideas to Keep You Full, Energised, and On Track

One of the biggest benefits of switching to a Paleo lifestyle is how it transforms your relationship with food — especially in the morning. Instead of relying on carb-heavy, sugar-laden breakfasts that leave you tired and hungry by 10am, a well-balanced Paleo breakfast sets the tone for a productive, energised day.

If you’re in need of fresh inspiration, here are some more creative Paleo breakfast ideas to add variety, nutrition and flavour to your mornings:

1. Sweet Potato & Sausage Hash

Grate or dice sweet potato and fry it up with chopped onion, garlic, and your favourite preservative-free sausages (or ground pork seasoned with herbs). Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end and top with a poached egg for extra protein and creaminess.

2. Zucchini & Carrot Fritters

Grated zucchini and carrot make a fantastic savoury base. Add almond meal, eggs, and herbs like dill or parsley, then fry in coconut oil until golden. These fritters store well and can be reheated or eaten cold — ideal for busy mornings.

3. Smoked Salmon & Avocado Boats

Half an avocado and fill the hollow with smoked salmon, a sprinkle of capers, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. It’s elegant, nourishing, and completely no-cook.

4. Mini Paleo Breakfast Bowls

Combine roasted pumpkin cubes, wilted spinach, a handful of sautéed mushrooms, and shredded leftover roast lamb or beef. Top with a dollop of homemade Paleo mayo or tahini dressing and a squeeze of lemon.

5. Beef & Veggie Breakfast Meatballs

Make a batch of meatballs with beef mince, grated zucchini, herbs, and egg, then bake and store them in the fridge. Two or three of these make a satisfying protein-rich breakfast, especially when paired with a few cherry tomatoes and a boiled egg.

6. Egg-Free Paleo Breakfasts

If you’re avoiding eggs or just want a break, try a warm breakfast bowl with sautéed greens, leftover roast chicken or pulled pork, avocado, and sauerkraut or fermented veggies for a tangy gut-health boost.

Or go sweet with a chia pudding made from coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a few berries — prepared the night before so it’s ready to grab and go.

7. Paleo Smoothies (the right way)

Paleo-friendly smoothies can work well for breakfast — as long as they’re balanced. Start with a base of coconut milk or almond milk, add protein (like collagen peptides or leftover cooked egg), a healthy fat (avocado or nut butter), and a low-sugar fruit (berries or green apple). Throw in spinach or kale for an extra nutritional punch.

8. Paleo Breakfast Stir-Fry

Who says stir-fry is just for dinner? Toss together sliced beef, veggies like bok choy, capsicum and mushroom, and stir-fry in coconut aminos and ginger. Serve hot with a side of avocado.

Planning Ahead for Breakfast Success

Success with Paleo breakfasts is all about preparation. Spend a little time on Sunday cooking up breakfast-friendly foods like:

• Batches of roast veg (sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots)

• Pre-chopped greens and herbs

• Boiled eggs

• Grilled chicken thighs

• Homemade Paleo sauces (mayo, tahini, guacamole)

• Pre-mixed spice blends for eggs or meat

Having these components ready in the fridge makes it easy to mix and match your way to a satisfying breakfast in under 10 minutes — even on a weekday.

Final Thoughts: Break the Breakfast Mould

Paleo breakfast doesn’t need to be boring or repetitive — and it certainly doesn’t have to resemble the standard Western idea of “breakfast food.” Whether you’re tucking into leftover lamb, pan-fried greens, egg muffins, or sweet potato hash, a good Paleo breakfast should keep you full, energised, and satisfied for hours.

Have you tried any of these ideas? What’s your go-to Paleo breakfast when you’re in a hurry — or when you have time to enjoy a lazy weekend morning? Share your favourite ideas in the comments below, and let’s keep building the ultimate Paleo breakfast list together.