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80 Paleo Breakfast Ideas
If it wasn't for struggling to come up with different Paleo Breakfast Ideas, I'm sure more people would make the transition over to Paleo. Unfortunately, Breakfast seems to be associated with cereal, toast, bagels, crumpets and sugar laden foods.
Breakfast doesn't have to equal grains! tweet this quote
I think a lot of people also get stuck in a breakfast rut making the same dish every day. Well, it’s time to break it up – try something new for breakfast tomorrow!
My biggest tip is to get used to seeing breakfast as fuel – it’s just another meal! And who wants to start the day off with a big sugar crash?
I've come up with lots of great Paleo Breakfast Ideas for whatever your Paleo situation (no time, dislike eggs, want to drink breakfast, child friendly, SAD substitutes, vegetarian/ vegan or keen to impress) – there are certainly lots of options.
To prove the point, here is a HUGE list of 80 Paleo Breakfast Ideas to inspire you. And if you want even MORE, check out my very own Paleo Breakfast Recipe book, with over 100 pages of beautifully photographed step-by-step recipes.
Easy Paleo Breakfast Ideas
Here are some Paleo Breakfast Ideas for when you have a little bit of time in the morning:
1. Bacon, eggs, avocado, mushrooms & tomato
2. An omelette with your choice of meat, vegetables and of course – egg yolks as well as whites
3. Make a frittata with your favourite veggies, meats and cheese (if you’re more Primal than Paleo)
4. There’s nothing like steak and eggs for breakfast!
5. For a nutritionally dense Paleo Breakfast Idea, chop up chicken liver and scramble with eggs, mushroom, onions and capsicum (bell peppers)
6. Scrambled eggs mixed with diced bacon and avocado (my personal favourite!)
7. Soft boiled eggs and wilted spinach
8. Lots of nations wake up to soup – make a soup with bone broth – or try coconut milk and leftover meat and veggies
9. Sweet potato, sardines and a poached egg
10. Try substitution bacon for skirt steak and serve with pumpkin
11. Bake an egg in an avocado
12. Bone broth with an egg whisked in
13. Smoked salmon and fried eggs for a great protein boast
14. Smoked haddock with poached eggs and wilted spinach
No Time?
When you need a good, quick Paleo Breakfast and have no time to cook and prepare, here are some fast ideas:
15. Paleo Breakfast Casserole – the night before put your choice of ingredients in your slow cooker – and wake up to an instant hot breakfast
16. Egg muffins – cook these up with your favourite veggies and meat in a big batch – and help yourself from the fridge all week
17. Make up a batch of salmon and zucchini croquettes to dig into all week
18. Black Coffee
19. Got a couple of minutes? Scramble an egg in a mug in the microwave
20. The day before, roast some sweet potatoes, and some chicken and have waiting in a container ready for breakfast
21. Make up a breakfast salad the night before with nuts, olives, avocado – and dress with extra virgin olive oil to serve
Grab & Go/ Travel
With no time to eat at home, these are some Paleo Breakfast ideas you can have on the go, eat on the road or perhaps at work.
22. Take a can of tuna/ mackerel/ kippers/ sardines and some pre-cut raw veggies
23. Make a Paleo trail mix with your favourite nuts and dried fruit
24. There’s nothing wrong with beef jerky for breakfast!
25. Hard boiled eggs travel well and can be prepared in advance
26. Make a BLT sandwich using capsicum (bell pepper) as the “bread”
27. Coconut yoghurt
28. Take a halved avocado and a spoon
29. Pork scratchings/ crackling/ rind (whatever you like to call it!)
30. Make up nut balls with nuts, seeds, spices and coconut oil and store in the fridge
SAD Substitutes
If you’re missing your old SAD breakfasts, there’s a Paleo Diet grain-free equivalent for almost everything…
31. Make a Paleo cereal with your favourite nuts, berries and seeds in a bowls of almond milk
32. Or try a Paleo cereal using dried fruit, seeds and nuts and serve with coconut milk and a pinch of cinnamon
33. Paleo granola can be made up from your choice of nuts and served with coconut milk
34. Make up banana bread with almond meal – and bananas!
35. A coconut muesli with nuts, seeds and coconut flakes served in coconut milk
36. Make up a noatmeal – or a Paleo porridge substitute using ground nuts, seeds, eggs and coconut milk
Leftovers
These deserve their own category! Make sure you cook up extra dinner the night before – and you have a ready made breakfast. What’s wrong with steak for breakfast?
37. Sauté onions and mushrooms – and last nights leftover meat and serve over poached eggs
Something Fancy
If you have the time, there are some great Paleo Breakfast Ideas that are perfect for an occasional treat. I very rarely use nuts and nut flours, but they are great for special occasions – and especially good for showing your SAD friends just what is possible when you go grain-free:
38. Paleo pancakes with almond meal take a bit more time, but are well worth the effort
39. Or try sweet potato pancakes
40. Waffles can be made with coconut flour or almond meal and served with a berry sauce
41. A Paleo NoOatmeal is far better than the SAD equivalent and can be prepared the night before, and cooked up in the morning
42. Raspberry Crepes made with coconut flour or almond meal served with fresh raspberries & whipped coconut cream – and a pinch of cinnamon
43. Scotch eggs; coat hard-boiled eggs in Paleo Sausage mixture, cover in almond meal and baked – amazing with poached eggs
44. A Paleo platter with a selection of fruits, cold meats, pickles, olives, sun-dried tomatoes & blanched veggies
45. Make bacon baskets using a cake case as a mould and bake eggs in them
46. My salmon burgers
47. Stuffed capsicum (bell peppers) with salmon, mushroom and tomato and top with pine nuts
48. Sliced onion wrapped with smoked salmon on a bed of lettuce
49. Your favourite seafood & veggies
50. Serve scrambled eggs in an orange half
No Eggs!
It’s easy to make every Paleo Breakfast include eggs – and it can be easy to get fed up of eggs! Here are some egg free Paleo Breakfast Ideas:
51. Kippers and dried figs
52. Paleo Sausages and kimchi
53. Pan fried zucchini served with guacamole
54. Stuffed portobello mushrooms
55. Sautéed minced (ground) beef, greens, onions and carrots
56. Sausages with sauerkraut & stir fried veggies
57. Trout with mushrooms and tomato
58. Fry kidneys and serve with broccoli
all without eggs!
Intermittent Fasting for Breakfast?
Since I've been Paleo, I quite often skip breakfast altogether – have you tried skipping breakfast?
Paleo Breakfasts For Kids (and big Kids alike!)
If your family has recently gone Paleo, here are a few suggestions your children and toddlers will love!
59. Egg & roasted vegetable soldiers
60. Make berry muffins with eggs, coconut flour, nuts and berries
61. Raw or blanched veggies served with nut butter, guacamole and salsa dips
Paleo Vegetarian/ Vegan Options
If you still can’t face meat in the morning, how about these ideas? Or you could always try a smoothie!
62. Poached eggs and sweet potato (or even yam) hash browns
63. Sauté some greens, squeeze on some lemon and add an egg
64. Fry eggs in a capsicum (bell pepper) ring or onion ring
65. Steamed broccoli with sweet potatoes
66. Mash up a hard-boiled egg with avocado
67. Try scrambling eggs with mushrooms, onions and a home-made tomato salsa
Fruit Friendly?
It’s common to minimise fruit intake on a Paleo Diet, due to it’s high fructose content. If you're targeting weight loss, it can be a good idea to minimise fruit and nuts. However, if you’re all for fruit, here are some fruity Paleo Breakfast Ideas. Remember berries have a lower fructose content and are loaded with antioxidants.
68. A nice simple fruit salad – served with whipped coconut cream
69. Even easier – a piece of fruit and a few berries
70. Make a warm fruit custard with eggs & coconut milk on the stove, nutmeg, cinnamon, berries a banana and some nuts
71. Chop up a kiwi fruit in coconut cream (or heavy cream if you do dairy too)
72. Wrap cubes of melon in prosciutto
Primal Breakfast Ideas
If your diet is more Primal than Paleo and you include some dairy, here are a few Primal Breakfast ideas for you.
73. Greek yoghurt with nuts, berries and your favourite spices
74. Apple and cheese is a winning combination!
75. Try the paleo cereal suggestions in raw milk instead of coconut
76. Bacon and tomato wrapped in cheese and lettuce wraps
Drinkable Breakfasts
A nice alternative – or something hand to have on the go is a smoothie or shake. There are some good options. Make sure you add in fat, perhaps an avocado or some coconut oil and enjoy your breakfast drink!
77. Green smoothies; try adding in Kale and spinach for a vitamin boast
78. Make an anti-oxidant berry smoothie with coconut milk
79. A veggie juice with coconut milk, carrots, broccoli and celery
80. A banana smoothie made with frozen bananas , coconut milk and almond butter
I hope I've given you some inspiration! If you're after even more, please check out my very own recipe book, the Paleo Breakfast Recipe Book with a recipe to suit every single paleo breakfast situation! I’d love to hear your favourite Paleo Breakfast Ideas in the comments below! What's on your menu?
7-Day Paleo Diet Menu Plan
I've got a friend coming to stay next week, so I've planned a 7-day Paleo Menu Plan to showcase my Paleo diet. It’s all too easy to eat similar meals over and over, so I'm looking forward to a week of lots of variety. I'm going to over-make everything, so I have lots of leftovers to freeze and enjoy again later.
I've just written my first recipe book on Paleo Breakfasts, so will be showcasing some fantastic, but also quick and easy breakfast recipes on my menu plan!
So this is my Menu Plan for my week of Paleo meals:
| Day | Breakfast / Brunch | Lunch | Dinner | Snack / Dessert / Drink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Paleo Salmon Burgers | Blanched veggies with guacamole and nut butter dips | Chicken and Vegetable Kebabs | Macadamia Nuts |
| Tuesday | NoOatmeal | Big Salad with tuna, eggs, nuts, leaves, tomatoes, olives, avocado, capsicum & EVOO | Lamb-chops, Roasted Parsnips, Onions and Pumpkin | – |
| Wednesday | Bacon, Eggs and Avocado | Turkey Nori-wraps | Porterhouse Steak, Egg, Mushrooms and Greens | Paleo Ice Cream |
| Thursday | Egg Muffins | Capsicum ham sandwiches (capsicum “bread”) | Tuna, Asparagus and Cauliflower Rice | Jerky |
| Friday | Red onion, ham and mushroom omelette | Paleo chilli with zucchini noodles | Paleo Pizza | Strawberries dipped in dark chocolate |
| Saturday | Paleo Pancakes with Berry Sauce | Chicken Soup with side salad | Barbecue with selection of meats and salads | Glass of red wine |
| Sunday | Full English Breakfast (eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, sautéed sweet potato, homemade tomato relish, Paleo sausages) | – | Sunday Roast; Roast beef, sweet potatoes, home-made gravy, broccoli and carrots | Coconut Yoghurt |
Making the Most of Your Paleo Meal Prep
With a solid weekly plan in place, now is the perfect time to elevate your Paleo experience even further. Meal prepping isn't just for convenience — it’s one of the best ways to stay committed to your goals and make sure no fresh produce or grass-fed meat goes to waste. The key is to cook in bulk when you can and store portions in airtight containers or freeze them for later in the week.
It can be incredibly helpful to label each meal with the date and contents, especially when freezing. If you're short on time midweek, knowing there’s a ready-made Paleo-friendly dinner waiting in your freezer can make all the difference. Soups, stews, chilli, meatballs, and bakes all freeze particularly well and can be reheated with minimal effort.
Smart Shopping for a Paleo Week
Planning your shopping trip around your meal plan helps avoid impulse buys and ensures you’re fully stocked for the week. Before heading to the shops or farmers market, check your pantry and fridge to see what staples you already have. Then, build your shopping list around what’s left.
For this particular 7-day menu, key items to look out for include:
- High-quality animal protein like grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, lamb and wild-caught fish
- Fresh vegetables in a range of colours and textures
- Healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, and nuts
- Fresh herbs and spices for flavour (e.g. turmeric, rosemary, paprika, coriander)
- Specialty Paleo items like coconut flour, almond meal, or cauliflower rice, if not making from scratch
Batch Cooking Tips
If you’re preparing meals for the week ahead, you don’t have to cook seven entirely different dishes. Batch cooking is about being smart with your time and ingredients. For example, roasting a large tray of vegetables at the start of the week means you’ve got a handy side dish for several meals. Similarly, slow cooking a big batch of meat or soup can cover multiple lunches or dinners.
Double up on recipes from your menu — for example, cook extra Paleo chilli or soup and freeze half. It’s also a great idea to marinate multiple types of meat at once. Store in separate containers in the fridge, then cook throughout the week for maximum flavour with minimum fuss.
Incorporating Leftovers Creatively
With leftovers from your planned meals, you can mix and match to create entirely new dishes. Leftover roasted pumpkin and lamb can become a warm salad with rocket and a tahini dressing. Paleo pizza from Friday night reheats beautifully for Saturday brunch, especially when topped with an egg. Chicken from your soup can be shredded into wraps, salads, or even turned into a quick stir-fry with vegetables.
Get creative and don't feel boxed in by the original plan — this is where the fun of Paleo cooking really starts. Being flexible and resourceful with your ingredients helps reduce food waste and makes the most of your time and budget.
Stocking a Paleo-Friendly Pantry
While your fridge will likely be full of fresh produce and protein, don’t overlook the importance of a well-stocked pantry. Keep staples on hand so you can whip up quick meals or add extra flavour to your dishes at a moment’s notice. Consider keeping the following items in your Paleo pantry:
- Coconut milk (full fat, no additives)
- Tinned tomatoes or tomato paste (check ingredients)
- Tinned wild fish like salmon or sardines (if tolerated)
- Herbal teas and organic coffee alternatives like dandelion root
- Coconut aminos or apple cider vinegar
- Natural nut butters (no sugar or seed oils)
Eating Out While Sticking to Paleo
Even with the best plans, you might find yourself needing to eat out. Luckily, more restaurants are accommodating dietary preferences, and with a few simple strategies, you can keep things Paleo without the stress.
Look for grilled meats, salads with olive oil and lemon dressing, or dishes that can be easily modified. Skip the bread, fries or creamy sauces unless you're confident in the ingredients. If unsure, don't be afraid to ask your server about the oil used or for simple substitutions. Many places are happy to serve vegetables instead of grains or legumes.
Staying Hydrated Throughout the Week
It's easy to forget hydration when planning meals, but drinking enough water is essential to support digestion and overall health on a Paleo diet. Herbal teas, infused water (think cucumber and mint or lemon and ginger), and bone broth all contribute to hydration and nutrient intake.
Avoid sweetened drinks, fruit juice, and even many “health drinks” that sneak in hidden sugars. A great habit is to start the day with a big glass of water, especially before breakfast. It sets a healthy tone for the rest of the day.
Preparing for Guests on a Paleo Diet
When hosting friends who aren’t Paleo, it’s tempting to stray from your usual food choices to accommodate them. But in most cases, your guests will appreciate your effort and might be curious to try something different.
To keep everyone happy, focus on meals that feel familiar but are made using Paleo ingredients. Think burgers wrapped in lettuce instead of buns, roast dinners without gravy thickened with flour, and dessert made with coconut cream and berries. Serve a few crowd-pleasers — like your Friday night Paleo pizza or Saturday barbecue — and most people won’t even realise they’re eating Paleo.
Reflecting on Your Weekly Plan
Once the week wraps up, it’s worth reflecting on what worked well and what you’d change for next time. Did certain meals take too long to prepare? Were there enough leftovers to get you through busy days? Did any particular dish stand out as a new favourite?
Meal planning isn’t about perfection — it’s about setting yourself up for success and learning as you go. Over time, it becomes second nature, and your weekly plan evolves to match your lifestyle and preferences. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet to jot down ideas for future weeks and adjust your shopping habits accordingly.
Ready to Try It Yourself?
If you haven’t already, why not give this 7-day Paleo menu plan a go yourself? Whether you follow it exactly or use it as inspiration, it’s a great way to bring structure, enjoyment, and variety to your Paleo lifestyle. Let me know your own favourite combinations — and if you have visitors, don’t be surprised if they leave inspired to try Paleo themselves!
What do you think of my proposed Menu Plan? I’d love to hear your favourite Paleo dishes! Do you create a weekly Paleo meal Plan?
Breakfast Fit for a Prime Minister?
I was interested to see photos of a typical Breakfast for British Prime Minister David Cameron.
- Lurpak butter ( Ingredients: Organic butter (69%), organic rapeseed oil (25%), lactic culture, salt (0.9%))
- Shredded Wheat Cereal (judging by the rest of the meal, I bet the milk isn't whole fat)
- Toast with Jam
- Low-fat yoghurt
- Fruit
That's certainly a very carb-heavy Breakfast, without much fat or protein in sight. They must need regular carbohydrate based snacks for when their blood sugar levels crash shortly after eating.
I'd have loved to see them tucking into a proper cooked Breakfast! Perhaps Julia Gillard starts the days with bacon and eggs, cooked in coconut oil?
What Does a Leader’s Breakfast Say About the Nation?
While it might sound like a small thing, what our leaders eat for breakfast actually paints an interesting picture. The foods they choose reflect the prevailing attitudes of the time – and influence millions of people watching from around the world. So when the British PM is snapped starting the day with a beige buffet of low-fat yoghurt, cereal and toast, what message does that send?
It seems that even at the highest levels, we're still stuck in a nutritional time warp – one where fat is feared, cereal is king, and protein barely gets a look-in before midday.
But what if the next Prime Minister chose a breakfast of pasture-raised eggs, grilled tomatoes, avocado, and a few rashers of free-range bacon cooked in ghee or coconut oil? What if world leaders normalised nutrient-dense, protein-rich, whole food breakfasts?
That shift could be revolutionary.
The Low-Fat Legacy That Won’t Die
The obsession with low-fat everything – yoghurt, milk, butter alternatives – has lingered since the 1970s, despite mounting evidence that it was based on shaky science. Governments around the world promoted it with the best of intentions, hoping it would reduce heart disease. Instead, we’ve seen skyrocketing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. Replacing fat with sugar and ultra-processed grains didn’t make us healthier – it just made us hungrier.
That Cameron breakfast is a prime example of this outdated advice in action. Where’s the fat-soluble nutrition? The stable energy from protein and healthy fats? The satiety?
A Better Breakfast (Even for Politicians)
If we were designing a breakfast that fuels long meetings, decisive leadership, and mental clarity, it wouldn’t be Shredded Wheat and low-fat fruit yoghurt. It might look something like this:
- 3 eggs (soft-boiled or scrambled) from pasture-raised hens
- 1/2 avocado with lemon and sea salt
- Sautéed mushrooms and spinach in olive oil or ghee
- A rasher or two of bacon from heritage-breed pigs
- Herbal tea or black coffee, maybe with MCT oil or collagen peptides
This breakfast provides a solid 25 – 30g of protein, healthy fats, fibre, and micronutrients. It keeps blood sugar stable and provides long-lasting energy without a crash at 10:30am.
Breakfast Around the World: The Paleo Version
Curious how other countries could rethink their national breakfasts through a Paleo lens? Let’s look at a few examples:
Australia
Instead of Vegemite on toast or Weet-Bix, a Paleo Aussie breakfast might include:
- Kangaroo sausage or lamb chops
- Roasted sweet potato cubes
- Smashed avocado with lemon
- A side of fermented veggies
Japan
Rather than miso soup and rice:
- Bone broth with wilted Asian greens and shredded chicken
- Soft-boiled eggs
- Pickled vegetables and seaweed salad
France
Ditch the croissant and café au lait for:
- Omelette with herbs and mushrooms
- Duck fat-fried potatoes
- Black coffee with cinnamon
Reimagining these breakfasts isn’t about restriction – it’s about fuelling the body for the day ahead in a way that’s biologically appropriate and deeply satisfying.
Why Protein & Fat Matter First Thing in the Morning
Eating protein-rich, fat-dense meals in the morning has several advantages:
- Blood Sugar Stability: Without the spike-and-crash of refined carbs, your energy stays consistent through to lunch.
- Satiety: Protein and fat help you feel full longer – meaning less temptation to snack mid-morning.
- Hormonal Support: Protein supports neurotransmitter function (especially dopamine and serotonin), while fat is essential for hormone production.
- Cognitive Focus: A steady fuel supply helps with attention, decision-making, and mood regulation.
If you’ve ever felt foggy or hangry after a bowl of cereal, now you know why.
How to Politely Decline the Cereal
If you’re trying to encourage your household, friends, or workplace to rethink breakfast, you don’t need to start with lectures. Try these gentle nudges:
- “That looks tasty – but have you ever tried eggs and avo for breakfast? I feel full for hours when I do.”
- “I’m testing a new breakfast to see if it helps me concentrate better during the day.”
- “It’s wild how long cereal has been marketed as healthy. Have you seen the ingredients list lately?”
Sometimes, a quiet example is the most powerful way to lead change.
Leading by Example (Even if You’re Not Prime Minister)
You don’t need to be the leader of a nation to influence those around you. Your family, co-workers, and online community are watching. When they see you consistently choosing real food in the mornings – and noticing your energy, skin, mood, and performance improve – they’ll start to wonder what you’re doing differently.
Why not make your next breakfast something worth copying?
Breakfast & the Bigger Picture
Breakfast isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It sets the tone for the day, physically and mentally. A nourishing breakfast says:
- “I prioritise my wellbeing.”
- “I prepare in advance.”
- “I make choices based on what works for my body.”
Compare that to a rushed piece of toast or sugary yoghurt scoffed in the car. That sets a completely different tone.
If our leaders – and let’s face it, we all lead someone – want to show up fully in their day, a proper breakfast is a powerful place to start.
Your Turn
What do you think of David Cameron’s breakfast? What’s the most nutrient-dense way you’ve started your day recently? Have you convinced anyone in your life to ditch cereal for bacon and eggs?
Let me know in the comments – and maybe one day, we’ll see a future Prime Minister go viral for making a slow-cooked liver and sweet potato hash before Parliament.
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.
A Typical Day in Paleo Meals
Despite trying not going overboard talking about my Paleo diet, it often comes out, especially when I'm out in a group, quizzing waiting staff about exactly what is in each dish and how it’s cooked. It also becomes quite obvious when I'm the only person tucking into fish and vegetables – instead of eating pizza! I'm always asked (in disbelief) what a Typical Day in Paleo meals looks like.
I explain what I eat and why I don’t eat grains. This stage often seems to happen whilst the person asking the questions, is tucking into their grain based meal. Once they've got their head round the impossible – life without grains – they’ll almost always ask me what I actually eat.
So I thought I’d show some photos of a fairly typical working weekday, in Paleo meals.
Breakfast.
On this particular day I had bacon, eggs and avocado. I avoid supermarket bacon as it’s often very heavily processed with all sorts of ingredients I don’t want to eat. My local organic butcher makes the best bacon I've had since I've been in Australia. It’s fresh, made in store, with minimal ingredients. It comes from organic, non factory farmed pigs. And the taste really is testament to this. I cook this in coconut oil (I'm currently using organic, virgin cold pressed, unrefined Melrose Coconut Oil). Once the bacon is almost ready I cook the eggs in the same pan. I always use organic, free range eggs – and where I can find them I’ll also often get Omega-3 enriched eggs. I complete the meal with a few slices of avocado. This breakfast is a great source of great fats and protein. At the moment I'm trying to eat within 30 minutes of waking up and it really does seem to be making such a significant difference. You can read my Paleo breakfast post for more breakfast ideas.
Lunch.
Lunch should be something bought in from home so I know I'm eating the best possible ingredients. However, in the real world I invariably don’t get round to making lunch every day. This was one such day, where I had to find the best possible Paleo meal in the city. In this situation, I often choose a roast dinner, on this occasion with roast beef and seasonal vegetables.
Dinner.
Dinner is the meal where all the effort, creativity and amazing ingredients go! I usually plan the week’s dinners at the weekend, then shop to make sure I have all the required ingredients. This dinner was stuffed capsicum (bell peppers) with a filling of minced beef and lots of veg, herbs and spices. I have something different most days as I enjoy trying different recipes, cooking and introducing a lot of variety to my diet.
And to Drink?
I drink water all day long with the occasional cup of tea, or hot water with a slice of lemon or lime thrown in for good measure.
How does a typical day in food look for you? Do you tend to repeat the same meals or go for maximum variety in your diet?
Snacks and Mini-Meals: Keeping It Paleo Between Meals
While the main meals of the day are essential, incorporating Paleo-friendly snacks can help maintain energy levels and prevent overeating during meals. Here are some go-to options that align with the Paleo lifestyle:
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: A portable source of protein and healthy fats, perfect for on-the-go snacking.
- Mixed Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and cashews provide a satisfying crunch and are rich in nutrients.
- Fresh Fruit: Berries, apples, and bananas offer natural sweetness and fibre.
- Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, cucumber, and celery sticks paired with homemade guacamole or almond butter.
- Beef Jerky: Opt for nitrate-free, grass-fed options without added sugars.
Hydration: Beyond Just Water
Staying hydrated is crucial, and while water should be your primary beverage, there are other Paleo-friendly options to consider:
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos teas are caffeine-free and offer various health benefits.
- Kombucha: A fermented tea rich in probiotics, aiding in digestion. Ensure it's low in added sugars.
- Coconut Water: Naturally hydrating and a good source of electrolytes, especially post-workout.
- Bone Broth: Nutrient-dense and comforting, bone broth provides collagen and minerals.
Meal Prep Tips for a Seamless Paleo Week
Planning and preparing meals in advance can make adhering to the Paleo diet more manageable:
- Batch Cooking: Prepare large quantities of proteins like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables to use throughout the week.
- Chop Ahead: Wash and chop vegetables in advance to save time during meal preparation.
- Use Mason Jars: Layer salads in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Freeze Portions: Cook and freeze meals like stews or casseroles for days when time is limited.
- Keep a Paleo Pantry: Stock up on essentials like coconut oil, almond flour, and canned fish to have the basics on hand.
Dining Out While Staying Paleo
Eating out doesn't have to derail your Paleo lifestyle. Here are some tips to navigate restaurant menus:
- Research Ahead: Look up menus online to find Paleo-friendly options before arriving.
- Customize Orders: Don't hesitate to ask for substitutions, like replacing grains with extra vegetables.
- Choose Grilled Over Fried: Opt for grilled meats and avoid breaded or fried items.
- Be Cautious with Sauces: Many sauces contain hidden sugars or dairy; ask for them on the side or omit them.
- Focus on Whole Foods: Salads with protein, grilled meats, and steamed vegetables are typically safe choices.
Listening to Your Body: Adjusting the Paleo Diet to Your Needs
While the Paleo diet provides a solid framework, it's essential to tailor it to your individual needs:
- Monitor Energy Levels: If you feel fatigued, consider adjusting your carbohydrate intake with more fruits or starchy vegetables.
- Address Cravings: Occasional cravings for non-Paleo foods can be a sign to diversify your meals or include more healthy fats.
- Stay Flexible: Life events may require temporary adjustments; it's okay to adapt while maintaining overall Paleo principles.
- Consult Professionals: If you have specific health concerns, seek guidance from a nutritionist familiar with the Paleo diet.
Conclusion
Embracing the Paleo lifestyle involves more than just meal choices; it's about creating sustainable habits that align with your health goals. By incorporating mindful snacking, diverse hydration options, strategic meal prep, informed dining decisions, and personalised adjustments, you can maintain a fulfilling and balanced Paleo journey. Remember, the key is consistency and listening to your body's needs.