For many people, bread and butter is a quick go-to option for breakfast. After all, its preparation is simple, convenient and inexpensive! Bread, which is often prepared from a dough made of flour and water, comes in different varieties, but the most of them, particularly white bread, are refined grains with a high glycemic index and low on nutritional value. It, in fact, falls into the high-carb food category. So, it may be wise to look for healthy alternatives to bread! Try some nutritious veggies and fruits for breakfast.

Health Shots spoke to Roopshree Jaiswal, Consultant – Dietitian/Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Mechanic Nagar Indore to find out best fruits and veggies for breakfast.

Here’s why fruits and vegetables are better than bread

Jaiswal says, “Compared to fruits and vegetables, the amount of essential nutrients in bread is somewhat low. It rather contains a lot of calories and carbohydrates and is low in protein, fat, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

So what is the alternative? There are plenty of healthy foods that can take the place of bread on your table, but fresh fruits and vegetables are what first come to mind. The fact that fruits and vegetables are a wonderful source of important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants makes them healthy.

Here are 7 fruits and veggies that will replace bread from your breakfast:

1. Potatoes

They are high in carb content and fiber which make them a good choice to keep your gut health and weight in check. In fact, adding them in your breakfast will provide you complex carbs which are good for those following an intense cardio workout regime.

2. Bell peppers

We love to add colors to our meals and nothing can be more colorful, filling and healthier than bell peppers. They are rich in several essential nutrients including vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid, and fibre.

3. Apples

We can go on and on about the benefits of this fruit. Starting the day with an apple salad will be a healthier and tastier alternative to bread. Being rich in fibre and antioxidants, apples are linked to a lower risk of several diseases such as diabetes, heart health and cancer.

4. Lettuce

If you like to start your day with wraps, you can use lettuce to make one. You can also add your favorite healthy fillings and sauces to make it even more tasty.

Also, read: Eat these 5 fruits to reduce your cholesterol levels and manage heart health

5. Cabbage

Cabbage is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin K and C and if you don’t like to start your day with a leafy salad, you can use cabbage leaves to make wraps just like lettuce.

6. Carrots

Vitamin C, calcium, iron, biotin ,vitamin K1, potassium, vitamin B6, and lutein are all present in carrots. Carrots are tasty even if you eat them raw. But if you want to be a bit experimentative about it, you can use it in salads or wraps.

7. Pineapple slices

Pineapples are a tasty fruit. Be a bit experimental with pineapple and make your own antioxidant rich morning snack.