9 tasty yet healthy Indian breakfasts that are perfect for a balanced diet

Healthy breakfast ideas: Whole wheat parathas provide complex carbs, which offer sustained energy throughout the day. Paired with probiotic-rich curd, this meal promotes gut health (Image: Canva)

From the hearty flavours of the North to the coastal delights of the South, each region of India offers a unique blend of nutrition and taste. Here are 9 healthy breakfast ideas that are perfect for adding variety to your morning routine:

Moong dal chilla: High in protein and fibre, moong dal cheela helps keep you full for longer and stabilises blood sugar levels. It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a great alternative to eggs. Light yet filling, this savory pancake made from moong dal batter can be customised with vegetables for added nutrition.

Paratha with curd and pickle: Whole wheat parathas provide complex carbs, which offer sustained energy throughout the day. Paired with probiotic-rich curd, this meal promotes gut health. While traditionally considered heavy, using less ghee and filling the paratha with healthy ingredients like paneer or vegetables makes it a balanced option.

Also read | What to eat for breakfast: Why, and how, your morning meal sets the tone for the day

Vegetable poha: Flattened rice (poha) is low in calories and rich in iron. Adding vegetables boosts its fiber and vitamin content, making it a great option for heart health. Easy to make and digest, poha is perfect for a light but energising breakfast.

Idli-sambar: Steamed idlis are low in calories and fat, while sambar, made from lentils and vegetables, adds protein and fibre. This combination helps in controlling weight and improving digestion. Also, it is light but packed with nutrients.

Healthy breakfast ideas: Made from semolina, upma is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy (Image: Canva)

Upma: Made from semolina, upma is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy. Adding vegetables increases its fibre content, making it more filling and nutritious. Quick to prepare, upma is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your tastes by adding spices and herbs.

Healthy breakfast ideas: A popular Andhra dish made from green gram (moong dal), pesarattu is rich in protein and fibre (Image: Canva)

Pesarattu: A popular Andhra dish made from green gram (moong dal), pesarattu is rich in protein and fibre. It helps in controlling cholesterol levels and is great for digestion. This pancake is an ideal choice for those looking for a gluten-free, high-protein breakfast.

Chira Doi: Flattened rice (chira) is rich in iron, and curd provides probiotics for gut health. Jaggery, a natural sweetener, is loaded with antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium. This light and refreshing dish is perfect for your mornings, offering a balance of carbs, protein, and probiotics.

Also read | Rise and dine: The science behind why breakfast matters, according to experts

Luchi with cholar dal: Although typically fried, using whole wheat flour for luchis and reducing oil content can make it a healthier option. Paired with protein-rich cholar dal, this dish becomes more balanced. It’s a hearty meal, but when eaten in moderation, the protein and fibre from the dal counteract the richness of the luchi.

Misal pav: Misal, made from sprouted legumes, is rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants. When eaten with whole wheat pav or reduced bread portions, it becomes a balanced meal that supports heart health.