When trying to reduce the glycemic load of a breakfast, finding a suitable and palatable alternative to toast and cereal can be a really frustrating challenge. For those who find the ‘meat and nuts’ breakfast too heavy first thing in the morning (or who’s partners kicked them out of the house because they couldn’t stand waking to the smell of frying steak at 6am!), or for those who can’t bare to look at another variation of eggs again, unprocessed, low GI options can be limited. Here are two vegetarian breakfasts I consume frequently, as they have enormous nutrient variety, contain several healthy spices, are rich in fibre and are easy to cook the night before and reheat while I’m in the shower. For more excellent recipes like this, see my favourite vegetarian chef, Kurma Dasa http://www.kurma.net/ and his blog http://www.iskcon.net.au/kurma/ 

Ful Madamas
* Soak 1 cup of fava beans with ½ a cup of red lentils overnight, then rinse well;
* Add around 3 cups of water and bring to the boil;
* Then lower the heat and very slowly simmer for up to 8 hours (add more water if necessary);
* To finish, add 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1½ teaspoons of sea salt and cracked pepper, juice of half a lemon and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Traditionally, this is served with a hardboiled egg.

Simple Dal
* Wash ½ a cup of toor dal and ½ a cup of split mung dal or split red lentils;
* Add 3 cups of water, 1 cup of chopped cauliflower, ½ a teaspoon of ground turmeric, 2 teaspoons of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of ground chilli (cayenne pepper), 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger, 2-4 chopped fresh
chillies and 1 teaspoon of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper;
* Bring to the boil, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 40-60 minutes;
* Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or light olive oil and when hot, add 1 teaspoon of black mustard seeds. 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, ½ a teaspoon of yellow asafoetida powder and 6-10 fresh curry leaves (optional);
* Fry for 10 seconds and add to dal with 1 chopped tomato. Cook for another 5-10 minutes;
* Before serving, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped coriander.

Enjoy!