Kerstin from Hamburg, Germany wrote: “Do you have any tips for a healthy cow’s milk-free breakfast? I don’t have any problem with eating milk-free during the day, but in the morning I can’t really think of anything I might like – besides fruit, but then I am hungry again after 30 minutes. The hardest thing is going out for brunch on the weekend… I am not a picky eater, and I like both sweet and savory for breakfast. I am not a vegetarian, but as I am a Yogi I try not to eat too many products of animal origin in general.”

kerstin, oh yes i have some tips!  i also struggle with breakfast- if you’re not eating dairy or animal products it can feel limiting.  but i’ve found a whole new bunch of breakfast foods to enjoy!  my go-to is oatmeal in the winter and muesli in the spring and summer. here’s a recipe for museli (which you can just add water too and cook to make a tasty oatmeal!)  since you can’t have dairy or soy, substitue with almond milk (how to make your own almond milk here, or you may be able to find in your market).  oats in general are pretty much a breakfast savior, as evidenced in the photos above.  as are smoothies and green juices! eggless scrambles are good too (think tofu, onions, tomatoes, red peppers, spinach, scallions, etc all sauteed together and served with your favorite hot sauce!)

as far as eating out, i try to avoid breakfast at restaurants and only go to brunch where i can order off the lunch menu because honestly, i can’t be bothered to eat oatmeal at a restaurant- seems like such a waste to spend good money on a bland bowl of oats!  lastly, i’m working on a recipe post that is just for you- a really amazing breakfast treat that will cure all your dairy woes! hope this helps kerstin!  

photos above: berry crumble bars, homemade granola, make-ahead steel cut oats, granola bars (i would substitute oats for the cereal suggestion in this last one!)