Cover image via news.com.au1. Nasi lemak. Our national dish is definitely yummylicious but did you know that a standard packet of nasi lemak consists mostly of carbs and fat?
Image via kuali
2. Toasted bread. Normally paired with half-boiled eggs, the breakfast is considered quite healthy thanks to the proteins from the eggs. But on its own, the bread does not provide any form of vitamins.
Image via takemetofoodieheaven
3. Noodles. The wan tan mee and mee kolok is carb-rich and although it contains some potassium, it is offset by the high sodium levels in each serving.
Image via gastronomicdiary.
4. Roti canai. Light, fluffy, and crispy, this Malaysian dish goes well together with a cup of teh tarik but nutrition wise, it's nothing but empty calories and fat.
Image via templeofthai
5. Cereal with milk. Although this dish is not entirely local, having cereal is a popular breakfast choice amongst Malaysian school children. Be sure to choose the type of cereal carefully, as some of them are known to be sugar heavy.
Image via cutsquash
But you don't have to stop eating all this Malaysian goodness because it's unhealthy, here are some easy tweaks to make your breakfasts healthier and more nutritious for you
1. Increase your Vitamin C intake by incorporating Vitamin C rich foods such as the kiwifruit into your breakfasts
Human bodies are not able to produce Vitamin C, therefore we have to absorb them through our daily diet. For Malaysians, the daily requirement for Vitamin C is 60mg per adult. Taking just one Sungold kiwifruit gives you 161.3mg of Vitamin C, which is more than your daily Vitamin C requirement.
Vitamin C helps to activate enzymes in the body that play an important role in the regulation of metabolic energy. Vitamin C also assists the body's update of iron, an essential mineral for the transportation of oxygen in the blood and the metabolism of blood sugar that gives energy.
You can consume the kiwifruit as a shake, a juice, or as your mini dessert after breakfast to give you the Vitamin C boost at the start of a day.
Image via bakingmadgymaddict
2. Control the portion of your meal by reducing the size of your plate
Image via ontheroadtofit
Pro tip: You can also eat a fruit before your meal to partially fill your tummy.
3. Always "kurang manis" your drinks
Image via savemoney
Pro tip: If you still crave for something sweet, opt for fresh juices, shakes, and smoothies instead of drinks that are high in artificial sugar.
