My Current Early Morning Dietary Supplements

Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-based Protein

Laird Daily Greens

OK, so I know the myth is that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but this has been largely debunked. That said, getting at least 30 grams of protein in your first meal of the day is very important, as per Dr. Don Layman, PhD., who is a well-respected protein researcher and expert.

I’m not very hungry for actual, solid food early in the mornings. That said, I love most breakfast foods … just not at 6 A.M. I guess you could say that I’m more of a brunch-time guy. When I have time, I definitely prefer pasture-raised scrambled eggs loaded with fresh herbs, half an avocado, a small side salad with a simple balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing (yes, for breakfast), a slice or two of uncured, nitrate-free bacon, and a slice of homemade sourdough bread (from Flour House Bakers) or Ezekiel bread with grass-fed butter and strawberry preserves. Ok, I LOVE breakfast.

But here is my disclaimer: despite my recent Instagram reels about the importance of real food, I use supplements. It’s really nothing more than a time issue. *** Everyone listen up, real food is a symphony, but supplements can be a lovely string quartet.*** The string quartet sounds nice, but it cannot give you everything that a symphony can.

And when I’m up early, which is often, I much prefer a liquid breakfast (aka supplements), and over the years, I have tried a lot of liquid breakfasts. My current rendition is a glass of water, followed by a protein shake, liquid greens, and vitamins. My favorite shake right now is made with Four Sigmatic Organic Plant-based Protein. I like to mix one scoop of chocolate, one scoop of vanilla, and add two scoops of Bulletproof Innerfuel Prebiotic, which has 17 grams of fiber, all in about 6 ounces of water (because I like it thicker). To take it up a notch, feel free to add a handful of spinach and berries.

Why plant-based? One reason – how I feel. I have tried many versions of whey protein, but I realized that I did not feel as good afterward, due to abdominal bloating and discomfort. Even though I eat meat, I tried plant-based protein powder, and I actually felt better. It’s as simple as that. I know animal protein, including whey, is generally more bioavailable and has more leucine for protein muscle synthesis, but I also want to feel good.

Like all protein powders, one negative is that it is a bit gritty, especially if you like it thick like I do. Pro tip – use a frother or a blender to smooth it out more. Overall it’s such a low volume and the taste is good, so I don’t mind a bit of grit.

After my protein shake, I have Laird Daily Greens in about 6 ounces of water, which gives me one serving of fruits and vegetables. Lastly, I take my vitamins, which I will blog about some day, with another glass of water. In total, I have approximately 21 grams of fiber, 37 grams of protein, and very little sugar, and I end up well-hydrated. And as a bonus, it only adds a few minutes to my morning routine. Though I still prefer whole foods to supplements and shakes, for my early mornings, this is not a bad way to fuel my start to the day.

Yes, that’s Ferris Bueller in the background.