Following last week’s article on the four basic rules for eating out, here are eight tips to help keep that first meal of the day as healthy as possible when not making your own at home.

START WITH FRUIT

If you are pushing the boat out for breakfast, start off with some fruit before the less healthy food

FILL UP ON PORRIDGE

The healthiest way to eat porridge is when it’s made with water and topped with fresh fruit rather than dried.

AVOID FRIED POTATOES

Hash browns may be tasty but are high in saturated.

BE WARY OF PANCAKES AND WAFFLES

Try to avoid waffles and pancakes but if you really can’t resist go for wholewheat versions topped with fruit. Avoid syrups and watch portion size.

DRINK BLACK COFFEE

Be careful of fancy coffees that are sweetened, flavoured or creamy.

AVOID EGGS BENEDICT

Hollandaise is loaded with calories so order poached eggs but without the sauce.

PICK ONE

An English breakfast will probably come with toast and some form of potato.  Choose your favourite and then have an extra serving of veg instead of the other.

SPLIT THE THING YOU CAN’T RESIST

If you can’t resist the pancakes or eggs benedict, share half with your brunch buddy and then order something healthier to make up the rest of the meal.