Health Expert Raises Concerns About TikTok Viral Balkan Breakfast Trend

A health expert has expressed concerns about the viral Balkan Breakfast trend that has been trending on TikTok.

The Balkan Breakfast phenomenon has captivated social media, largely due to a video shared by TikTok user @dayi_. This breakfast staple from Southeast Europe combines an assortment of meats, bread, cheeses, and an array of raw vegetables such as peppers and cucumbers.

Many users have followed suit, posting videos of themselves indulging in raw or pickled vegetables, cured meats, and cheese, with some enhancing their meals with dips like Ajvar, a beloved red pepper condiment from the Balkan region.

The trend has sparked a range of reactions from those in the Balkans; some argue it lacks authenticity, while others maintain that such meals are commonplace in their homes.

@omarthecritic1
Trying Balkan Breakfast #vegetables #balkanbreakfast

♬ original sound – OmarTheCritic

Another issue raised about this trend is the high fiber content in these dishes. TikTok user robbsfilms shared that after enjoying this hearty, vegetable-laden meal, he found himself frequently needing the bathroom.

This bathroom predicament has prompted some experts to advise caution for anyone considering replicating the meal at home. Jamie Maitland, a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and founder of The Office Health, spoke with Delish about the potential risks associated with the high fiber content typical of a Balkan breakfast.

“While fiber can help promote satiety and aid digestion, it can also lead to bloating or stomach discomfort, particularly for those who aren’t accustomed to it,” she noted. “Making a sudden switch from a low to high fiber diet can be tough on your stomach.”

@gafourakrz
This was the viral Balkan breakfast. . . . . . . #balkantiktok #balkanbreakfast #foodie #food #gafourakrz #viraltiktok

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Jamie characterized the trend as “somewhat healthy,” provided that individuals select high-quality ingredients devoid of anti-nutrients. “Pickled vegetables can be a wonderful way to integrate more veggies into your diet, as long as no additional sugars are included,” she clarified.

“That said, I wouldn’t consider this a nutrient-dense breakfast option for my clients,” she emphasized. “Beginning your day with highly processed bread can trigger an insulin spike, which isn’t beneficial for your pancreas.”

She further cautioned that raw peppers and cucumbers contain lectins that may induce micro-tears in the gut lining; thus, it’s advisable to peel and deseed them.

Regarding cured meats, Jamie highlighted that many are loaded with sugar. Unless you opt for homemade versions free of added sugars, she advises avoiding lower-quality meats.

This Balkan Breakfast is yet another TikTok trend met with skepticism from experts, following warnings about the dangerous ‘glass candy’ trend that led to burns among children.

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