Chef Andrew Zimmern, host of the Travel Channel show "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern," has often expressed an affinity for the culinary stylings of Japan. Zimmern isn't much of a breakfast eater, but when he does sit down for a proper breakfast, he takes inspiration from Japanese breakfasts and their nutritional benefits.

A traditional morning meal in Japan consists of multiple smaller dishes like eggs, grilled fish, fermented soybeans called natto, and miso soup, paired with a bowl of rice. Zimmern told Lifehacker that he loves rice and soup with some "leftover broiled fish, some little vegetables [...] A couple of bites of each, and it's perfect."

Zimmern is not a fan of traditional American breakfast foods like pancakes, bacon, or fried potatoes, claiming that it's "toxic for people. It's all that sugar and carbohydrates." Japanese breakfasts are more protein-heavy, well-balanced, and substantial, which ramps up metabolism and helps keep you fueled up all day long.