The Breakfast My 101-Year-Old Grandma Swears By

If you were expecting a health-boosting breakfast filled with seeds, nuts, and some obscure European yogurt, let me stop you right there. My 101-year-old grandma, or nana as I lovingly call her, has kept her morning routine as simple as it is delicious for as long as I can remember.

Each day, without fail, she starts her morning with two things: a steaming cup of strong English tea and a fully loaded bagel. And when I say fully loaded, I mean a mini poppy seed bagel, generously spread with full-fat cream cheese, and topped with smoked salmon. Yes, you heard that right—no low-fat substitutes in sight.

This bagel breakfast has been a constant in her life for decades, so much so that she calls me in a panic if she’s running low on any of the ingredients. It’s a ritual she simply cannot skip.

So, what’s the secret behind her longevity? Is it the omega-3s from the salmon? The perfect balance of fats, proteins, and carbs? Maybe it’s just the routine itself.

I’ve noticed that many centenarians often attribute their long lives to a steady routine, whether it’s a can of beer before bed or a weekly chocolate treat. The common thread? A tradition that provides a sense of consistency, something comforting amidst the changes life brings. For my nana, that morning bagel is more than just food—it’s a comforting ritual, especially during the pandemic when isolation made routine even more essential.

At 101, there’s an undeniable “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. But I think the magic lies in the simple comfort of having one thing in your day that never changes. For me, it’s a tradition I look forward to upholding. And honestly, what kind of grandma would she be if I left her house without a properly loaded poppy seed bagel?

It might just be a bagel, but to me, it’s the taste of a legacy and a family tradition that keeps us all connected.