Probably a cultural thing. In your case it is probably doubled with the absence of an appropriate protein. In my opinion grits want animal proteins. Grits and grillades? Yum, yum. Shrimp and grits with a poached egg. In the list for best breakfast ever. No animal protein...no go.
Kinda like beans as far as culture goes. I think to most North Americans British baked beans are the most puzzlingly blandest thing. Possibly ever. But, as a Canadian I also despise North American style baked beans for being disgustingly sweet. Revolting, really. Southern BBQ or Caribbean is really where beans are at.