How many times do you skip breakfast? Is it because you don’t have time? Or maybe you feel like you don’t have the energy to prepare food first thing in the morning? Or maybe you are tired of eating the same old thing? I am going to share a few very quick and simple ideas that don’t take much time and go a long way. Or instead of eating that bowl of sugary cereal or a bagel, neither of which will really fill you up properly and fuel you for the day ahead, try one of these simple and delicious options.
Avocado Toast
Toast up 1-2 pieces of bread. Once toasted, spread with 1/4-1/2 of avocado and top with a few pieces of baby spinach. Meanwhile, cook up 1 egg for each slice of bread. Sprinkle with pepper and paprika. Once cooked to desired doneness, place on toast.
Avocado Toast w/grapefruit and sliced strawberries. Matcha tea.
Overnight Oats
This is one you can prepare the night before, which means the morning prep is so easy!! There is an unlimited possibility of what you can do with this, and you can get very creative, but once again, be very conscious of what exactly is going in to this as it can turn less healthy very quickly. There are several options on how to prepare: Option 1 – Mix everything together in a bowl and then divide into mason jars. Cover and place in fridge. In the morning just grab a jar and eat. This is a great option for on the go as well. Option 2 – Mix everything together in a large container. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning just scoop out what you would like to eat at that time.
The base of these is oats and a liquid of choice. I typically use rolled oats, but steel-cut oats will work. For my liquid, I normally use unsweetened vanilla almond milk. A few other options are regular milk, chocolate almond milk, coconut milk or any combination. If you would like it to be a little more creamy, then also mix in some greek yogurt. Be certain to fully cover the oats with liquid, and remember that they will absorb the liquids and expand a little, so be sure to leave a little room in whatever container you decide to use.
The rest of the mix-ins are completely up to you. A few ideas include: raisins, chopped green apple, coconut, cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup, peanut butter, no sugar added jam, chia seeds and nuts.
In the morning I like to top mine with whatever fresh fruit I have available and then drizzle with a little almond butter. You can’t go wrong with this one for breakfast, so go ahead and give it a try.
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Night before prep.
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Morning
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Topped with fresh fruit and almond butter.
Oatmeal
Instead of buying the packets of oatmeal that come with all of the added sugar, why not make your own in the morning. It is very simple and takes just a few minutes, but is so delicious and healthy. This is another one where you have the ability to be creative. Use whatever liquid base you would like: milk, water, almond milk, etc. Or add a little extra flavor and flare and use a brewed tea (ex. green tea or chai tea). Some great mix-ins include: a mashed banana, maple syrup, raisins, nuts, cinnamon, vanilla, peanut/almond butter, coconut, chia seeds, etc. Simply mix together all of the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and cook 3-4 minutes or until cooked. Be sure to keep an eye on it because it can cook over and make a big old mess. You can then top with sliced fresh fruit of choice and enjoy.
Smoothie
You can’t really go wrong here. Toss some fresh/frozen fruit and other ingredients into a blender or nutribullet with some liquid of choice, blend up and enjoy. I love to add peanut butter to mine. You can also add protein powder, chia seeds, spinach, avocado and so many other items. If you have kids who are picky eaters (or you are one yourself) this is a great way to hide some fruits and veggies, because they will be masked by the other ingredients. This is one you can even put in a to go cup and take with you to enjoy on the road.
Smoothie Bowl
Make your smoothie with a little less liquid. Dump into a bowl and top with fresh fruit, granola, coconut and drizzle with honey. This is one you will have to enjoy with a spoon though!
Acai Bowl
Scrambled Eggs with Avocado and Toast
This is quick and easy. Scramble up a few eggs in a pan, it really only takes a few minutes. Feel free to add some pepper and other spices for some flavor. You can even saute up some veggies with it if you have the time. Plate with some sliced avocado and lightly buttered bread and add some fruit for a complete meal.
Remember, any food can go from healthy to unhealthy very quickly. Be smart about what you are choosing. Feel free to be a little creative, but try to stay away from as much added sugar as possible. These are some great options to get your day off to a great start, and I think once you try many of these you will wonder why you have been skipping breakfast or eating the same boring things for so long. Let me know what you think. Eat well and be merry. Enjoy!
