It’s been awhile since I did a post on food and healthy eating, so here we are first thing in the morning…the sun is rising in Marina del Rey as I write this…Today, we’ll focus on the “most important meal of the day.”
Breakfast is an opportunity. That’s how I look at it anyways. I know that if I take the time to eat/drink something healthy and filling within 2 hours of waking up that I’m going have a better/more energetic day. I’ve seen it happen time and again.
If I just down some coffee and run out the door, not only do I lose momentum within an hour (or less sometimes), I get jittery, cranky, and then overeat at the next snack or meal…or both!
On the days that I do eat–which truthfully is most of the time, because I learned the hard way about the hunger monster that lives inside of me, I don’t even think about food until lunch. I make it through the morning sipping on my water, maybe munching on some almonds, then it’s lunch!
So what do I eat??
Normally, I will have some form of hot cereal–oatmeal or the Red Mill 10 Grain Hot cereal. I’m a freak for Red Mill products and I love this hot cereal. I top my bowls of porridge with unsweetened almond milk, almond butter, ground flaxseed, raisins, almonds…whatever I’m in the mood for and that we have around the house. I get a little crunch – a little creamy…And most of the time I toss at least 1 scoop of protein powder into the mix to make sure I start the day with a good blast of protein. It’s really quite tasty…so don’t raise your eyebrow until you try some.
But today, I wanted something different! Even I can’t hang with oatmeal every single day…
So, here’s what I found for high energy, fat burning breakfasts to start you day off the right way! I chose eggs for breakfast today – since little Mila likes them too!
Omelets
Load up on the veggies in the morning to avoid NOT getting your daily recommended amount later in the day. I got this great tip from Valerie Waters who I hear makes a mean veggie scramble!
Here’s my standby omelet that never gets old:
2 eggs, 1 handful of chopped up baby spinach 1 small tomato chopped Sprinkle with a little feta cheese Spray pay with Olive Oil Pam *You can see I’m no wizard with my omelets…they usually fall apart…but tell me if I care! So yummy.
Smoothies
I usually just have smoothies during the day but sometimes if I’m going to workout early or have an early morning pilates client, it’s easier to put a bunch of things in the blender, mix and go.
Here’s my standby smoothie…adapted from my friend Mary Bess’ Green Smoothie recipe.
1/4 cup of dry oats 1 tbs of ground flaxseed meal Water – eyeball it 4 ice cubes
(I’ve even tossed coffee in here too…cooled down to room temperature, though, not hot!)
Sometimes I have stop myself from throwing too many ingredients in–simple is better!
Cottage Cheese or Yogurt
Cottage cheese has more protein, so you may choose this over the yogurt.
Try to choose the 0% Fat Greek Yogurts — they are creamy and so good!
Put any of the following in either one of these:
>Almonds >Dried Fruit >Honey or Agave Nectar >Sprinkle flaxseed Meal >Blend it with applesauceHope this gets you started for the day…
Oops! Side Effects to Eating a Healthy Breakfast??
I forget to mention one thing about all of these options…they will encourage fat loss in your belly. If you read any of the flat belly diet or Abs Diet book, you will find most of these ingredients on their foods to help you get a flat belly.
I highly recommend checking out these books. Pairing the right clean diet with the right workout for you will yield amazing results. Even if you don’t have a fitness program picked out, starting eating better and you will see results even before you pick up a dumbbell.
So, now you have more reasons to eat breakfast!
What are your favorite breakfasts? Do you skip it? Leave a comment below!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Anne! Great breakfast post!
I typically drink a Green Smoothie (packed with anything and everything!) or perhaps oatmeal with protein powder or scrambled egg + egg whites with spinach, black beans, other veggies and a side of fresh raspberries or blueberries! These are my favorites!
If I’m on the run, I’ll grab a low fat string cheese and either a box of raisins or an apple. I always try to get a little lean protein and a complex carb to start the day off right or, like you, I’ll binge at my next meal or feel like a big mess!
xx Mary Bess
Oooo, I always forget about string cheese. I like that fruit/protein combo before you go for a run. I have been looking for something a little lighter before I do my workout.
Thanks for commenting MB!
Lately, doing the vegan thing, when I eat breakfast, I have a few tablespoons of quinoa, steamed kale and vegan cheese – some spices as well…go figure!
I’m loving quinoa lately and was thinking about how to have a bit for breakfast…it’s kinda plainish…so I bet I could put some eggs on top and some kale too! ooo great idea Michelle!