Let's talk Breakfast. This is my FAVORITE meal of the day. It is (as you've been told since you're five) the "Most" important meal of the day. I eat breakfast every morning and I suggest you do the same. I know you may feel you don't have the appetite or have time. You can always start with something small or wake up 20 minutes earlier. There is no excuse. I'm sorry to sound harsh but you owe this much to yourself. This meal is going to wake up and ignite your metabolism for the day. You want that. You need that. Do it for YOU, Foxy!
Let's start small. Cereal and milk. That's easy enough. I measure a cup of cereal with a cup of unsweetened almond vanilla or chocolate milk. Almond milk is 40 calories a glass and delicious. I likr Kashi "Go Lean" Original. It has as much protein as eggs, its high fiber. Its satisfying and good. You can have a different cereal if you want, just watch your calories (no more than 150 a serving), sugar (less than 10 g) and always have fiber to keep you full. I'm not going to school you on cereal here, but if you have a question or find something amazing- please contact me :]
Another very easy breakfast is some whole wheat/grain or rye toast with a tablespoon of Nut butter (I always measure). My favorites are Almond butter (crunchy and smooth varieties), Sun butter (party in my mouth!) or Justin's chocolate hazelnut (like an a.m. dessert). I also buy "Better'n butter," - a light Peanut butter with half the calories (50 per tablespoon). These nut butters are all starting to pop up at major supermarkets, but without fail can find at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Wegman's, even Target! If all else fails- Amazon.com. It's that easy.
Now, let's discuss my absolute favorite breakfast, Oatmeal. I can't even begin to describe the variations on oatmeal I eat. It's going to need a blog in itself because that's how I have transformed this power food. For now I'll keep it simple. I always use Old Fashioned Oats in the canister & I suggest you do the same. For hot oats I measure 1/2 a cup with a cup of water and microwave for 3 minutes. I then add either cinnamon or stevia/splenda, maybe some sugar free maple syrup, a little smart balance butter, or a tablespoon of nut butter. You have to make it work for you. You can even add fresh fruit or a little chopped almonds or walnuts- just always watch and measure your portions.
I also love Overnight Oats. It's not even normal how excited I get the night before I have overnight oats! They are the easiest too. Mix 1/4 cup oats with 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk of your choice, cover and let settle in the fridge over night. In the morning add a tablespoon of nut butter, a drizzle of sugar free maple syrup (if you fancy) and that's it. It's cold, quenching and delectable (salivating!- I know, not normal).
Okay Foxes, now onto some chicks. Eggs take some more effort but they're really not that timely either. Swap your eggs for egg whites to you reduce your calories & cholesterol, while keeping your meal satisfying and protein rich. Conveniently almost every grocer now sells cartons of just egg whites, so it's a no mess, easy meal. You can add some fiber and extra nutrients to your omelet by putting in some cooked veggies (I microwave the frozen kind first and toss them in) or some fresh mushroom, onion, tomato or peppers. Salsa is also a good spin on your omelet or a little cheese (not too much). I personally love a spinach and light feta omelet- so good! If you're eating out, most diners will accommodate you with egg whites for an extra $1.00. Its so worth it. I also swap out my breakfast potatoes for lettuce and tomato on the side or a fresh fruit cup. I NEVER eat white toast but will occasionally order one slice of whole wheat/grain or rye toast (dry) with my eggs. So satisfying!
When it comes to bacon, I always go for turkey bacon. I'm not a sausage fan but I know you purchase and some diners even serve turkey sausage. There's not much of a taste difference and I don't feel deprived or guilty after having a side of turkey bacon. It also great BLT style on some whole wheat/grain or rye toast. Ask for the mayo on the side and put a smidge of it on yourself or if you're home, use light mayo or olive oil. With the smokiness of the meat, you're not going to taste a difference.
Breakfast possibilities are really endless. A few more quick suggestions are a toasted "Bagel thin" or whole grain English muffin with a tablespoon of light cream cheese and maybe a little sugar free jelly. "Vita top" makes 100 calorie muffin tops that are pretty good on the go. If you have time, lightly toast and put some jelly, smart balance or nut butter. Yogurt is great when you're time pressed- but can be tricky. I get plain non-fat Greek Yogurt and doctor it up myself- either with a stevia/splenda, cinnamon, sugar free syrup/jelly or fresh fruit, a little chopped nut. This is another one totally based on preference, but definitely steer clear of any already flavored yogurts that are usually sugar loaded. Lastly, French toast made with whole wheat/grain bread, egg whites, and sugar free syrup is delightful when you have time in the morning/ on weekends. Also Fiber One pancake/waffle mix is pretty tasty. These breakfast are so good, they feel like you're being bad (a girl can pretend).
Again, I know it's not always easy, but worth it. Enjoy breakfast & Good luck making it work. xo
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