In honor of March as National Nutrition Month, I wanted to share some healthy options for breakfast. For me, breakfast is definitely the most important meal of the day. If I begin my day by eating right, I always have a great, energized day ending with enough motivation for a nice gym workout. I want to share three of my latest, favorite ideas for breakfast with all of you. They are all very easy, very delicious, and very healthy!
(the above photo is a recipe I just found on this blog for a smoothie with oatmeal - I'll have to give that a try and report back!)
Egg White Omelet With Basil and Mozzarella
It's always important to watch your cholesterol intake, and egg yolks are chock full of the stuff. Having just the whites is not as boring as you'd think. Lately I've been having this delicious breakfast at least once a week, and it's very satisfying. My boyfriend likes it too, and he's definitely usually a ham and cheese omelet with a side of bacon kind of guy - so trust me, it's tasty.
Ingredients:
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh!! basil (about 5 leaves should do it)
Sprinkling of shredded mozzarella (a little less than 1/4 is more than enough)
Sprinkling of salt and fresh ground pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
Preparation:
Heat a skillet on medium heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add your beaten egg white and sprinkle with the basil and mozzarella. Add salt and pepper - just a little of each. Cook until liquid begins to solidify, about 3 minutes, then fold over the egg so it's an omelet. Cook for 1 additional minute, remove from pan with spatula and serve!
I like this with either a slice of whole wheat toast, or a glass of orange juice and a cup of green tea (green tea is great for increased metabolism):
Steel Cut Oats with Skim Milk, Brown Sugar and Raisins
Oats are a great way to get fiber and nutrition of all sorts, and when it comes to the amount of nutrients, instant oats are not nearly as good. If you have 45 minutes in the morning from the time you wake up to the time you're out the door, you have time for the oats - it's so simple. They are delicious, nutritious and honestly keep me full until at least 1 or so, and I'm usually hungry for lunch by 11!
Ingredients:
Steel cut oats (you can buy at your local grocery store)
Water (the amount of water and oats depends on how many you're cooking for - just follow instructions on package)
Handfull of raisins (or dried berries of your choice - they plump and rehydrate a bit; tastes great and adds good texture)
1 tsp brown sugar
Splash of skim milk
Preparation:
Here's how I do it. I wake up and go boil the amount of water needed. It's only a small amount for 1-2 people, so usually only takes a few minutes. Then, I put in my measured oats and reduce heat to low. I get in the shower, and when I get out, I give the oats a stir. Then, I finish doing what I need to do to get ready and then come get my oats. They take about 25-30 minutes total to cook, so improvise the steps how you must. The water does not need to fully absorb - they just need to be to the consistency you like. I cooked them for about 30 minutes and then strained most of the water out - but not all because they continue absorbing while in your bowl. I scoop the cooked oats into a bowl, splash them with skim milk or almond milk, add a teaspoon of brown sugar and a sprinkling of raisins, and I have SUCH a yummy, healthy breakfast to start my day! It's also nice to have a hot, hearty breakfast every now and again.
Protein Berry Smoothie (similar to my very berry smoothie, but with an extra kick)
Some of you may remember my very berry smoothie recipe from last year. This is almost identical, because that is a breakfast staple for me, except with a little added kick. I lately have been adding some chocolate protein powder to it so that it fills me up a bit longer, and repairs me from the previous night's workout. This smoothie is delicious, much more cost effective than buying one, and very healthy. It has protein, probiotics, antioxidants, calcium - you name it. Another perk is that you can take it on your commute - so it's a time saver. It's great anytime of year, but definitely my summer breakfast go to.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 scoop chocolate protein powder like Carnation Instant Breakfast (usually 2-4 tablespoons)
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed berries of your choice (usually in the mixed bag there's strawberries, rasberries, blackberries and blueberries) - add fresh berries too if you've got 'em
1 cup OJ
2-3 heaping tablespoons of plain or vanilla yogurt (vanilla if you like it a little sweeter)
Blender
Preparation:
Just throw it all in the blender and blend for about 30 seconds, or until everything is smooth. Pour and enjoy! ...I like mine with a straw :)
Now that you have a few healthy and easy options, I hope that you all start eating breakfast regularly if you don't already. It can be super quick, easy and a great way to get those nutrients in your system right when you start your day!
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