Happy Morning!
Today I wanted to talk about one of my favorite topics - Breakfast!
Many of you have heard me say this before, but I will say it again - breakfast is SO very important!. It is definitely one of the most important and valuable tools for achieving a healthy lifestyle. And it can be so yummy!
I know mornings can be hectic- with busy work schedules, travel, or trying to fit in some exercise before work. Or we sometimes just need to snooze our alarm and get a little extra sleep! Either way, it leaves little time for preparing breakfast. So we need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. But we also need REAL nutrition - not quick sugars or chemicals from processed foods (that cause inflammation in the gut!). We need whole foods, and a diverse combination of them.
The key is planning your breakfast beforehand, and make sure it includes a combination of clean protein (clean meaning free of harmful chemicals/ hormones/antibiotics), healthy fats, fiber and low-glycemic carbohydrates. This way you'll get a healthy yet satisfying breakfast that will rev your metabolism into high-gear.
Here are my 4 favorite options:
A green smoothie, with some clean, high-quality protein powder (my preference is for vegan, gluten-free and soy-free), some chia seeds, flax seeds and/or avocado for my fiber and healthy fats, and with lots of leafy greens and fruit that will give you enough fuel for the morning. (For more, refer to my Beginners Smoothie Guide) If you're rushed, make it the night before!
1-2 eggs (preferably organic, cage-free, &/or with omega-3), served with any dark leafy greens of your choice, sauteed in a bit of olive or coconut oil. Need some carbs? Serve with cooked sweet potato, carrots, a bit of quinoa or 1 slice of sprouted-grain toast. Add ¼ avocado, sprinkled with sea salt. If you need an on-the-go option, make hard boiled eggs (which you can cook up to a few days before hand), then pack 2 eggs with veggies and avocado slices in a glass tupperware to take with you!
Chia pudding, made by soaking the chia seeds in dairy-free milk (ex almond milk), adding some cinnamon, vanilla, and some fruit of your choice. Add 1 tsp of raw honey or a drop of pure stevia if needed. For some crunchiness, add coconut flakes and raw walnuts or cashews. I also love adding raw cacao for a chocolaty version. This is best done the night before, so a great on-the-go option for those busy mornings.
Steel-cut oatmeal (I use gluten-free oats) with 1 tbsp. chia and/or ground flaxseeds, cinnamon, raw honey and chopped walnuts. Optional: add 1 tsp. of coconut oil. Top off with goji berries or fresh blueberries for an antioxidant kick. Note: you can also use other grains instead of oatmeal, check out my Quinoa, Millet & Chia Oatmeal for example. You can also make this the night before, store in a glass container (tupperware or mason jar) and either eat raw (overnight oats) or just heat it up the next morning, at home or at your office.
These are all great options that are easy to make, will keep you full, your blood sugar stable and your metabolism going. I highly suggest you give all of them a try!
What are your favorite "quick & easy" breakfast options? Please share!
Love and Breakfast,
Mariana