Last week during a work happy hour, a co-worker who is getting married in six weeks asked me how she can lose 10 pounds before the big day. While I am neither a dietitian nor a personal trainer, I spent the next thirty minutes sharing with her a few of the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years.
Since she and the other co-workers continued to ask me questions for the duration of our happy hour, I thought it was only kind of me to share the discussion with you guys.
Over the next few weeks, I am creating posts inspired by the questions asked during the conversation. Some of them may be more basic and less relevant for readers who are already practicing a healthy, balanced lifestyle. But, for others, I hope that these tips, tricks, workouts and recipes will serve as inspiration to improve even just one aspect of your day.
As you know, my goal is to inspire each one of you to lead healthier, happier lives regardless of your stress levels, commitments or daily life demands.
Today’s focus is BREAKFAST.
Now, I’ve never been one of those girls who can survive on water and coffee alone until taking a lunch break. While I know many people who just “aren’t breakfast people” I am not one of them. Growing up, my parents never let us leave the house without eating breakfast. Over the years this meal evolved from milk and cereal to toaster strudels and Jimmy Dean sandwiches until finally circling back to the balanced, healthy meal of oatmeal or eggs. In fact, eating a healthy breakfast makes me feel like SuperWoman the rest of the day.
Not on team breakfast yet? Maybe these facts will convince you.
- Breakfast eaters tend to have better diets overall, consuming more fruit, vegetables, milk, and whole grains than non-breakfast eaters. (Consumer Reports)
- Studies show that breakfast can be important in maintaining a healthy body weight. (Johns Hopkins)
- Breakfast needs healthy protein and fat in order to satiate you and stabilize your mood and cravings. (AnnetheRD)
A creature of habit, over the past ten years, since taking charge of my health, I rotate through the same four breakfasts depending on the season, my workout schedule or mood. Similar to my workout habits, my breakfasts have evolved for the better over the past year. I’ve spiced up each of the breakfasts to have a bit more staying power, nutritional punch and flavor by adding protein sources, fruit and spices. Gone are the packs of Quaker Oats Weight Control oatmeal, of which the banana nut flavor was a favorite during my Weight Watcher weight loss era from 2005-2007. Friends and resources like Anne have helped me understand the importance of being able to pronounce each ingredient. I don’t need to buy prepackaged oatmeal with many unknown ingredients. Instead, I can save money and eat healthier by making my own oatmeal concoction, inspired by seasonal flavors.
Below, you’ll find a round-up of my favorite healthy breakfast recipes for each of my four breakfast rotations.
Oatmeal/Quinoa/Chia
- Healthy Breakfast Quinoa from Caitlin Lives Well
- Chia Seed Breakfast Bowl from Oh She Glows
- High Protein Oatmeal from Fannetastic Food
- Banana Bread Quinoa Bowl from RachLMansfield
- Blueberry Muffin Overnight Oats from RachLMansfield
Smoothie
- Berry Green Smoothie from Damn Delicious
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie from A Healthy, Happier Bear
- Vine to Wind’s Complete Smoothie Guide
- Tried and True Green Smoothie from Vine to Wind
- Blueberry Vanilla Smoothie Bowl
Eggs
- Healthy Baked Egg Cups from Eating Bird Food
- Open Faced Egg & Avocado Sandwich from A Healthy, Happier Bear
- South of the Border Avocado Toast
- Lower Calorie Breakfast Sandwich
- Healthy Sweet Potato Black Bean Avocado Breakfast Burritos
Yogurt Bowl
- My typical combination includes Fage 2% yogurt + berries or banana + Purely Elizabeth granola + chia seeds + flax seeds
- Almond Butter Superfood Yogurt Bowl
How about you? What is your favorite breakfast?
