What's for Breakfast?

There are two types of people in the world: the ones who eat breakfast and the ones who don't. It's really that simple. Ok ok, I'm half-joking, but seriously! What's up with all of ya'll skipping breakfast?

I get it, you're rushing out the door in the morning, you're late, you aren't hungry yet, coffee will suffice. I've heard it all. I've also come to realize that the majority of my friends are in this anti-breakfast group.

Maybe you're thinking breakfast is unnecessary and just another meal that will add calories.

I've always been a breakfast gal. Growing up it was cereal and Eggo pancakes (honestly the best things out there). In high school, it was cinnamon Poptarts in the car on the way to school every morning. When I was feeling something savory I would pop a Jimmie Dean breakfast sandwich in the microwave. I'm the first to admit that none of these breakfast choices are the most nutritious or by any means"dietician approved". But that was the least of my worries.

My view on breakfast changed about a year or so ago. All of those foods I used to eat became"no no foods" when I was battling my eating disorder. But that time allowed me to realize that breakfast is an amazing opportunity to start your day off well. Once I started my fitness journey I knew that breakfast was key to fueling my body.

My breakfast looks very different from what it was when I was young.

I typically have 2 "courses" of breakfast. (So extra, I know).

The first "course" is a breakfast bowl of sorts. I start with oats, they're always the foundation since they provide good carbs for long-lasting energy. I cook my oats in the microwave and then build from there. I add different combinations of fruits, (berries, bananas, apples, really whatever is in the kitchen) greek yogurt, nut butter, chia/flax seeds, cinnamon, protein powder, almonds or other nuts, granola or a bit of cereal for crunch.

This breakfast option provides healthy carbs, protein, antioxidants, probiotics, and more. It kickstarts my metabolism, keeps me full until lunch, and gives me the fuel I need for any morning movement or brainpower.

I also love that I can switch it up and create new bowls all the time. There are SO many variations.

OK Anna so you're getting all your nutrients from your breakfast bowl. Why in the world do you need a second course?

I don't "need" a second course. You're right, my body is fueled. But my second course is something I look forward to, something sweet. Honestly, it's sort of a breakfast dessert. Treat yourself right?

For this second part of my breakfast, I'll have a piece of a cinnamon bun, banana bread, half a bagel, a pastry, etc. Something sweet and delicious! I do make sure to keep this a smaller portion just so I don't feel sluggish. It's a healthy balance in my book.

My point is: make breakfast something you enjoy and something that fuels your morning.

Breakfast is NOT going to inhibit your diet, it's going to promote healthy eating and get that metabolism up and going! Many nutritionists even argue that breakfast aids in preventing weight gain if that IS a concern for you.

I've put together some of my favorite breakfast options for you all (some are even little brother approved, AKA picky eater).

1. oatmeal (with toppings of your choice)

2. avocado toast (you can add an egg, cheese, seasoning, whatever floats your boat)

3. greek yogurt with berries (amp it up with honey, or maple syrup)

4. eggs with a piece of toast (get crazy and make it a breakfast sandwich)

5. breakfast smoothie (fruits, milk, yogurt, protein powder, whatever you're feeling that day, there are also so many variations to this)

And if you don't have time to prepare those in the mornings, here are some options straight from the frozen aisle of the grocery store:

1. Kashi Frozen Waffles

2. Kashi cereals (they're some of my favorites)

3. Van's Whole Grain frozen Pancakes

4. Evol breakfast sandwiches

5. Vitatops muffins (also loved these in high school)

Breakfast doesn't have to be a whole ordeal. But it can be a vital part of your morning and something I highly encourage you to make part of your routine. Let me know if you try out any of my suggestions or if you have some of your own!! Happy breakfasting!

xxoo

Anna