As it goes for most of us women, we all race around in the morning trying to get ready for work and obligations. We have to get the kids ready. Our hair is in a funk. The dog needs let out. The cute skirt we wanted to wear is no where to be found. Ugh. The stress! Who has time to think about breakfast? Just give me some coffee and I will be fine.
Sound familiar?
I know, we all have responsibilities and daily chaos that keeps us going from the time we get up in the morning until the time we get to bed. The day doesn’t seem to have enough time in it – so honestly, who has time to make a wholesome breakfast? Well I am here to tell you that you must! Let me just ask you one thing. Would you leave home without your bra? (okay some of you might – but just go with me on this). Breakfast and bras are essential ladies.
Our bra is not for looks – it was designed for the best support possible for our little (or big if your lucky) lady parts. Now…is it not just as essential to start your day by supporting your whole body? We must have this support for energy, vitamins and minerals that are necessary for optimal brain function and physical and emotional energy. It’s our body bra if you will! *wink*
There seems to be such a misconception with “wholesome breakfast” as if it suggests all kinds of time and prep work that most of just do not have. However, there are some great ways to start your day with a breakfast that is healthy and full of all the good stuff…and doesn’t interfere substantially with all the “other” stuff we all have to do in the morning!
Here are some awesome healthy ways to start your day with little effort – but great great worth!
1. Organic Eggs – The benefits of choosing organic eggs over non-organic are astounding! Not only are organic eggs raised without all the chemicals, pesticides and added hormones and antibiotics – they actually have a higher nutritional content than the commercial counterpart.
They contain less “bad” cholesterol and “Pasture-raised organic hens produce eggs that have 2/3 more vitamin A, three times more vitamin E, seven times more beta carotene and twice the omega-3 fatty acids compared to commercially produced eggs, according to a study conducted by “Mother Earth News” and reported in the October/November 2007 issue. Make the switch to organic eggs, and you could more than double the nutritional value you get when you eat an egg” (livestrong.com).
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/67236-benefits-organic-eggs/#ixzz0rd36J5RY
2. Granola Bars – Granola is tasty and nutritious – and I am not at all referring to the store-bought processed ones (sorry). There are so many granola bar recipes that I have researched personally and our family favorite is so incredibly easy and wonderful that our kids beg me to make these! They also happen to be nut-free, egg-free and dairy-free incase any of you suffer from food allergies/intolerances as our son does.
Packed with soy-butter, healthy whole grain oats and pure raw and local honey – these little love-bugs are sure to please and can be made in advance and frozen for a quick and healthy breakfast bar on the fly (Here).
3. Whole Grains - Toast is the obvious choice here with some homemade or Farmer’s Market fresh jam or jelly – but dear ones, there is so much more to whole grains than traditional toast! Try scrambling some of those organic eggs with fresh peppers and onions wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. Simple grab and go breakfast for busy body divas like we are!
Not into the whole “egg” thing? Not a problem! You can save lots of time by using your weekend to cook up a big batch of whole grain pancakes. These are very popular at our hosue as well and can be easily frozen and reheated without losing any flavor. Don’t forget PURE maple syrup as commercially processed syrup often contains high fructose corn syrup! Bad News.
Of course, there are all kinds of healthy and delish whole grain cereals too (I like my Kamut flakes!) to choose from – toss in some flax, nuts, or fresh fruit and it suddenly becomes a “treat” too. Don’t stick with basics, get crazy with tastes and textures and mix things up for added fun!
4. Smoothies – There are some really great smoothie recipes that are tasty and include some serious nutritional value with all those vitamin and antioxidant rich fruits and calcium-rich yogurt!
The guidelines on fruit for women are:
19-30 yrs old 2C
31-50 yrs old 1 1/2 C
51 + yrs 1 1/2 C
**according to mypyramid.com (check out this interactive pyramid for personalized guidelines)
So grab a handful of fruits, organic yogurt and some flax seed and blend your way to a great day!
There are many ways that we can all enjoy a healthy breakfast on-the-go with just a little planning. I highly recommend using your freezer to help make breakfast easy and nutritious! The one thing that works best for our family is to bake lots of goodies on the weekend when we have more time and freeze them in bulk for later use.
Breakfast is important for all of us to stay healthy and to feel energized and alert throughout the day. A healthy breakfast refuels your body and helps maintain blood sugar levels. Be good to yourself and make breakfast an essential part of your day! Get your bra and your breakfast – and be on your merry little way! Your body will thank you.
Image Credits:
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bangkokjazzthaifood.com/smoothies-images/mixedberry.jpg&imgrefurl
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://joeysgymclass.com
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.thedailygreen.com/cm/thedailygreen/images/6z/breakfast-cereal-desk-lg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/green-breakfast-options-gallery&usg=__qou6Xtv46Rwu37Ri26Bmq91lC74=&h=360&w=460&sz=47&hl=en&start=0&sig2=nHgn_AcaCF88wkH_MoArRQ&tbnid=PpPmVIDJqObx6M:&tbnh=124&tbnw=165&ei=LVJhTPOKH8KclgfpotyECQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhealthy%2Bcereal%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1199%26bih%3D702%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=194&oei=LVJhTPOKH8KclgfpotyECQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0&tx=65&ty=73
*I am a green writer for theecodiva.com, where this post was originally published!
I totally agree! I am ruined if I don’t get a good breakfast! Sometimes I like a hard boiled egg, easy to take on the go! I am also totally into smooties right now. I’ve been making them with spinach and lots of fruit and adding in some flax as well. So good!