BREAKFAST ALTERNATIVES

We need to get over our assumption that there are certain 'breakfast foods' that we are limited to eating in the mornings.  As far as your body is concerned, food is food...and as long as it's an appetizing option to you, why do certain types of foods need to be limited to lunch or dinner?  When we think of breakfast, the options that typically come to mind include cereal, toast, fruit, breakfast bars/granola bars, or if you go the fast food route...breakfast sandwiches, muffins or donuts.

Eggs - hard boiled, poached, scrambled, in an omelette or a frittata. Eggs are a great source of protein, and can be cooked up in just a few minutes

Another quick meal solution is to take a muffin tin, fill them up with veggies, meats and spices and top them up with eggs (whole eggs, egg substitute, or egg whites). Bake them in the oven and then when they're done, store them in the freezer. Before you go to bed, move one or two from the freezer to the fridge, warm them up in a toaster over or microwave.

One minute mug muffin - this is so quick and easy (and filling), and tastes great either on its own, or toasted with almond butter...or, for a treat, add some cocoa powder into the mix (you'll also want to increase the amount of stevia in this one)... And you'll have a chocolate version of the muffin.  This recipe is also great to eat right before a workout because it sits in your stomach pretty well.

In a microwave-proof coffee mug put:
1/3 cup ground flaxseed
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
stevia (equivalent to 1-2 tsp of sugar)  

Add in:
1 large beaten egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp butter (optional)

Whisk wet ingredients with a fork and add to dry ingredients in coffee mug, mixing well.  Microwave for approximately one minute, turn upside onto a plate, slice and enjoy.

Breakfast burrito - mix equal parts chickpea flour and water for the tortilla (bake them crepe style on a frying pan). Then top with whatever you want - eggs, refried beans, guacamole, diced tomatoes, lettuce, hot sauce....or whatever else you fancy!

Leftovers - last night’s dinner or lunch leftovers are always a fast and easy option (assuming you have leftovers!)

Slow cooker meals - load up the slow cooker at night, and you'll have hot and ready food when you wake up! These could include chili, stew, a roast/pork/chicken , or vegetables (that you could quickly combine with eggs to make a fast omelette or frittata.

Fish - Costco (and most grocery stores) sell frozen fish fillets in individually wrapped portions. Just take one out to thaw overnight, and in the morning simply place it on a frying pan with some lemon juice, place a lid on the pan (speeds up cook time), and in 2 minutes you'll have a perfectly cooked piece of fish

Hummus and veggies - these are great things to always have on hand in the fridge.

Next week’s topic - understanding inflammation ratings in foods