Motivation

fitbeliever:

How to Build a Nourishing Breakfast

Breakfast, as we know is the most important meal of the day, and arguably the most delicious. When sitting down to nourish in the morning, it’s important to make the right choices that will give you a ton of energy for your active day ahead. That’s why you make the conscious effort to nourish your body in the AM. Ideally, aim to have a good mix of carbohydrates, protein and good fats.

But how do you find the time? 

Well, you be proactive and make the time by getting up 15 minutes earlier, packing something to eat for on the road or to make when you first get to work. Prepare it the night before if necessary. We even recommend preparing the night before, and still waking up 15 minutes earlier to make sure you are allowing time to nourish yourself with a nice cup of tea before you head off to work - it is important not to cheat on “you” time!

Some ideas to build the most important meal of your day:

Oats

Oats are a wonder food. They are a brilliant source of energy and a great way to start your day. Oats are a great metabolism regulator and help keep your blood sugar levels stable. They are full of fibre and help keep your tummy fuller for longer, which is good news as it keep those sugar cravings at bay. 1/3 - 1/2 cup of oats is a great option for your morning meal. We love adding power foods to the mix, like chia seeds, LSA, goji berries and cinnamon – yum. 

Eggs

Eggs any which way are the perfect breakfast option. Poach them, boil them or even scrambled. Eggs are one of the most complete sources of protein, meaning eggs contain all the essential amino acids which we must get from a healthy diet. Make an omelette the night prior, add in a heap of vegies or simply boil up a few eggs to keep in the fridge.

Protein Smoothie

If you find it hard to get enough protein…smoothies are great way to start. Try a smoothie in the morning with a scoop of protein powder; add a few frozen berries, almond milk and flaxseed oil and you have got yourself a meal-on-the-go. Smoothies make for the perfect breaky option, especially in the summertime, and the beauty of it is… you will never get bored as there are so many smoothie combos you can conjure up. This particular one we just LOVE!

Berries & Yogurt

Yogurt is a yummy and nutritious breakfast option. It contains probiotics (‘good’ bacteria) which provide a broad range of health benefits, including improving digestion. Try it with antioxidant filled berries or some nuts and seeds. Make sure you get either natural or low-fat yogurt (not non-fat, as it often has too much sugar).  

Tea / Water & Lemon

Although not technically a breakfast meal but the drinks we decide to guzzle down in the morning are super important. Drinking warm water with lemon in the morning aids our metabolism and helps keep our body alkalised.  Herbal tea is a great option too, it contains enough caffeine to wake us up, but not send our hormones crazy like coffee. Tea is a great way to wake up calmly, and make for a great company while flicking through the paper or checking through your daily emails. 

So, what are your nourishing breakfast combinations? 

[x]

stronghealthyconfidence:

f0o0od:

Pancake Bites

what.

(Source: recoverykitty)

notanotherhealthyfoodblog:

Pumpkin Waffles

click photo for recipe
healthiie:

breakfast by Susanica on Flickr.
heyfranhey:

Can we say cutest pancakes ever? They’re pink because they’re made with beets and quinoa. So they’re healthy, too! Beyond cool! These would be awesome for Breast Cancer Awareness, right? Love ♥ Find the recipe here.
chasefear:

Sinfully S’mores Oatmeal!
You will need:
-1/2 cup whole grain quick oats (prepared with water - 150 calories)
-6 mini graham cracker bites (approximately 27 calories)
-2 tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (70 calories)
-2 tablespoons marshmallow fluff (40 calories)
Directions:
It’s simple! It’s all of the great S’mores flavor without the campfire! Prepare oatmeal as directed on packaging and add toppings. Mix together and enjoy! :)

Banana Breakfast Smoothie
skinny-17:

Ingredients:
—-Strawberry sauce

• 1 16-ounce package frozen unsweetened strawberries
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
——Pancakes
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Strawberry sauce: Combine frozen strawberries, maple syrup and 2 tablespoons water in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or unti lthe sauce reaches a syrupy consistency and coats the back of a spoon. As the sauce simmers, break up the whole berries with a wooden spoon or fork.
2. While the sauce is simmering, prepare pancake batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, cocoa, sugar, flaxseed, baking powder and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the whole egg and egg white. Then add the milk, oil and vanilla and whisk until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is just blended and no dry streaks remain. Take care not to overmix, as this will cause the pancakes to be chewy. Delicately fold in the chocolate chips. If time allows, let batter rest for 10 minutes.
5. When strawberry sauce has reached syrupy consistency, remove from heat.
6. Liberally coat a large skillet or griddle with oil spray. Preheat it over medium heat. After two minutes, ladle about 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the surface.
7. Cook the pancakes until small bubbles form around edges, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes over and cook about 1 minute longer. Recoat the skillet with oil spray between batches to prevent the pancakes from sticking.
8. To serve, top 2 pancakes with about 1/3 cup warm strawberry sauce and a sprinkling of chocolate chips on each plate.
Makes 6 servings of 2 pancakes w/ 1/3 cup topping each.
Nutritional Information (per serving): 277 calories, 9 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 7 grams protein, 47 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 35 milligrams cholesterol, 260 milligrams sodium

headedtohealthiness:

anj338:

Yum

My boyfriend would love if I made these!

(Source: berryhealthy)

forastrongertomorrow:

Blueberry Banana Protein Pancake!
1 egg
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 tbs ground flax seed
1 ripened banana – mashed up!
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 tbs organic vanilla soymilk
2 strawberries
Mix it all up! Fry with a tiny bit of EVOO. Then top with pretty strawberries!
Total protein content? Over 27g! 250-300 cals depending on how much fruit you use. I made 4 pancakes, will eat 2 now and save 2 for later. Yumm!
fitvillains:

Frozen Breakfast Pops!
(makes 4)
2 bananas 4 popsicles sticks 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1/4 cup plain granola raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
1. Slice bananas in half and insert popsicle sticks into flat section.  2. Pour yogurt and granola onto seperate plates.  3. Put a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.  4. Add yogurt, spread on granola, add optional raisins, and place on cookie sheet.
Freeze for 12 hours and serve!
For one pop: 107 calories, 1.8 g fat, 22.7 g carbohydrates, 10.5 g sugar, 2.0 g protein, 2.4 g fiber, 7 mg sodium
More via Lisa from Snack Girl: http://www.snack-girl.com/snack/banana-breakfast-pop/?e=VHokpM2f
thefitterme:

I made this, and OMG guys..make it. It is so delicious!
foodfuckery:

Simple No-Cook Steel-Cut Oats
Recipe