What WAGS know is that when the season starts, everything seems to get super crazy. For me, between graduate school, Brice's season and my company, it seems like there's just no extra time on my hands to actually get decent meals in (disclaimer: somehow I manage to meal prep for everyone but myself, lol go figure)! With me now being a nutrition dietetics student, it's impossible for me to ignore the importance of breakfast. So here is what I've managed to learn throughout my years of training: if nothing else you should ALWAYS eat breakfast! It's essential in giving you the kick start you need by providing energy to your body, igniting your metabolism, and fueling your brain for optimal function even if you don't feel like adulting for a day! Nevertheless, it seems as though when we are running out of time in the morning, breakfast is always the first sacrificial time saver. BUT "we ain't finished talkin"because I have a few tricks up my sleeve that we can use even in the midst of our busy crazy schedules to make sure we always break our nightly fast with some good ol' BREAKFAST! Here are a few of my favorite quick-hitter breakfast ideas that are delicious, nutritious and perfect for when you have T-5 minutes!
AND I can honestly say these recipes allow me to press the snooze button for an extra 30 minutes EVERY morning...so if you value sleep as much as I do, this one is for you!
P.S.- I have no shame in cooking in mason jars if it saves me from having to wash a sink full of dishes and allows me to fit my breakfast into my car's cup holder. ;) ENJOY and customize to your heart's desire!
Oatmeal In A Jar
Equipment needed: mason jar + top, dry measuring cup, knife, cutting board
1/4 - 1/2 c Dry rolled oats
1 Tbsp Flaxseeds
1/4 c Fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 c Ripe bananas, chopped
(I like these because they are sweeter, but totally up to you)
4-6 oz 2% Milk
(I use lactose free or almond milk)
- Layer oats, flaxseeds and fruit in the mason jar in that order.
- Pour in milk. The less milk the thicker the oatmeal, so totally optional how much you want to use.
- Put the lid on and place in the refrigerator overnight.
- Wake up in the morning...
- Remove lid, and microwave for 2 minutes.
- Grab oatmeal, a spoon and walk out the door. You can pair your oatmeal with some pre-cooked, hard-boiled eggs or some of your favorite yogurt!
If you would like to make more than one at a time, go right ahead! All you have to do is combine all of the ingredients except the milk or any other wet ingredients you may use, and place the covered jars in the freezer. Just pull one out the night before you plan on eating it, fill it with milk and or yogurt, place it in the fridge and follow the steps above!
Optional pre-freezer powder add-ins: PB powder (protein, healthy fat), Turmeric (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties), Acai powder (antioxidant), Cinnamon (anti-inflammatory agent), coffee or green tea extract (energizing agent).
Omelet In A Jar
Equipment needed: mason jar, 2 forks
2 Eggs or 4 egg whites
1/4 c Chopped bell peppers
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro
1-2 oz Shredded mozzarella cheese
- In a mason jar, combine eggs, vegetables, and cheese.
- Use fork to scramble well.
- Place jar in the microwave, set time for 3 minutes.
- Cook for 90 seconds, remove from microwave and mix further with fork. Put the jar back in the microwave. (Use this remaining time to put a slice of whole grain toast in the toaster and wash a piece of fruit.)
- Cook for remaining 90 seconds. Grab a new CLEAN fork, your jar, your fruit and your toast and hit the road! (Oh, I like to top mine with pico de gallo or avocado...feels like taco Tuesday but for breakfast!)
Half-Second Hash
(okay, more like 5 mins but I liked the title)
Equipment needed: bowl or wide mug
1/4 c Left over sweet potato (diced), feel free to replace this with red potatoes or even quinoa.
1 Egg or 2 egg whites
1/4 c Sun dried tomatoes chopped (drained)
1/4 c Green bell peppers chopped
Salt, pepper, herbs and spices to taste
- Place pre-cooked sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes in a bowl along with 1 Tbsp water.
- Microwave approximately 1-2 minutes, until warm.
- Crack and add egg on top, cook for additional 1 minute or longer depending on how you like your eggs. (I go longer for a more solid yolk.)
- Season to your liking, and hit the ground running!
