Morning Nosh

I don't know about you, but I wake up in the morning immediately craving breakfast.  It is that meal of the day that is a reward for my morning workout, revs up my metabolism for the day, and I have the most fun being creative with!  The benefits of getting this meal in go WAY beyond just satisfying that morning hunger. This is your best shot of the day to fill yourself with nutrients. Let's face it, the day can get hectic real quick, but getting what your body needs early on will help if you can't squeeze it in later on in the day.  People who eat breakfast everyday are 30% less likely to be overweight.

I try to get a 30 to 90 minute workout every morning.  This means the alarm clock goes off super early on the weekdays and even sometimes on the weekend.  Saying that coffee is my savior is a complete understatement! I truly love my cup of coffee in the morning.  That one cup is all I need, to feel awake and ready for a killer morning workout.  After my workouts, re-fueling my body with lean protein and fiber to keep me full and restore my muscles is a priority as it makes for an energetic and productive day.  My breakfasts turn into something that I am excited for each morning.

Not only do morning workouts have their benefits, but that post workout breakfast will set your metabolism for the rest of the day.  Your digestive system kicks in first thing in the morning so your body can stay in that revved up calorie burning mode all day long.  Making sure that you put the RIGHT stuff in your body this early in the day also makes a difference- which is also what makes me so excited to prep for this meal each day!  Your breakfast choices will pretty much control your appetite for the rest of the day. 

This meal should include lean protein & a carbohydrate.  THAT in itself excites me.  This can be a great combination of a number of goodies.  Your proteins can include Egg Whites, Yogurt (Greek yogurt is really packed with protein), smoothies, tofu, and even peanut/almond/cashew butter.  Your carbohydrates can include grains like oats or bran, Fruits, and vegetables.  Finding a really great protein powder can pretty much make breakfast possibilities endless.  I highly recommend Perfect Fit Protein which leaves behind all the chemicals and artificial additives.  Who needs those?!  You can bake with this too!  Any time you would normally use flour, you can use the protein powder instead.  Who doesn't want a figure friendly, protein-pack, flourless cranberry muffin or banana pancake? 

My newest obsession is Overnight Oats which I'm bummed I didn't discover over the summer! This is basically a cold oatmeal that you prep overnight and can incorporate any of your favorite flavor combinations.  Best part about it, it doesn't require your stove or microwave!  Below are the main ingredients.  My personal favorite, pictured above, is Pumpkin Spice. 

Overnight Oats Basic Ingredients

1/2 cup Quick Oats

1/2 cup Almond, Soy, Skim or Coconut Milk

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

Stevia for extra sweetness, if you prefer!

I used a small ex-tomato sauce jar which was the perfect size, but a Tupperware container would work just fine.  All you do is add all of these ingredients together in the jar, mix it up well, seal it up, & put in the refrigerator overnight.  The oats soak up all of the flavor and moisture, making the consistency deliciously perfect!

Here are some flavor add-in ideas that I'm in love with!

1/2 cup pumpkin puree + 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Spice

1 Mashed Banana + 1 tbsp peanut butter

A Handful of Raisins, 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract, some extra cinnamon

1 tsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder + 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes

Other add-in's to boost the nutritional value-

Chia Seeds

Flax Seeds or Ground Flax

Chopped Walnuts

Dried Cranberries

Strawberries

Perfect Fit Protein Powder

Let me know if you have any other Go-To flavor combos or add-ins for your Overnight Oats. I'm confident I'd love them all and that you'll all love the ones above.  Breakfast is such a treat, especially when it has nourishing benefits.  Do your body a HUGE favor and get this meal in every single day.  Your body & mind will thank you!