Breakfast Is Not Just For Kids

The other morning I was running on the treadmill (or the dreadmill as I affectionately like to call it), I was feeling very lethargic and struggling through just a short 3 mile run. At one point I even found myself having to slow down my speed because I was dragging.

At first I just chalked it up to having a bad run because that just happens sometimes. Then, it hit me. In all my rushing around that morning to get out of the house with all three kids, I had forgotten to eat breakfast. Don’t worry, I fed my kids and even sent my husband with a cup of coffee with his breakfast but I had completely forgotten to feed myself! This is not something I usually do but somehow my eating breakfast just got overlooked.

After my run I took a couple of good chugs of water and headed to Zumba class. This is a very high-energy class that I love but that morning, I could barely get through it and I could feel a bit of grumpiness just settle right in. I do not recommend skipping breakfast EVER! My total lack of energy and desire to workout that morning confirmed for me that skipping breakfast is not an option!

Here are some quick, easy and healthy breakfast options I’d like to share:

1. Fruit and veggie smoothies. I often blend yogurt or milk with fresh or frozen fruit and a handful of spinach or green veggie of some sort. To make the smoothie even healthier and more filling I throw in a little flax seed and a handful of oats.
2. Cereal. So simple and easy and if you choose the right cereal it can be a filling and nutritious breakfast. I try to choose something high in fiber and low in sugar. This prevents the crash and burn that can happen with low fiber, high sugar cereals. Topping it with fresh fruit keeps me even fuller.
3. Oatmeal. Good old fashioned oats cooked in the microwave or on the stove top. Again I add a little flax seed and some cinnamon and then sweeten with a little real maple syrup.
4. Quinoa. This is a seed that is often called a grain and it’s another great breakfast choice. I just cook 2 parts milk to 1 part quinoa on the stove top and then add fresh cinnamon and sweeten with a little maple syrup.
5. Pancakes. I usually buy a whole wheat pancake mix like Hodgsin’s Mill brand and then bulk it up with some oats, flax seed and fresh fruit. I usually top with nut butter and a little maple syrup.
6. Eggs. Eggs are of course a great source of protein and most times I just scramble them right in a coffee mug and cook them in the microwave. So easy but so filling and healthy. Throw a little salsa on top for a little extra flavor.

These are just some of my favorite go-to breakfasts. There are so many healthy, well-balanced and quick options out there to choose from. I learned the hard way that starting out your day without a well-balanced breakfast is not a good option for an active mother of three.

photo credit: www.stockvault.net and www.flickr.com