Breakfast. Some say it’s the most important meal of the day, although recent studies have shown that’s debatable. Regardless of the latest research, many of us know we need to eat in the morning. Maybe you’re like me and need a quick pick-me-up to get the blood flowing. Or maybe you don’t have quite the appetite in the morning, but get a mid-morning headache or surge of anxiety when your morning meal is lacking.
Whatever the case is for you, I know that as a mom breakfast can be the hardest to consume. Whether you are getting your kids out the door to school, chasing down an energetic toddler, or losing track of time with that sweet infant, moms can often overlook their own nutritional needs. In reality, though, we need to take care of ourselves alongside, or dare I say before, we can adequately take care of our kids. Yes, mamas, you need nourishment too. And when it comes to hectic mornings, I’ve got a few ideas to get you past the boring bowl of cereal.
Overnight Oats
This breakfast is my favorite since it can be prepared the night before and is literally a grab-and-go meal. I usually have it sitting right next to me while I prepare school lunches and take bites as needed. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats (I love Trader Joe’s Gluten-free Oats)
- Enough milk to cover the oats (almond milk works great)
- Add-ins: nut butter, banana slices, cacao powder, maca powder, cinnamon, chia seeds, etc.
- Toppings: coconut flakes, cocoa nibs, honey, pumpkin seeds
Directions:
- Add the oats to a mason jar. Cover with milk, toss in your add-ins of choice, twist the lid on and give the jar a good shake.
- Place the jar in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least four hours.
- In the morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Fruit Slices and Nut butter
Another quick favorite, I love to slice open a banana and slather it with nut butter and some favorite toppings. Don’t like bananas? Try apple or pear slices. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- Banana, apple or pear slices
- Nut butter of choice
- Optional Toppings: pumpkin seeds, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, chia seeds, hemp seeds, etc.
Directions:
Slice the fruit, slather the nut butter, and top with all the goods.
Hard-boiled Egg, berries, and nuts
Here’s another make-ahead meal that’s easy to grab during that morning rush. Hard boil a few eggs ahead of time so they are ready to peel in the morning. Add some sea salt on top and eat with nuts and berries and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded meal. Have you ever wondered the best way to boil an egg so you get that perfect peel? Here’s one way:
Ingredients:
- Cage-free eggs
- water
- a splash of vinegar
Directions:
Place eggs in a pot and fill with cold water. Add a splash of vinegar to the water and turn on the stove top. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and cover the pot. Set the timer for seven minutes. Then drain and let cool. Hard-boiled eggs can keep for five to seven days in the refrigerator.
So there you have it, a few ideas to get you going in the morning. You do have time to nourish yourself and you most definitely need it. What’s most important is that you pay attention to your body and it’s unique needs. What you eat and when you eat can’t be dictated by someone else, you know what makes you feel good! Hopefully, these simple ideas will get some ideas flowing for your own nourishment.
