quick meals ~breakfast chia pods and overnight oats~

I hear a lot of people say they are too busy in the morning to eat breakfast.  Breakfast is essential for giving you sustained energy throughout the day and jump starting your metabolism.  I also hear people say it’s too expensive to eat healthy.  I have a solution to both problems!  These breakfast ideas take minutes to prep the night before and all cost under $1.00.  Even stopping at a drive thru fast food restaurant will cost you more time…and money!

quick meals ~chia pods and overnight oats~

I’ve talked before about the benefits of both chia seeds and oats.  They provide you with fiber, healthy omega 3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, etc…  In short, it’s MUCH healthier to grab one of these breakfasts on your way out the door instead of dragging your body down with a bacon, egg and cheese muffin!

I make mine on sunday night and have them ready to go all week long, they store well for days!

quick meals ~chia pods, overnight oats~

Here are three ideas but the possibilities are endless!

Cocobanana Chia Pod

1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 tablespoon shredded coconut, extra coconut for topping

2/3 cup coconut milk, almond or soy milk

1/2 banana, mashed

~Combine all ingredients, stir until well blended and pour in a small mason jar or air-tight container, let sit in refrigerator overnight and enjoy the next day!~

Pineapple Overnight Oats

1/4 cup old fashioned oats

1/4 cup almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk

1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple) or extra milk of your choice

1/4 cup greek yogurt or coconut yogurt

crushed pineapple (canned in juice or fresh)

ground flax seeds for topping

~Combine all ingredients, stir until well blended and pour in a small mason jar or air-tight container, let sit in refrigerator overnight and enjoy the next day!~

Chocolate Strawberry Chia Pod

1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds

1/2 tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder

2/3 cup almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk

1/2 mashed banana

sliced strawberries

~Combine all ingredients, stir until well blended and pour in a small mason jar or air-tight container, let sit in refrigerator overnight and enjoy the next day!~

quick meals ~chia pods and overnight oats~

Experiment with other fruits, seeds, nut butters and grains to keep it exciting!

Don’t limit these to just breakfast either!  They make awesome afternoon snacks, provide pre/post-exercise nourishment and can be a guilt-free dessert!

www.beginwithinnutrition.com

chocolate peanut butter banana “ice cream”

Happy 4th of July everyone!!!  

I will keep this post short and sweet so you can get out there and enjoy the festivities!

This is one of our favorite desserts!  It’s SO quick and easy to prepare and I almost always have the ingredients in the house…and if not I compromise!

chocolate peanut butter banana "ice cream" ~vegan, dairy-free~

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana “Ice Cream”

1/2 cup almond milk (or any kind of milk)

2 frozen bananas

6 ice cubes

1/4 cup chocolate chips (dairy free)

2 heaping tablespoons peanut butter

-peel, slice and freeze bananas.

-In a blender or food processor, add all ingredients and blend until creamy, enjoy!

chocolate peanut butter banana "ice cream" ~vegan, dairy free~

I used my vitamix this time however, I have used the food processor in the past.  In the vitamix, start off on level one and increase speed gradually.  This mix was perfectly sweet because I used very ripe bananas.  If the bananas weren’t overly ripe, I would have added a few pitted dates or a tablespoon of maple syrup for sweetness.

Banana “ice cream” can be made with a bunch of different add in such as:

oats, maple syrup, and raisins

mint extract and chocolate chips

almond butter and honey

raspberry and chocolate chips

apple, cinnamon and dates

…you get the picture, the possibilities are endless!

kid approved but very messy! Warning...eat outside!!!

kid approved but very messy! Warning…eat outside!!!

top 10 breakfast ideas

A nutritious breakfast is a great way to set the pace for a healthy day of eating!  Studies show that people who eat breakfast tend to weigh less because they are less likely to overeat later in the day.   Breakfast is a great way to keep you fueled up and energized!

It’s been argued whether one should eat breakfast upon waking even if they are not hungry.  Breakfast “breaks” the “fast” from sleeping and revs up your metabolism.  However, your body needs the “fast” while you sleep so try to refrain from late night munching!

Try out these ideas to start your morning off right!

Top 10 Breakfast Ideas

1.  Banana with nut butter, hemp seeds and cacao nibs (raw cashew butter used in photo below)

2.  Scrambled eggs with asparagus, tomatoes and goat cheese

3.  Sprouted bread or gluten free bread toasted and topped with avocado, hemp seeds and sea salt

4.  Overnight Oats

5.  Wilted Greens with brown rice and toasted sesame oil (sounds weird but don’t knock it until you try it!)

6.  Cooked quinoa warmed with milk of your choice and topped with dried fruit, slivered almonds and dash of cinnamon

7.  Smoothies or Green Juice

8.  Strawberry Parfaits – Plain or coconut yogurt layered with fresh strawberries, ground flax seeds and low-sugar granola

9.  Miso Soup – Great on cold mornings!

10.  Almonds and a piece of fruit

cashew butter banana with cacao nibs and hemp seeds