September 7, 2016

Fun & Healthy Ideas for Better Breakfast Month - September 2016

September is Better Breakfast Month and it's a great time to create new, healthier breakfast eating habits. 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it helps get your metabolism going and provides the energy and nutrients you need to stay focused and do your best thinking. 

For me, breakfast has to be a seamless part of my morning routine. Otherwise, I get in a rush and end up skipping it...which is not good. 

Thank goodness breakfast has come a long way since the days of grapefruit halves and black coffee (a' la Mad Men) as well as the sugary cereals and nutritionally lacking pastries of my childhood in the 1980s. 


Here are three creative options for Better Breakfast Month. Apparently these were predicted to be the big trends in breakfast for 2016, but I don't think they've quite made the rounds yet in my neck of the woods. 


1) Get Creative with Healthy Smoothie Bowls



I know smoothie bowls aren't exactly brand new, but they still hold a certain level of mystery for many folks. I'm here to de-mystify this delicious and healthy breakfast option. 

I'm going to let you in on a little secret...smoothie bowls are just smoothies, in bowls. They are a little thicker than your regular smoothie drink, but this can be achieved by using less liquid. Plus, they have the addition of toppings which not only makes it possible for you to create an unlimited number of combinations, but also helps you feel fuller because you're chewing it. 

I was inspired by Naturally Sassy to make this green smoothie bowl (recipe here). It combines lots of healthy foods such as spinach, kale, bananas, and blueberries in a delicious breakfast treat. 

Another tip is to use frozen bananas, which adds to the smoothie bowl's creamy consistency. 


2) Savory French Toast - French Toast Pizza 


I grew up eating French Toast, slathered in syrup and butter. It never occurred to me that French Toast could also be savory. 

Check out this awesome looking French Toast breakfast pizza, via EatWell 101


The best thing about this recipe is you can really just start with the same base and then add whatever toppings you prefer, depending on what mood you happen to be in. 

Not keen on onions for breakfast? Maybe try tomatoes and mozzarella with some fresh basil. The French Toast base means you're getting some extra protein from the eggs too. 

Need more inspiration? Here's a round-up of other French Toast recipes that are definitely outside the box. 

3) Salad for Breakfast - Eggs Benedict Salad 


Finally, a breakfast option that really packs a healthy punch - salad! I know what you're thinking. "Who wants to eat a soggy cold salad in the morning?" Well, this tasty salad is anything but! 

It's basically eggs Benedict on leafy greens, with other healthy veggies tossed in for good measure. My recipe came from here, but you can alter your version to your taste.  

These are just three ways to enjoy better breakfasts during September. I hope you will be inspired to start each day with a better breakfast. I know I am!