Break Free from Breakfast Boredom!

Breakfast. They say it's the most important meal of the day, yet we find ourselves feeding our families junk from brightly colored boxes that are loaded with sugar. I used to think that I could give my kids something a bit more wholesome by buying the packets of oatmeal, but if you are a label reader, you'll find that they're also in the "not good" category. Coming up with some better options for my family has been a huge priority in the last few years, as I've dealt with my own health issues, food sensitivities, and sugar addiction. 

When I create my recipes, I try to incorporate as many food groups as I can in order to pack as much wholesome deliciousness as possible into each bite. A little fruit, some healthy fats and carbs can give you the energy boost you need first thing in the morning. Make a side of eggs or Shakeology for an added serving of protein, if you can! I have two fantastic recipes to share that should make your taste buds do a little happy dance.

Cranberry-Pear Bake 

(serves 2)

[ ingredients ]

2 pears, sliced (any kind)

2 tbsp. dried cranberries

2 tbsp. chopped pecans

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. maple syrup

[ directions ]

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Slice pears and place in a baking dish. 

Top with cranberries and pecans, 

then add maple syrup and cinnamon. 

Bake for 15 minutes or until pears are tender.

Quick Cranberry Almond Oats
(serves 1)

[ ingredients ] 

1/2 c. rolled oats

1/2 c. water

1 tbsp. dried cranberries

1 tbsp. sliced almonds

1 tsp. ground flax

1 tsp. maple syrup

[ directions ]

Combine oats and water, microwave for 1 minute. 

Stir in flax, top with almonds, cranberries, and maple syrup. 

Sometimes I mix this recipe up by changing out the fruit. A few substitution suggestions are:

Blueberry Almond with chia
Banana Walnut with flax

Apple-Cinnamon Pecan with flax

Mango-Coconut with chia

Don't want to use maple syrup? Try agave nectar for a different flavor, or coconut palm sugar.
You have so many options to choose from, and you'll still get your family out the door fast on a busy weekday morning.