Guest Post: Nicole's Healthy Make Ahead (Healthy) Breakfasts

I am so happy to introduce all of you to one of my new foodie buddies Nicole from A Healthy Way to Cook. Her blog has an unlimited amount of healthy recipes, tips, and articles that can help you live a happy and healthy life.When she had an idea for make ahead healthy breakfasts I was so excited because I am such a grab and go breakfast eater. If it is already made( and healthy) I will gladly eat it!

We always hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's a reason for that--skipping breakfast is one of those habits that can really catch up to you in the long run. Not eating in the morning leads to less energy, a slower metabolism, and a tendency to overeat at your next meal, so it's crucial to refuel your body before you start your day. But when you've got a to-do list that's a mile long, finding the time to eat breakfast before you head out the door can be a challenge. If you're pressed for time, try these make-ahead breakfasts to make sure you fit your morning meal in. All the prep work can be done the night before and they require little to no effort once you're ready to eat--just grab and go!

Overnight oats: It couldn’t be easier to have ready-to-eat oatmeal when you wake up! Drop 1 part oats with 2 parts milk plus fruit, seeds and any other flavorings you’d like into a jar. Shake and refrigerate overnight. Top with some nuts or granola in the morning and you’re good to go. If you’d prefer them hot, you can make them in a slow cooker using 1 part hearty steel-cut oats and 3 parts liquid (a combination of water and milk works best).

Muffins: You can have breakfast set for the whole week if you whip up a batch of your favorite healthy muffins over the weekend and freeze them. Set one out on the counter before you go to sleep, and by the time you wake up it will be thawed and ready to eat. Be sure to make one that has energy-boosting protein from ingredients like nuts, peanut butter or cottage cheese.

 

 Smoothies: Nothing is better for an on-the-go lifestyle than a healthy drinkable breakfast smoothie. There are limitless combinations of fruits, veggies, protein powders and nut butters that you can throw into a blender and pour into a bottle the night before. In the morning, shake it up (smoothies tend to separate when you let them sit) and take it on the road with you instead of that high-cal frappucino.

Yogurt parfait: This is one of the best make-ahead meals because you can use any combination of fruits, yogurts and granola you want. Just layer the components in a cup or bowl, stick it in the fridge, and take it out in the morning when it's time for breakfast. Plain Greek or regular yogurt is best because there are no artificial sweeteners--rely on the natural sweetness and flavor of the fruits you add in!

Breakfast wraps: Got 5 minutes to spare in the morning? Before bed, dice  up  bell peppers and onions, combine them with your favorite shredded cheese, leafy greens, and cooked meats in a large cup with a couple of beaten eggs. Take the cup out of the fridge in the morning, pour directly into a hot pan and scramble. In just a few minutes, you can put the cooked eggs in a tortilla or whole wheat wrap and take it out the door with you.




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