Keep It Simple
Monday mornings – UGH! Breakfast, the most important meal to eat, is even more essential on these days because it sets the tone for a healthy week. Simply put, a boring bowl of milk and cereal won’t cut it. To amp up you pre week energy find something a) filling, b) interesting and c) easy to make.
In my desk drawer I keep a package of granola and a jar of peanut butter for a quick breakfast or late afternoon snack. Mix 1/3 cup of granola with one to two tablespoons of peanut butter in a bowl – roll around so that the peanut butter separates and thoroughly coats the granola. You’ll essentially be creating a deconstructed granola bar sans fatty/sugary chocolate bits or honey drizzle normally included in store-bought bars. Eat with a piece of fruit for added nutrients and a bottle of water to start your day well hydrated.
This may not seem like a lot, but the protein (12 grams) and fiber (5 grams) from the peanut butter and granola will keep you feeling full well into the late morning. I keep an inexpensive measuring cup in the actual bag of granola so that I can easily measure out my portions (I find that I almost double the size when I have to guess). Just make sure that when you buy the granola you read the labels because the majority of the bags out there are not as good for you as they seem – find something low in calories, fat and sugar but high in fiber and protein (words like “honey coated” or “maple flavor” often tip the scales) – I like Chappaqua Crunch Original. For the peanut butter, find something made WITHOUT hydrogenated oils and with 0 grams of trans fat.
