Looking for some quick and easy breakfast ideas? Look no further!
Whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, back-to-school time is a busy one. It’s hard to get everyone ready and out the door in the morning, and by 10 am, you can be dragging if you haven’t taken care of yourself. I hate being tired and hungry before it’s time for lunch, and I don’t get a snack break at work, so I have to make sure I get enough nutrients to stay full and keep my energy up for at least four hours.
I’ve tried lots of different shakes and breakfast ideas (make-ahead muffins, Raisin Bran cereal, Ovaltine …), but there are a few that I keep coming back to. Over the years, I’ve found these quick ideas to get me out the door fast, and with the energy I need to make it past the 10 am slump. Try them out and tell me what you think!
Chocolate-Banana-Spinach-Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Yes, these things can go together and be delicious. I mix one cup of spinach with half a frozen banana, 2 tsp. peanut butter, and a scoop of chocolate protein powder (I use Juice Plus Complete). Then I add one cup of water and some ice. I swear you can’t taste the spinach! This quick shake, which can be consumed in the car on the way to drop-offs, will keep you feeling full (but not heavy) through lunch.
Quick Veggie Scrambled Eggs
It takes me one minute to slice up a couple of baby bella mushrooms and another to saute them in a pan. While they are sauteing, I scramble my egg and then add it to the pan. Right at the end, just before my eggs are finished, I add a little spinach to the pan, let it wilt just a tad, and then serve it up with feta cheese. Again, I’m getting my protein and veggies right away in the morning, keeping me full and full of energy.
Detoxifying Green Apple Smoothie
This one takes a little more time with the chopping (I do it the night before while prepping lunch), but it is so refreshing that it’s worth it. I use spinach instead of kale, and honey because I never have agave nectar, but it still tastes delicious. Dump all ingredients into the blender, and *bam*, I’m ready to go!
Egg Bites from Costco
There are two kinds of these delicious gems, but you can’t always find both. My favorite are the three cheese and turkey sausage Sous-vide Egg Bites found in the refrigerated section. The next best are the Spinach Egg-white Frittata egg bites found in the freezer section. Both are great because you just pop them in the microwave for a minute, and then they’re done. You can even toss them in a work bag and make them at work – there’s little to no mess, so they’re really easy.
Double Shot of Espresso on Ice
When there really is no time, but I need quick energy, this is my go-to. Some mornings I just hit snooze too many times, and when that happens, coffee is my best friend. I run my espresso pod through the shot cycle on my Keurig twice and then pour over ice for a really refreshing kick just before I head out the door. Or if you’re a Starbucks kind of mom, order a doppio on ice.