Simple, Quick, and Under 300 Calorie Breakfasts.

Breakfast. Often the bane of my existence. I can never seem to find enough time to make and eat a healthy, well rounded breakfast. As every person watching their waistline ought to know, breakfast is an integral part of your regime.

Studies have proven time and time again that people who eat breakfast are more likely to loose weight and keep it off.

Ideally, your best breakfast should be high in fiber and protein (Whole grains and fruits), low in sugar and fat (Processed sugars, pastries, and meats like bacon and sausage). Eating your first meal of the day, while keeping it as stated above keeps you full until lunch and gets your metabolism up and running for the rest of the day (read as: burn more calories with less effort).

So here are a few of my favorite breakfast options:

Homemade Instant Oatmeal - Blueberry Almond.

Prep time: 10 minutes once a week, or 5 minutes on the morning of.
Cook Time: >1 minute in the microwave
Serves: 5

Shopping list:

-2.5 cups Quick Cooking Whole Oats. I prefer to buy these in the Organic Bulk Bins at the local natural food store, though any brand of quick cook oats will do.
-1 cup Dried Unsweetened Blueberries. I also buy these in bulk, but you should be able to find them near the other dried fruits in your local grocery store.
-One small bottle of Pure Almond Extract, or Almond Oil. Find this in the baking supply aisle.
-1 half gallon of Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk, or another 35 calorie almond milk equivalent. Most all grocery chains now carry almond milk as the demand for a low calorie, high taste, low fat, no cholesterol, no sugar milk has greatly increased.
-One small bottle of Light Agave Nectar. You should also be able to find this in any grocery chain. Look near sugar substitutes, baking supplies, and I've even seen it near the syrups.

Directions:

In a large bowl mix together Oats and Blueberries, portion into 5 equal servings using either zipper storage bags or plastic containers. Plastic containers are HIGHLY convenient for working mamas who are trying to get out the door quickly, but can toss it in the office microwave when they get to work. To make your oatmeal, simply pour dry mix into a bowl, add 1/2 cup Almond milk, 1/4 tsp almond extract/oil, and 1/2 tbsp agave. Stir and heat for 1 minute, more or less depending on your preference.

Nutritional info PER SERVING: Calories: 262, Carbs: 52, Fat: 5, Protein: 8, Sodium: 88, Fiber: 8


Waffles and Nutella - It doesn't get much easier then this!

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: How long does your toaster take?
Serves: 1

Shopping List:

-1 Package Van's All Natural Lite Waffles. I'm not a big proponent of pre-made foods. However, when it comes to yummy tasting, super fasts, and pretty darn healthy frozen foods - Van's does a great job. Looks for these in the freezer aisle.
-1 small jar Nutella. Have you ever had Nutella? If not, you are possibly missing out on the greatest thing to ever hit your tongue! Chocolates and Hazelnuts... Need I say anymore? You should find Nutella near the peanut butter.

Directions: Toast two waffles (YES I SAID TWO!) and spread 1 Tbsp Nutella on them (That's 1/2 tbsp on each), then enjoy the tiny slice of heaven...

Nutrtional Info: Calories: 240, Carb: 44, Fat: 8, Protein 5, Sodium:358, Fiber: 7



On-The-Go Breakfast Biscuit

Prep Time: 10 minutes one day a week, or 5 minutes the morning of
Cook Time: 1:30 seconds in microwave
Serves: 6

Shopping List:

-1 pkg Morningstar Farms Breakfast Sausage Patties. Once again, I'm not a huge fan of these types of foods, however, taking time and nutritional info into consideration... It is what it is. These are NOT vegan. They do contain Egg and Milk ingredients. Freezer aisle
-1 pkg Alexia Frozen Biscuits. Find these in the freezer aisle as well.
-1 pkg Galaxy Veggie Slices, American flavored Veggie Cheese. For those struggling to make the switch from diary products loaded with saturated fats, chemicals, cholesterol, AND calories - or for the lactose intolerants, or those with dairy allergies, Galaxy saves the day. Our Publix now carries a large variety of Galaxy products in or near the organic foods sections.

Directions: Bake the biscuits as instructed on package. Once done, cut them in half. Place one slice of cheese in the center of the biscuit, wrap with plastic wrap and put in the fridge. On the morning of, grab a frozen sausage, heat in the microwave for about 40 seconds, then place in your cheese biscuit, and heat for an additional 15-20 seconds. Viola! Sausage Cheese Biscuit, no waiting in the drive-thru required!

Nutritional Info: Calories: 285 Carbs: 27 Fat: 14 Protein: 14 Sodium: 870 Fiber: 2



There you have it. 3 SUPER FAST AND SIMPLE under 300 calorie ideas to make your morning smooth and tasty!

Oh! Before I forget: Printable Coupons for your shopping trip!

Morningstar Farms: http://www.morningstarfarms.com/coupon.aspx
Alexia: http://www.alexiafoods.com/coupon.jsp
Silk Pure Almond: https://silkparegistration.icmodus.com/default.aspx?bhcp=1
Vans Waffles: http://www.vansfoods.com/E-Club
Galaxy Cheese: http://www.galaxyfoods.com/galaxy-products/soy-cheese/veggie/