WARMING PALEO GRANOLA

The warming flavors of fall fare are infused into this delicious paleo (grain-free) granola. Top with your favorite milk or yogurt and you have yourself a simple and quick breakfast of snack.

So simple to make, and so great to have ready to go!

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a powerhouse ingredient that boosts the chromium levels in your blood, an important nutrient that helps with blood sugar regulation and stability.

Ginger: Ginger is known for its medicinal properties including a high level of antioxidants and antimicrobial elements. Research shows that ginger is a highly antimicrobial food.

Nutmeg: Another tasty and warming fall spice that soothes indigestion and increases immune function.

Cozy up with this delicious bowl of goodness!

WHAT ABOUT BREAKFAST?

EAT SOME BREAKFAST, CHANGE THE WORLD

Do you experience:


Topsy-turvy mornings?


Rush hour? 


Early morning classes?


Trouble getting your kids out the door to school (along with the morning melt downs that come with)? 


A little too much snooze button?


And then, to top it off, breakfast...the most important meal of the day?  Seriously?


It is all rather complicated and can often feel impossible. I know that mornings (especially getting a healthy breakfast!) can feel like an uphill battle that you don't want to fight, but trust me, it does not have to be a struggle...


There are some important aspects of what to eat to ensure a healthy breakfast and a few important science-based reasons to avoid skipping breakfast. I thought I would share some with you today (along with some easy and healthy breakfast ideas).

HOW TO EAT HEALTHY BREAKFASTS ON BUSY MORNINGS?

• Balance your macronutrients. Be sure to include proteins, fats and healthy whole carbohydrates for healthy and stabilized blood sugar (keeping those sugar cravings at bay all day!)

• Try simple protein-based green smoothies for busy mornings (avoid frozen or super cold breakfasts as they are hard on your digestion. Simply warm up your frozen fruit a bit before blending).

• Choose well rounded plant-based or animal proteins to boost your metabolism and elevate your energy.

• Make quick and easy portable go-to breakfasts (so you don't throw in the towel on breakfast all together!)

• Prep some overnight grab-and-go breakfast favorites (hello chia pudding)

• Dinner for breakfast?  Absolutely. Warming soups and broths do wonders for your digestion in the morning and are often packed full  of veggies to boot!

WHY TO NOT SKIP  BREAKFAST?

• Eating breakfast kickstarts your metabolism

• Eating breakfast helps you focus A LOT better throughout the day(kids included)

• Skipping breakfast has been shown to drastically increase your food intake later in the day

• Skipping breakfast exacerbates your sugar cravings (hello late night pint of ice cream!)

• Skipping breakfast is linked to weight gain, migraines, brain fog, afternoon drops in energy and of course a hangry attitude that is more irritable, short-tempered and cranky.

Ultimately, there is no one-way approach to health and vitality, and for the occasional person, skipping may work, but almost everyone (biochemistry included) feels better with a smart and satiating start to the day. 

If time and efficiency in the morning are your biggest breakfast obstacles, be sure to scroll down and explore some of my favorite simple and satiating breakfasts. I have you covered!

P.S  What are your biggest morning challenges?  Tell me in the comments below!

SOME FAVORITE SIMPLE AND HEALTHY BREAKFASTS…

Heart Beet Green Smoothie

Coconut {Soaked} Granola

Sweet Potato and Mushroom Breakfast Hash

Coconut CHia Pudding

Simple Fiesta Breakfast Bowl

Overnight Berry Oats

SWEET POTATO AND MUSHROOM HASH

I know many folks who struggle with breakfast. Add in an egg allergy and breakfast can become even more complicated. This breakfast hash may just be your answer!  Egg-free, and it still feels like a breakfast/brunch win!  

SIMPLE FIESTA BREAKFAST BOWL

We all know breakfast can happen under a time constrained part of the day. If you have your beans prepped ahead of time (hello instant pot), this breakfast (and versions of it) can be ready in minutes. 

Not only that you get your healthy dose of protein and good fat to start of your day. Add your favorite salsa or fresh veggies for a little extra flare.

EASY PALEO PEACH PANCAKES

EASY PALEO PEACH PANCAKES

These Paleo Peach Pancakes are the perfect way to wake up and enjoy a weekend morning!  They're grain-free, super easy to whip up, and they embrace the juicy, delicious peaches this season has to offer.

For these pancakes I used the Birch Bender Paleo Pancakes mix, and it could not be simpler!  You just add water, mix them up, and cook them in a dollop of coconut oil until nice and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.  They are really tasty, have a nice amount of protein, and are much healthier than many of the other mixes out there. (you know how I get about balancing blood sugar)

Coconut flour is an amazing grain-free ingredient to create healthy, low-carb baked goods.  It's full of healthy fats, called medium chain trigylcerides, that your body can quickly and easily use for energy production.

It's also rich in fiber to support your digestive system, which helps to balance the sugar from the maple syrup in this recipe.

Peaches are an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, plus they have a low-glycemic index. 

These pair perfectly with some raw chopped pecans and a warm cup of morning tea or coffee- enjoy!