Healthy Breakfast When You Absolutely Don’t Have Time to Cook

Healthy Breakfast When You Absolutely Don’t Have Time to Cook

Even when you’re in a hurry to get out the door in the morning, feeding your family a healthy breakfast is still important to you. I know because I am a mom and as mom’s it’s our job to make sure our families eat healthy. Instead of going through the drive through though, here are some suggestions you can use that are quick and healthy, on the go breakfast ideas.

The first thing to do is plan ahead. Planning makes any meal time so much easier, especially when you’re in a hurry. Healthy items to have on hand and that are easy to grab and go are:

• Healthy cereal bars

• Granola bars

• Baggies of whole grain cereal

• Graham crackers

• Bagels

• Sliced Cheese

• Sliced ham

• Nuts

• Sliced Fruit

• Flour tortillas

• Sliced whole grain bread

• Seedless Grapes

• Peanut butter

• Crackers

• Raw veggies such as celery stalks and baby carrots

• Raisins

When you have the above items on hand, you can either eat them alone or you can combine them quickly for a fast, healthy breakfast.

• Spread some cream cheese on graham crackers or bagels.

• Make a cheese sandwich

• Toast some bread and top with cream cheese and sliced fruit

• Spread some peanut butter over saltines

• Cream cheese on saltines is also good

• Celery stalks with peanut butter or cream cheese and raisins

• A slice of cheese and ham rolled together

The point is you don’t have to skip breakfast when you don’t have time to cook. And you don’t have to skimp on health by running through a drive through. Save time and money simply by using your imagination and with a little planning. Your kids will like the new ideas and may even begin to eat breakfast better.

Remember; don’t ask your kids what they want. Simply make it and hand it to them. They may think it’s weird at first, especially if it’s not a typical breakfast food. However, they will most likely think its fun to eat something a bit out of the ordinary. Make a game out of it and they’re sure to “bite.” Pretend you are on a deserted island or on a ship lost at sea. It’s the only food left on earth and you have to eat it or you won’t survive.

Transforming Grief Into Joy

Transforming Grief Into Joy

Grief is one the hardest things to overcome. The truth is, after a period of loss or grief, a part of us changes and we’re never completely the same. But what we can do is learn how to handle it for the better so we can learn and grow.

Living in perpetual grief is no way to live our lives and surely this is no way our loved one would want us to live. The question is this: is it possible to transform your grief into joy so your grief doesn’t overtake you?

Yes! Here are a few strategies you can use to help turn your grief into joy:

1. Remember that your loved one is in your heart. Although they may be physically gone, they’re still close by. You’re still able to speak to them, feel close to them, and have them in your life.

* Any time you feel the need to feel closer to your loved one, go into a quiet room and close your eyes, then say a prayer or speak to them within your heart.


* This simple strategy can be done at anytime and you can recall all the joys and happiness from you past to cheer you up.

2. Don’t stop talking about them. If you love and miss this person so much, chances are there are others out there who feel exactly the same way. Don’t stop talking about your loved one just because they have physically passed away.

* Talk about the memories, the good times, the bad times, the funny times, and the sad times. Just don’t stop talking and sharing with others about this person.

* If something reminds you of this person, tell others. 


* Celebrate the amazing life they had and always keep their memories alive.

3. Create their legacy. When someone we love passes on, we don’t want people to forget the impact this person made when they were here. A simple idea is to do something in memory of this person that will live on forever.


* For example, you can plant a tree, donate to their favorite charity, or create a scholarship in their name.

4. Know that they would want you to be happy. The person you cared for so deeply would want you to be happy and deep down inside you know this too.

* They would want you to go out and live your life to the fullest. Doing this doesn’t mean you’re forgetting them, because they’ll always be with you in your heart.

* It’s time to leave an impact on someone else just like your loved one impacted you.

The loss of a loved one is never easy. We all take time to grieve our loss, but there’s a time that we must move on. We need to forge on, but we can still carry our loved one in our heart and memories.

We must go out and make them proud of us, and they’ll continue to be right by our side as we move forward again.

I know what needs to get done to build momentum.

I know what needs to get done to build momentum.

When I want to build momentum toward achieving a goal, I know it all boils down to a single concept: “Plan my work and work my plan.” When I focus on this one thing, I can build unstoppable momentum!

The first step in the process is to take the time to make a plan that assures my success. When I know ahead of time that I will succeed, it lets me anticipate my success with joy.

How can I make a foolproof plan? I divide my goal into many small tasks that I know I can achieve. Each task is one step on my successful journey toward my goal. Then I schedule time in my planner to work toward my goal every day.

In order to build momentum quickly, I schedule some of the easy steps for the beginning of my day. This enables me to jump right in and achieve some successes almost immediately.

As I finish each step, I congratulate myself on this success. I let myself feel all the good feelings that success can bring, like happiness and the pride of accomplishment. I like to keep these good feelings coming, so I forge ahead excitedly to the next step.

One success leads to another and another, until I build a relentless momentum that brings me to victory!

If any negative thoughts of self-doubt threaten to slow my momentum, I simply replace them with a positive affirmation and keep right on going.

My challenges are met with a firm confidence that enables me to overcome them with ease.

Today, I intend to plan my work and work my plan, building momentum toward my success.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What is my plan of action steps for reaching my goal?
2. Have I scheduled time each day to work toward my goal?
3. Do I let challenges stop me?

When I want to build momentum toward achieving a goal, I know it all boils down to a single concept: “Plan my work and work my plan.” When I focus on this one thing, I can build unstoppable momentum!

The first step in the process is to take the time to make a plan that assures my success. When I know ahead of time that I will succeed, it lets me anticipate my success with joy.

How can I make a foolproof plan? I divide my goal into many small tasks that I know I can achieve. Each task is one step on my successful journey toward my goal. Then I schedule time in my planner to work toward my goal every day.

In order to build momentum quickly, I schedule some of the easy steps for the beginning of my day. This enables me to jump right in and achieve some successes almost immediately.

As I finish each step, I congratulate myself on this success. I let myself feel all the good feelings that success can bring, like happiness and the pride of accomplishment. I like to keep these good feelings coming, so I forge ahead excitedly to the next step.

One success leads to another and another, until I build a relentless momentum that brings me to victory!

If any negative thoughts of self-doubt threaten to slow my momentum, I simply replace them with a positive affirmation and keep right on going.

My challenges are met with a firm confidence that enables me to overcome them with ease.

Today, I intend to plan my work and work my plan, building momentum toward my success.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What is my plan of action steps for reaching my goal?

2. Have I scheduled time each day to work toward my goal?

3. Do I let challenges stop me?

Stop Settling and Start Sizzling

Stop Settling and Start Sizzling

So, it looks like you’re stuck in a rut. Are you bored with your life and the same routine day after day? Of course you can’t be happy like this!

There’s an exciting world out there with a lot to offer. Deep down you know you want to get out and take a big bite of it. Sure, it may be a bit overwhelming, and even scary at times, but you can’t let your life just pass you by.

It’s time to live those dreams, take a leap of faith, and get out of your comfort zone! But how do you get started?

Read on for some valuable tips and suggestions to help you be all you can be, now and always:

1. Decide what you want to do. Put your fears aside and step outside of your comfort zone. If you could do anything without fear, money, or time being an issue, what would you choose?

* Make a list of everything you would like to accomplish someday. It doesn’t matter how crazy or outrageous you may think it is, just write it down.


* It also doesn’t matter if your list has three or thirty-three things listed. Just search your heart and your mind and write down what you would really like to do.

2. Faith. It’s important to have faith to see your journey until the end, yet this may be one of the hardest qualities to develop. Remember how it feels to be stuck where you are with no excitement and no real purpose. You know things can be better than they are now, but how?

* All you need to do is believe in yourself. You know that countless people before you have lived their dreams, so why not you? What makes them so different?


* There really is no difference between you and others, except for the belief in the possibility for great success. You can be just like they are; you just have to believe you can do it!

3. Don’t keep it a secret. If you’re ashamed of how you’re feeling, you shouldn’t be. Many people find themselves in the same predicament. The only thing that should embarrass you is if you intentionally decide to stay in that rut! Do yourself a big favor and open up to someone you trust.


* Whether that’s a parent, spouse, or best friend, tell them that you’re ready to make a change in your life and they’ll be able support you throughout your journey. They’ll encourage you on the good days and cry with you on the bad days.

* Most importantly, they’ll be there to support you throughout it all. It’s just what you need to achieve great success!

4. Take the first step. It’s time to take that first leap of faith. As much as you want to step outside the box and get out of this rut, nothing will happen without taking that first big step.

* No matter how frightening you may be, you need to focus on the big picture and the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow. Muster up all the encouragement and support you can find and just do it. Once the first step is accomplished, it gets easier!

* You deserve to be the best that you can possibly be, and deep down inside you know this. You’ll be so glad you took action – and you’ll be so proud of yourself when you celebrate at the finish line!

No one enjoys being in a rut and just going through the motions of life. Don’t let your fears hold you back. After all, this is a wonderful world that you deserve to enjoy to the fullest!

Go out and experience everything life has to offer. Take that first leap of faith and you’ll never look back again!

More than Just Toast

More than Just Toast

Toast is one of the most popular of breakfast foods because it is easy to make and eat on the go. You can pop some bread down in the toaster while you’re applying your makeup or blow drying your hair. Your kids can even learn to make toast when they are old enough to remove it without getting burned. But, having boring old toast every day with butter can get old, so here are some suggestions to spice up an old standby.

Pizza Toast

Prepared in a toaster oven is the best way to make pizza toast. Before placing bread in toaster oven, top with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Of course you can top with whatever pizza toppings you have on hand. Broil pizza for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Not very breakfast-y, I know, but my kids love it and eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus it’s easy to eat on the go. Just make sure you don’t put too much pizza sauce, and take napkins.

Toasty Fruit Pizza

A twist to traditional fruit pizza is to use toasted bread for the crust and it makes for a healthy breakfast. Spread with cream cheese and your favorite slices of fruit for a healthy meal on the go. It helps save time preparing to have the fruit already sliced.

Easy Breakfast Sandwiches

When you have leftover bacon or sausage, make quick and easy breakfast sandwiches by placing a piece of cheese and meat between two pieces of toast.

Some other toast-topping suggestions that aren’t so traditional include:

• Cream cheese instead of butter

• Apple butter

• Peanut butter and bananas

• Peanut butter and apples

• Peanut butter and honey

• Cheese and mayonnaise

• Applesauce

• Lunchmeat and cheese

To make toast the healthiest possible, choose breads that are whole grain. Also, choose spreads that are low in sugar and fat.

Next time you get stressed out about making breakfast, just think “toast” and all these wonderful suggestions to make toast a bit more exciting!

I keep myself moving forward.

I keep myself moving forward.

I have many tools in my toolbox that I can use to keep myself heading toward my goals. The ones I use most often are my action plan success strategy, affirmations, self-reflection, and time management.

My action plan success strategy sets me up for victory. I take the time to divide my goals into small steps that I know will get me to my destination. In my plan, each task that I complete brings me one step closer toward the achievement of my goals.

Part of my strategy that keeps me motivated is that I celebrate every success, no matter how small. Every time I complete a task in my action plan, I reward myself. I allow myself to feel good about it and I look forward to completing the next task to continue my success.

Positive affirmations help keep me focused on my goals and banish thoughts of self-doubt. I repeat affirmations to myself at least twice each day and again each time I need a boost to my confidence.

Self-reflection also helps me move forward. When I reflect, I visualize living my dreams as if it’s happening in the present. I experience it with all my senses and feel the wonderful emotions of being there. It motivates me to make my dreams a priority.

Lastly, my time management skills bring everything together. I consciously put time in my schedule for making my action plan, working on my tasks every day, and reflecting about myself. Everything works together seamlessly with good time management!

Today, I plan to use my time effectively to keep myself moving forward toward my goal, allowing time for goal planning, completing action steps, and self-reflection.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Have I taken the time to create my plan of action steps?

2. Do I do something to work toward my goals every day?

3. What motivates me to do what is necessary to achieve my dreams?

Hot Breakfast On-the-Run

Hot Breakfast On-the-Run

Many parents wish they could give their kids a hot breakfast, but often feel like they don’t have enough time due to the quick paced lives most of us lead these days, so our kids reach for a cereal bar or a bowl of sugary cereal, or even go without. But with a little planning ahead and using ingredients you probably already have on hand, you can create these hot breakfasts that you and your children can eat on the way to school and work.

Prep. Time-10 minutes or less:

Egg Roll Ups

Scrambled eggs take only a few minutes to make, like 5 or less, making for a quick and healthy way to start the day because they are packed with protein. Roll scrambled eggs into a flour tortilla or a slice of bread. Add other ingredients on hand for flavor and nutrition, like shredded cheese, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, diced ham, crumbled sausage or sliced jalapenos while cooking.

Quick and Easy Breakfast Sandwiches

You can use either microwavable bacon, or pre-cooked bacon that you’ve saved. While the bacon is heating in the microwave, toast two halves of an English muffin. Then place two slices of bacon and a slice of cheese between the muffin halves. Wrap in a paper towel and go. This breakfast sandwich is easy to handle and delicious! You can do the same thing with a sausage patty if you so desire.

Pancake Roll Ups

Use pre-made pancakes, frozen or refrigerated. After re-heating, spread your favorite ingredients like peanut butter, your favorite jelly, honey or butter. Roll up and go. You can also use a sausage link or a slice of bacon if you have some already cooked in the fridge or freezer that will only take a few seconds to reheat.

Not So Typical Bagel

There are many ways you can turn an ordinary bagel into a hot breakfast on the go. Instead of just spreading cream cheese or butter on your bagel, top it with a slice of warm ham, pre-made sausage or bacon. You can also scramble some eggs with cheese if you prefer for a nice, warm and tasty on-the-go breakfast.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be skipped or cold incorporating the ideas above. With a little planning and imagination, you can start your family off with a hot breakfast that is faster and healthier than going through the drive through.

Healthy Cold Breakfasts that Don’t Involve Cereal

Healthy Cold Breakfasts that Don’t Involve Cereal

I often don’t have time to make even a 5 minute batch of scrambled eggs, so having some stuff on hand to grab and go is a must in our home. Since eating a bowl of cereal is impossible while driving and I don’t want my kids having an open bowl with liquid in the car, I’ve come up with some healthy, cold breakfasts that are easy to eat on the go. I’m sure you will find them useful as well.

A super easy, no brainer idea is to have sliced fruit on hand. Simply slice up your favorite fruits and place in storage baggies in the fridge for ease and convenience. This takes a little prep ahead of time, but it is worth it on those mornings when you are in a rush. Fruit suggestions are: strawberries, grapes, kiwi, blackberries, raspberries, cantaloupe and other melon, apples and bananas (sprinkled with lemon juice to keep from turning brown) and cherries. Of course you can use whatever fruits your family likes.

Tortilla roll ups

A quick and easy way to eat on the go is to use flour tortillas. You can take just about any ingredients you and your family like and roll them in a tortilla. Some suggestions are:

• Peanut butter and jelly

• Cream cheese

• Chopped raw veggies

• Ham and cheese

• Sliced fruit and cream cheese

• Peanut butter and honey

• Sliced Cheese

• Pickles and Cheese

• Applesauce

Other things you should have on hand for those rushed mornings are graham crackers, granola bars, cereal bars, nuts and bagels. You can spread some cream cheese between two graham crackers for added protein and flavor. Nuts are nutritious and full of protein and fiber and are a great way to fill you up quickly. You can find fairly healthy cereal bars in the cereal aisle these days. Be sure to read the label for the sugar and fat content. If you don’t have time to spread some cream cheese on a bagel, eating them plain is still tasty and a good way to get filled up in the morning.

Another way to use up those leftover pieces of chicken or steak is to give them to your family in the morning. They usually taste great served cold and are a good source of protein.

You don’t have to skip breakfast when you don’t have time in the morning. Planning ahead and having items easy to grab will ensure you and your family get a healthy start to the day.

Freeze, Heat and Go Breakfasts

Freeze, Heat and Go Breakfasts

Breakfast is probably the meal that is skipped the most because people are either in a hurry and don’t have time, they don’t feel like eating or don’t have an appetite early in the morning. However, as studies have shown, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast gets your metabolism going, supplies your energy for the day and stabilizes your blood sugar levels.

To help with the issue of not enough time to make breakfast and to give you some added motivation to encourage you to eat breakfast, here are some great tasting breakfast ideas that you can make ahead and freeze. Then all you have to do is grab them, heat up quickly in the microwave, and go!

Quiche Cups

Quiche cups are easy, quick and healthy to make. You can use a wide variety of ingredients and they heat up in as fast as 30 seconds in the microwave. Plus they are easy to eat on the go.

Simply whip up some eggs in a bowl (you can use egg substitutes if you desire). Then add any of the following ingredients you wish.

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Colby)

• Chopped onion

• Chopped, cooked spinach

• Mushrooms

• Diced ham

• Crumbled sausage

• Bacon, chopped

• Chopped green peppers

 

You can use any combination of vegetables, meats and cheeses to suit your taste buds.

Mix well, and then pour the egg mixture into a muffin pan lined with small cupcake holders. Bake on 350F for 20 minutes. Let cool. Place two to four cups in quart size freezer baggies and freeze. When re-heating, place in microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. Grab and go!

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancake Roll Ups

Another idea for a quick, easy-to-reheat, on-the-go breakfast is to make extra pancakes on Saturday morning. Freeze the extra pancakes in a large freezer bag. When you need a quick, hot breakfast, grab a couple, place on a paper towel or paper plate, then microwave for 30 seconds to a minute. Spread with peanut butter and jelly, roll up and go.

Sausage Biscuits

When you are making Sunday morning breakfast, be sure to make some extra sausage patties for these delicious, on-the-go sausage biscuit sandwiches.

Prepare a can of refrigerated biscuit dough (usually makes about 8 biscuits) according to package directions. Place a cooked sausage patty between two biscuits and freeze in a quart size freezer bag.

To microwave, remove from freezer bag, wrap in a paper towel and microwave for 1 minute to 1.5 minutes. You can add a slice of cheese if you prefer before heating. Grab and go.

Breakfast Burritos

Growing up in the Southwest, I usually like to throw a Mexican or Spanish twist to lots of the foods my family eats. Here’s a favorite that can be made ahead, frozen and reheated.

Combine scrambled eggs with your favorite ingredients, like: chopped onion, chopped green pepper, diced ham, crumbled sausage, mushrooms, olives, diced tomato, sliced jalapenos and shredded cheese. Place on flour tortilla and sprinkle with hot sauce. Roll up and secure with toothpick if necessary. Place in freezer bag and freeze. When reheating, place burrito in a paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. Grab and go!

With a little planning and thinking ahead, breakfast doesn’t have to be a cold bowl of cereal, or non-existent!

Everything Eggs

Everything Eggs

Eggs are nature’s little house of protein, therefore they are great for breakfast because they provide the energy we need for the day. However, in today’s fast paced society, finding time to make a healthy breakfast can be difficult. To help you out, here are some ideas you can use to make healthy breakfasts that are quick and easy to eat on the go.

Poached Eggs on Whole Grain Toast

Poaching eggs is a simple and healthy way to prepare eggs. Don’t have an egg poacher on hand? No worries. In a small sauté pan or skillet, place some water in the pan, about 1/2 inch to an inch, and cook over medium high heat. Once the water is hot, crack the egg open over the water, as if frying. Cover and cook until the yolk is firm. Remove from pan and place on toasted whole grain bread. To make a sandwich for on the go eating, place one poached egg between two slices of toast. Add cheese and low fat mayo if desired for a yummy breakfast sandwich.

Green Chili and Egg Burritos

One of my favorite ingredients to add to just about every meal is green chili. This is because I grew up in the Southwest where they are grown and very popular. Green chili and egg burritos are super quick and easy to make and perfect for on the go eating.

Simply scramble some eggs and add a can of chopped green chili. If you are making a large portion of scrambled eggs for your family, add two cans. If you are in an area where you can purchase fresh green chili, do it. Add shredded cheese for added flavor and consistency. Roll scrambled egg mixture in a warmed flour tortilla and go.

Eggs and Potatoes On-the-Go

Do you love eggs and potatoes for breakfast but don’t have time to make and eat them? Here’s a delicious way to make them and a fun way to eat them on the go.The quickest way to make breakfast potatoes is to use leftover baked potatoes. Dice and warm up in the microwave or in a skillet with a little oil. Scramble the eggs adding chopped onion, chopped green peppers, mushrooms or any other ingredients you prefer. Mix in the potatoes, along with some shredded cheese and heat until the cheese is melted. Place in a warm flour tortilla, wrap and go.

Breakfast Burrito Variations

Scrambling eggs is one of the quickest, healthiest and easiest ways to make breakfast on the go. Here are several ingredients you can add to scrambled eggs to *spice* up your breakfast burritos for added variety.

* Feta cheese

* Pesto

* BBQ sauce

* Ham, Basil and Feta

* Garlic and Cilantro

* Cream Cheese and Curry

* Diced tomatoes

* Avocado

* Salsa

* Tex-Mex chili

* Corned beef hash

* Chorizo

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