Healthy Breakfast for Everyone!

Healthy breakfast is so important, simply because it's the most important meal of the day. Eating right is what makes you feel good and helps you to lose weight that you didn't think you would be able to lose otherwise.

It's important that you eat right for not just losing weight, but maintaining a healthy weight and for giving your body the fuel it needs to function properly.

There are tons of healthy breakfast recipes that you can enjoy along with the rest of your family, even if they are super picky about what they like to eat!

Healthy Breakfast Even with Pancakes! 

Did you know that you can eat a healthy breakfast even if it includes pancakes? Yes, you can. It just means that you use gluten free when available, and you may want to opt for pancakes that fall under the vegetarian category.

This means that you can easily replace regular milk with almond milk, include rolled oats into your flour, and you can use cinnamon, nutmeg, and any other spices you can think of to change the way your pancakes taste. Who said eating healthy has to be bland?

It doesn't have to be, but you simply need to focus on eating right, and making your food flavorful when changing your lifestyle to reflect healthy eating at all times.

Here is a great pancake recipe that was found in Fitness Magazine.

"Vegan Banana-Oatmeal Pancakes"

(Adapted from Fitness Magazine Oct 2012)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or non-dairy milk of your preference)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 ripe bananas chopped
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 Tsbp., plus 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg

Here are the instructions:

Instructions: 

1. In a blender, puree almond milk & oats until smooth. Add bananas, flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, & nutmeg & puree for a few seconds more. Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes. 
2. Heat a large non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Mist with non-stick cooking spray. Scoop batter onto pan in 1/4 cup increments. Reduce pan to medium-low & cook pancakes until air bubbles appear & the underside is golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip & cook 3-5 minutes more. 
3. Top with sliced bananas & maple syrup. 

***Makes 10 small pancakes.

If you are in the mood, why not add some other combinations of dried fruit and even coconut or goat's milk butter to keep the bad fats down and the good fats up? There are plenty of ways to enjoy a healthy breakfast, thanks to this recipe in Fitness Magazine! 

Healthy Snacks for the Whole Family

Healthy snacks are not always easy to put together for your family, especially if you are in a hurry. While summer time is here and your children are out of school, you'll have to think about what you can take with you on the go while you are at home or traveling on summer vacation.

What is so easy that you can put it into a small Ziploc baggie and be on your merry way? What about foods that you can eat while you are at home, but you want simple recipes that you can put together within just a few minutes?

I am going to share with you some healthy snacks that I enjoy, and that I learned to eat often in the quest to maintain good health, even if I just wanted to enjoy something in between meals. I am sure that these are all snacks you'll enjoy!

Healthy Snacks that You Can Grab and Go! 

During the summer vacation, you may spend time at the pool, the recreation center, the parks, or even headed out on vacation. If you are on a road trip, it's easier to choose those healthy snacks that you really want at all times. 

1. So, why not choose things like:
2. Soy Nuts in a Ziploc bag-they are low in fat and calories too! 
3. Red Delicious or Granny Smith apples-full of flavor and vitamin C
4. Sunflower seeds or cashews-contain good fats and full of fiber 

These are just some ideas for the snacks that are easiest to take with you. so that you won't have to think too much about preparation time or how to store them. Doesn't that make your life easier? 

More Healthy Snacks that Don't Need Refrigeration

The last thing you want to think about is lugging a cooler around, which means you'll want some ideas for snacks that you can once again grab and put into a baggie, but those that don't necessarily require a cooler or refrigeration. 

You can buy a bag of trail mix, and there are several types available to choose from. Try to read all labels before you buy as many of them are packed with sugar! Choose whole foods at all times or when possible, and take items along like natural popcorn without tons of added butter and other toppings. 

I hope that these tips were helpful when planning your summer with or without the children! Be sure to check back for more tips on nutrition and healthy snacks!