Breakfast

Except for moments of grocery shopping weakness (mommy, mommy please), we have ditched the cold cereal “breakfast” at our house.  Sorry General Mills and Kellogg's.  It’s not that I’ll never buy Rice Krispies or Apple Jacks again, but they are no longer a staple food in our household.  Dramatic and daring, huh?

It all started with a case of Gestational Diabetes.  I found that simply changing my breakfast made my numbers stay within range for the rest of the day.  I was no longer starving an hour later.  After Sam was born, I tried to return to my beloved cereal, but found I had been spoiled by real food and high, steady energy levels.  I’m pretty sure breakfast cereals are really a dessert. 

So, here are a few ideas for great breakfast meals that will last all morning long.  If you think I’m crazy, look it up.  It really does make a difference what you eat for the most important meal of the day.

We eat sausage and eggs most mornings.  It really doesn’t take too long once you get used to cooking them.  I love the pre-cut, frozen sausage.  I can take out just the amount I need and pop those patties into the pan while the coffee is brewing.  I prepare the eggs while the sausage is cooking.  If you can get them, real, farm fresh, yummy brown country eggs taste so much better than the anemic things you get at the grocery.  They cook up nicer, too.  When the sausage is done, I put it on a paper towel lined plate and slide those scrambled eggs into the same, hot pan.  Turn down the heat immediately after to reduce sticking.  I LOVE my iron skillet for this.  Sausage and eggs are the very best thing on the planet to eat for breakfast.  At least I think so. 

My second choice for a quick breakfast at home is oatmeal.  You don’t have to hate oatmeal.  You don’t have to load it up with tons of sugar, either.  Remember those frozen blueberries?  Pop a few into a bowl and add some cinnamon or nutmeg or cloves.  Maybe a dash of vanilla.

Cut up some bananas and add nutmeg.  Now, add that hot and wonderful oatmeal. 

Stir and serve.  Sweet, goodness that goes a lot further than Cocoa Pebbles and is much better for you.

Sometimes I don’t have time to cook at all.  I love to yard sale.  The early bird gets the worm.

On those crazy days, I replace the typical Pop Tart with a treat from my freezer and pantry.  I grab a small bowl with a lid or a sandwich bag and add a handful of nuts.  I buy pecans, almonds and walnuts in bulk and keep them in the freezer.  Then, I head to the pantry and grab a dab of chocolate chips (also bought in a huge bulk bag).  A girl’s gotta have a daily dose of chocolate, don’tcha'know?  Sometimes I grab some raisins as well.  I can easily eat this breakfast in the car between stops.  My kids love it, too.  The best part is that I feel good all morning long. 

It may sound like a lot of work, but it’s really not.  The difference in the way I feel (and the pounds that I have lost) is totally worth it.  It has also made a big difference in my grocery budget.  If anyone decides to take up the challenge and try it for a week, I’d love to hear about how it goes.