Getting the Day off to a Great Start

At one time, I never ever thought of eating breakfast.  I would get up, have coffee, head to work... take a quick break at noon for more coffee... and likely not eat at all until mid-afternoon.  Then I would graze my way into the evening until bedtime.  No wonder I wasn't hungry for breakfast the next morning... and the cycle would repeat itself.

Since joining Weight Watchers many many years ago, and getting into fitness, running, and other activities, along with adopting a healthy diet, I have learned that I need to eat in the morning.  And if I don't eat within an hour or so of waking up, I get 'hangry'.  You know, so hungry I get cranky!

Breakfast is such an important start to my day.  I am always on the lookout for a filling, protein packed breakfast that will take me through till lunchtime, without the need for a mid-morning snack.

Here are my top 8 breakfast choices right now:

1. Protein-Packed Oats with Raisins


Weight Watchers P+ = 4, plus yogurt.


2. Veggie-ful Omelet


Weight Watchers P+ = 3.


3. Protein Packed Cheesy Oats


Weight Watchers P+ = 6.


4.  Warm Quinoa and Strawberries Breakfast Bowl


Weight Watchers P+ = 6.


5. Eggs in a Nest


Weight Watchers P+ = 5.


6. Flourless Soy Protein Pancakes


Weight Watchers P+ = 6.


7. Peanut Butter and Banana Oats


Weight Watchers P+ = 6.


8.  'Frenched' Strawberry and Cream Cheese Sandwiches


Weight Watchers P+ = 5, plus syrup.

For other delicious breakfasts, have a look at my Breakfast Ideas.  You will be sure to find lots of things to your liking, and all for a reasonable amount of Points Plus!

Taste of the Tropics Smoothie

I am thoroughly enjoying the Coconut Dream that I found last week... on my oats, and on cold cereal, and now in a luscious smoothie that tastes of warm tropical breezes and swaying palm trees... just the thing for a cool winter day!  It has a lovely, light coconut flavor and just enough fat to feel deliciously creamy in my mouth.

Using the Coconut Dream in a smoothie was suggested to me by Christy, from My Dirt Road Anthem.  I am so glad I decided to try it out.  My first attempt is simple and delicious, with only 2 ingredients, but I know I will be doing more experimenting with this.

I like smoothies anytime of the day when I need a snack... whether it is after a workout or just when I need something nutritious to get me through a couple of hours till mealtime. 

And I normally use my immersion blender.  It is so handy and easy to clean,  and I often drink right out of the blender jar!



Tropical Smoothie
Makes 1 serving

• 1 small banana
• 1/2 cup Coconut Dream, unsweetened original flavor

1. Peel the banana and cut it into chunks.  Place in the bottom of the blender container.
2. Add Coconut Dream to container.
3. Whizz about 30 seconds till frothy and thick.
4. Drink out of the blender container or pour into a glass.

Per serving.
Weight Watchers P+ = 3.
Calories 123; Protein 1g; Carbohydrate 25g; Fat 3g; Fibre 3g.

Drink it right from the blender jar... no one is looking!



Printable Recipe

Here are a couple of other smoothies you might enjoy:

Pretty in Pink Pick-Me-Up

Power-Packed Pumkin Smoothie

My Ongoing Search For the Perfect Protein Pancake

In my quest to get  more protein into my daily eating plan, I have been experimenting with protein pancakes.  This one is based on a recipe recommend to me by Christina who writes The Athletarian, from Tone It Up.  I doubled the ingredients and used less milk.

Right now I have soy protein powder on hand, and it does have some carbs in it... the next one I purchase will be whey and have no carbs.

So, if you do use this recipe, the N.I. will certainly depend on the protein powder you use.  Genisoy, which I am using here, has 3P+ per scoop.  I think it would be very nice with a handful of frozen berries tossed into the batter.  It is not fluffy like flour/baking powder cakes are, but certainly worthwhile and I will be making these again.

The Pancake King even approved!

Flourless Soy Protein Pancakes
Makes 2 servings

• 2 scoops protein powder, mine is vanilla flavored
• 1/2 cup egg whites
• 2 Tbs Almond Breeze or milk, unsweetened
• 2 Tbs ground flax seeds
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 small banana

1. In a medium bowl, mix the protein powder, egg whites, Almond Breeze, flax seeds and cinnamon.
2. Mash the banana in a separate, small bowl, then mix into the other ingredients. Stir until well combined.  The mixture should not be too thick... add a tsp or 2 of water if it is. 
3. Coat a saucepan with non-stick spray and set over MEDIUM heat.  Pour half of the mixture into the warm pan and spread till it is a circle about 6 - 7 inches in diameter. 
4. Let cook several minutes.  You will see a bit of bubbling from underneath and the batter should lose its shine as it cooks.  Leave till most the shine is gone and then gently flip over.  Cook a couple of minutes more.
5. Remove pancake to a plate and cover to keep warm. 
6. Cook the second pancake in the same manner.
7. Top with fruit of your choice or syrup.

Per serving, not including toppings.
Weight Watchers P+ = 6.
Calories 249; Protein 23g; Carbohydrate 33g; Fat 3g; Fibre 3g.

Note:
If  you choose not to include the small banana in this calculation, the P+ = 5.

Mix the first 5 ingredients together.

Mash the banana separately, then add to the other ingredients.

Cook half the batter at a time over MEDIUM heat.

When the first side is mostly cooked, flip and cook the second side.  If you don't let the first side cook long enough, it will be hard to flip neatly.

The second pancake always looks better than the first.  Why is that?

We like pancakes with an egg and a bit of syrup.  Sugar-free for me!

Printable Recipe