Almost everyone we work with is looking for healthy recipes that are both easy and healthy. There’s no reason to think that you are resigned to a lifetime of time-consuming cooking and boring food. Below are a few breakfast recipes that I have found make food prep a bit easier and definitely make eating more enjoyable and tasty.
Apple Pie Oatmeal
This is my go to breakfast that I have either about an hour before or immediately after a workout. You can either cook it on the stovetop or, if you’re in a hurry, throw all the ingredients in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for 5 minutes. You can even prep this the night before, stick it in the refrigerator overnight, and pack it up in the morning for a quick cook in the microwave at work if you are really pressed for time.
- 1 cup water
- 1 small apple, peeled, cored, and diced (I love Granny Smith, feel free to use your favorite apple)
- Spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves – whatever suits your fancy; or 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
- Dash of salt
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
Stovetop prep: Put all ingredients except oats in a small saucepan on medium heat and bring to a boil. Add the oats and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until desired consistency.
Microwave prep: Put all of the ingredients in a microwave safe bowl and stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes on high. Stir halfway through the cook time.
Want to pump it up a bit more? After cooking, let the oatmeal cool for a few minutes. Then stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder. It’s going to thicken a bit, so you may want to increase the amount of water in the recipe by 2 tablespoons. Cook the same amount of time; the oatmeal will be a little runnier but the protein powder will soak up that extra water.
Breakfast Scramble
This is by far my favorite breakfast! It has plenty of protein, healthy fats, and veggies. And it keeps me satisfied until lunchtime rolls around. Use this recipe as a starting point to create your favorite scramble. You are only limited by your imagination.
- 4 whole large eggs, scrambled
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach – I like to chop mine so that it mixes well with the eggs
- ½ avocado, diced
- 1 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- Your favorite salsa – I love Mi Elote! “Heritage street-food” brand, medium salsa
Cooking directions: Heat a 10-inch frying pan on medium to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, butter, or even bacon grease to the pan. Sauté the spinach until it has wilted. Pour in the eggs and stir until they are scrambled and still a bit moist. Toss in the avocado and cheese. Stir to combine and until the cheese is melted. Plate your egg scramble, salt and pepper to taste, and top with desired amount of salsa. Serves 1. Enjoy!
