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We are starting to get those cold mornings here in Atlanta… you know the ones, right?  The ones where you have to will yourself out of bed and then go searching for the warmest, most cuddly thing in your closet?  And then you go to the kitchen looking for something easy for breakfast, because who wants to work for their meal on a cold morning?  Not me!

If you’re like me, molasses is about my speed in the morning, so the less work the better!  Below you will find a few of my favorite easy breakfasts for mornings just like this.

They are all high in protein. High carbohydrate breakfasts leave me starving an hour later, regardless of how much I eat.  Because of that, I tend to gravitate towards protein-heavy meals in the morning.  It’s easy add a piece of whole grain toast, an English muffin, or a side of fruit to any of these so your breakfast is well-rounded.  The important part about all of them is that they are super-quick or can be made ahead of time and then just reheated in the morning.

First up:

Egg Mini-Muffins

These are so easy!  I LOVE having eggs in the morning, but some mornings… ok, most mornings… it’s hard to make them while I get breakfast ready for the kiddos.  With these, I prep them at night or during a naptime, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and then just pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds in the morning.  Bonus: I get some veggies in the process.  I also tend to make different versions in the same tray.  That way everyone in the family has a flavor they like… assuming I share!

INGREDIENTS (Makes 12 muffins)

• • 10 Large Eggs
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 T finely chopped onions
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup of each chopped vegetable (bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, or whatever you have in your fridge)
  • 1/2 cup of your favorite shredded cheese (my favorites are mozzarella or cheddar)

** These measurements do not have to be absolutely exact.  If you want a little more cheese or a little more veggies, go for it.  It’s very forgiving.

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Coat your muffin pan with nonstick spray.
3. Whisk eggs, salt, and pepper in large bowl and set aside.
4. Fill each muffin tin with one heaping tablespoon of veggies.
5. Fill the remainder of the muffin pan with your egg mixture.
6. Sprinkle the top of each muffin with cheese.  (You can give each muffin tin a quick stir if you prefer your cheese to be in the muffin rather than just on top).
7. Place muffin tin in oven for 20-25 minutes or until egg is set.

Flavor ideas: Spinach, tomato, and mozzarella; Spinach, Mushroom, and Cheddar; Pepper, Onion, and Cheddar… Be creative!  You could also add Bacon or Sausage crumbles or omit cheese… the options are endless.

Tip: run a knife or icing spatula around the edge of each muffin tin while they are hot to loosen the muffin from the sides of your tray.  This will help you pop them out easier.  Or try one of these fancy silicone trays… I’m betting they would make life A LOT easier:

 

 

Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie

I have to give the credit for this recipe to my fabulous husband who loves smoothies.  I started making these because I was obsessed with the Peanut Butter Banana Milkshake from Cookout.  This is my healthy alternative and allows me my favorite milkshake for breakfast… or lunch!

INGREDIENTS (Serves 1)

• • 1.5 cups Almond Milk (link to my favorite below)
  • About 7 Ice Cubes
  • 1 Banana
  • 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (link to my favorite below)
  • I Scoop PB Fit (link below)

1. Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth!

 

(My blender, linked below, has a preset for smoothies. It pulses and times it out to give you the perfect consistency every time)

 

 

Perfect Bars 

This is about as lazy as it gets, but lucky for us, lazy can taste REALLY good.  My friends and I all share an obsession with Perfect Bars and you will often find them in our bags in case we get hungry mid-workout.  My favorite flavors are chocolate crisp, any of the peanut butter varieties, and blueberry cashew.  I often grab these on the mornings my daughter goes to daycare.  Those are the days that I realize I haven’t eaten as I’m walking out the door.  I’ll throw one of these in my bag and eat in the carpool line!  Oh and did I mention they have a ton of good stuff in them?  They taste good AND are good for you.  Can’t get better than that!!

 

Kodiak Pancakes

My family LOVES these!! If you have yet to try them, click on the link below and order some.  You will not be disappointed.  We make a big batch on Sunday mornings and then leave the leftovers in the fridge to warm up for a quick breakfast in the morning.  Ok, I should be honest, my husband makes them and I just reheat them during the week (Thanks, babe!) We like to throw in blueberries, walnuts, chocolate chips, or other add-ins to keep them fun. High Protein and still SO good!  They come in several flavors too.  Try them all!

Remember to find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest and tell me if you tried any of these!! Would love to connect and hear your thoughts.

As Always, Stay Healthy as Heck! KH