Smart Fuel

If you’re sick of cereal, or simply want to follow a healthy diet that is low in sugar and refined grains, you’re in the right place. There are plenty of alternatives to, well, the alternative: eggs, eggs and more eggs.

1. Blueberries ‘n Cream

Why pour processed, sugary low-fat milk over dry little grain flakes when you can pour luscious cream over blueberries bursting with antioxidants and flavor? We think cereal is kind of sad (and the stuff they do to make low-fat milk is pretty unappealing). You’ll love blueberries ‘n cream if you’re getting tired of eggs for breakfast. This high-fiber treat also provides some fat (great for those sensitive morning tummies). Toss in other fruit like strawberries for additional variety.

The Pack Flickr Photo

Prep Tips:

Buy frozen blueberries – they’re inexpensive and actually work better for many recipes, including this one.

Thaw a cup of blueberries overnight in the fridge or pop them into the microwave for about 30 seconds. They’ll be cold, like cereal, but not frozen – who wants a brain freeze at 7 a.m.? Drain them carefully.

Pour about 1 ounce of cream over the fruit – not too much. Cream, while high in nutrients and fat, is also high in calories. We recommend raw or organic cream, of course!

Garnish with a little cinnamon, nutmeg or a few drops of vanilla extract for a delicious breakfast that provides more fiber than cereal, fewer carbs, and just tastes amazing! Be sure to brush your teeth afterwards, or everyone will think you’ve been nursing a blue popsicle addiction.

2. Plain Yogurt Parfait

Look for Greek, Mediterranean or “European style” yogurt. It’s so rich, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to cream cheese heaven. What can we say? We love fat around these here parts. European yogurt has less of the stuff you don’t want (chemicals, additives, sugars) and more of the stuff you do want (rich texture, flavor, and nutrients). Be sure to get the plain, unsweetened kind.

Shutterberry Flickrstream Photo

Prep Tips:

You’ll want to eat just a few tablespoons of this yummy stuff, as it’s really filling. Boost the fat and protein with some fiber by adding a half-cup of any fresh or frozen fruit of your choice.

We like frozen mango chunks (thawed) and fresh raspberries. Elliott and Sara both keep their freezers stocked with all kinds of delicious frozen fruits, so it’s easy to make a healthy breakfast even when you’re in a rush.

Next step: toss a handful of unsalted, high-quality nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, filberts, or walnuts into the mix. This little protein boost will also provide you with a great Omega-3 fatty counterpoint to the saturated fat in the yogurt. And evidence increasingly suggests that it’s the balance of saturated to unsaturated fat that is so important to good health and longevity.

You can go all out and make a true parfait if you want, by layering in a glass cup or dish. But if you don’t have that kind of time in the morning (who does?), simply scoop all the ingredients into your favorite mug or bowl and enjoy!

Need extra calories in the morning? Drizzle your parfait with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of almond or walnut oil for a natural source of carbs and an extra boost of good fat.

3. Tomatoes ‘n Mozzarella

The beloved caprese salad – tomato slices, fresh mozzarella slices, and fresh basil leaves – also makes a really great breakfast.

SpeedM Flickr Photo

Prep Tips:

We suggest leaving out the leaves, as basil can be a little bracing first thing in the morning.

Simply slice up your favorite tomatoes, place slices of fresh mozzarella on top, and garnish with a little olive oil and coarse salt.

Note: since tomatoes aren’t too hot this time of year, you can substitute with avocado or bell pepper slices.

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