The problem with breakfast is that its preparation often gets lumped in with personal preparation, and while it is acceptable to show up to work sans nutrition, coming in without pants does not fly. Therefore when it comes to preparing everything that needs to get prepared in the morning, breakfast often gets the short end of the spoon. Another problem is that most easy morning meals are high in sugar, while lacking protein and fiber. Easy to grab culprits such as muffins, bagels and many cereals fall into this category. With most carbolishious options you will spend lots of time masticating and getting crumbs on your nicely pressed shirt and then still be hungry again by 9:30.

One good way to avoid breakfast skippery is by doing most of the prep work the week before. There is nothing more satisfying then preparing to retire on a Sunday night and stopping by the refrigerator to check on your ready to go breakfast bundles. Having your AM nutrition plans taken care of in advance is one less thing to worry about as the week spirals and jumps and generally makes a mockery of your plans. If only we could pre-brush our teeth!

Another good way to make sure you eat breakfast is to make sure it is delicious. The thought of the treat that awaits you should help get you out of your snug bed in the morning and on your way to world domination.  One thing that always gets me out of bed is a croissant. I love croissants as much as my grandmother wishes I loved Jesus. In my option they are soft, buttery, little crab-shaped slices of heaven. Problem is they have always been made with very refined white floor which isn’t good for blood sugar levels or intestinal happiness. Humankind has recently taken a very large leap forward with the mass production and distribution of whole wheat croissants. I’m quite certain curing cancer will be next, as we are clearly on a roll.

Heather’s Wonderful Breakfast Bundles

What you need:

Aluminum foil

Tupperware container or Ziplock bag

A bag of whole wheat croissants (they have these at Whole Foods and other health oriented grocery stores)

Pre-sliced cheese (low-fat if you are watching your calorie intake)

Thin sliced low-fat turkey, ham or protein of your choice

A couple of tomatoes

What you do:

Slice the croissants in half length-wise. Layer the bottom half with cheese and meat to your specifications. Put the top back on the croissants and wrap them securely in squares of aluminum foil.  Finally slice the tomatoes and put them in the container or bag. Put everything in the fridge and go brush your teeth. You are ready for the week.

Upon waking pre-heat your oven to 375. Fifteen to twenty minutes before you are ready to eat or take your breakie to-go, toss a foil wrapped package inside.  Cooking times will vary depending on thickness of meat and cheese as well as crispiness preferences. When it’s done to your liking unwrap it and add the tomatoes as well as any condiments you might desire. Wrap it back up to travel or if you can’t wait eat that toasty, cheesy, serving of deliciousness right then and there. Who could blame you?

Have you ever noticed that eating healthfully can be down right onerous? Unhealthy food choices such as frozen pizza and beer are delicious, easily prepared and have nuclear winter shelf lives. On the other hand, more wholesome options, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains can go rotten, require chopping and seasoning to make them edible and often call for grueling amounts of mastication. In my option fiber is nothing but a slave driver!

Lately I have been getting around this problem with a delicious and nutritious breakfast smoothie. I simply toss a few ingredients into the blender, hit mix, then froth, then annihilate, then pulverize and wa-la…breakfast is served. Now I have no idea how I used to make time to actually gnaw on a muffin. I see my roommate eating cereal and I role my eyes. What a silly ludite! When will she learn to outsource her chewing like me?

Heather’s Yummy Breakfast Soup*Frozen Fruit (The more you throw in the less you have to chew later in the day. I get mine at Trader Joe’s)

*Protein Powder (amount depends on your needs, boys and muscle growers need more)

*Milk (I use low-fat cow, but non-fat, soy or almond work as well)

*Banana (an excellent thickening agent and will also keep you from cramping up if you have to chew later in the day)

*Dash of wheat germ (lazy person’s fiber)

*Peanut Butter (Extra protein and excellent flavor)

*Bacon (I haven’t tried this yet, but if you do please let me know how it turns out)

Add ingredients and whirl till desired consistency is achieved.**Don’t forget to at least rinse the blender and your glass right away or you will waste all the time you saved not chewing, scrubbing out the cement like smoothie residue.Happy gulping!