Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Breakfast Like a King


Recently, many people have commented on how big my breakfasts are.  A few co-workers of mine who recently started reading couldn't believe that I eat 3-4 different kinds of fruits just for breakfast.  I think most people are so use to just grabbing a quick bowl of cereal and milk or even a granola bar and coffee in the morning, that the idea of spending 20 min on a big and filling breakfast is not something that phases them. 

There are many reasons why I devote so much passion and energy into my breakfast bowls.  

One.  I run every single morning and I burn a lot of calories doing this.  I'm not trying to loose weight; therefore, in order to replenish what I just burnt off, I need to fill up significantly in order to satisfy myself for at least 4-5 hours. 

Two. I am a complete advocate of the eating philosophy "Eat Breakfast Like a King, Lunch Like a Prince and Dinner Like a Pauper." I choose to make breakfast my "larger" meal of the day and incorporate every food group to gain optimum nutrients. Our bodies work the best in the morning and our metabolisms are going strong during this time because we spend all day exerting energy.  If I'm not eating enough at the start, I know for a fact that I won't have enough energy to get me through. I do keep my other two meals healthy and balanced, but they are not as voluminous as breakfast. 

Three.  Breakfast is hands down, my FAVORITE meal of the day.  I look forward to it the most; thus, I will ensure that I am completely satisfied and left entirely fulfilled. 

So, with that said, let's take a look at this morning's bowl….


One of my favorites….


1/4 Cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch, a few Kashi Harvest Nugets, 1 small pear, a few HUGE blackberries (homegrown), 2 TBL TJ's Honey Yogurt, 1 tsp Cinnamon Raisin PB, 2 TBL Granola

It may look big, but in reality, the portions are small.  I love having several different flavors into one bowl, therefore I like little bits of everything. 


More fruit!  1/2 Grapefruit and the last of the berries I had to eat. 

Delicious!  And this kept me full for 5 hours.  Literally, I don't even think about food again until lunch time because my breakfasts do such a fantastic job and keeping me full and nourished. 

When it was time to think about lunch, I still wasn't extremely hungry, so I opted for a lighter meal.

Starting off with a small smoothie (probably 4 oz worth or so)…..


Frozen Peach, Strawberries and Spinach with Pom Juice and 1tsp of Hemp Protein

And a small salad…..

Romaine, Cabbage, Cucumber, Avocado, Nectarine, Raspberries, Dried Cherries, Walnuts and FF feta

And a Banana Zucchini Muffin smeared with just a touch of TJ's roasted Almond Butter with Flax….


So many different textures and flavors going on here, I loved it! 



The rest of work went by quickly and I even had some very good news delivered to me towards the end of the day (I'll have to fill you in later though). 

When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised to run into Toly!!  He had been away on a business trip (I don't like to advertise when he is gone) and he came home a little early.  

We took a walk to catch up on the past few days and then I started dinner. 

I wanted to keep it simple tonight.  We don't have much of a selection since I didn't go to the store this week, so I thought some grilled dogs sounded good. 

Unfortunately, as soon as we lit the grill, a storm passed through and the grilling was out.  But since I already had everything out, I went with it anyways. 

1/2 Grilled 1/2 Baked Zucchini




TJ's Organic Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Sausage with sautéed bell peppers and spinach on WW Arnold's Sandwich Thin Bun


I also made a tomato cucumber salad, all with fresh picked veggies from the garden.


Dinner turned out great, despite the failed grilled attempt. 

I am so excited because tomorrow morning, Toly and I are leaving for a little vacation.  We planned a trip to Atlantic City, the beach, and Philly to see a game. It's going to be so nice to just get away for a few days, enjoy some sun, sand, and relaxation.  Things have been a little crazy so a change of scenery is just what I need! 

What is your favorite meal of the day? Mine is obviously breakfast!

Enjoy your night! 






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14 comments:

  1. I'm definitely a fellow breakfast lover!

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  2. I love breakfast just because I always eat my favorite food (cereal) but I'm never very hungry for it! I think lunch is my favorite because I'm usually really hungry and I have plenty of time to figure out what I want. Plus, it's my post-workout meal, and there's something extra satisfying about eating after tough exercise! Hope you have a great night!

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  3. Hmm that's hard! I love all meals! Haha. But I guess breakfast is my absolute favorite also!! Have a great vacation girl!

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  4. My FIL is a doctor and follows that exact philosophy! I think your breakfasts always look incredible- healthy an delicious (the ideal combo). Glad you got good news (can't wait to hear more) and enjoy your trip with the man (i don't advertise when Josh isn't here either!!).

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  5. I think your breakfasts always look great...I'm always a little jealous of how creative they are! My favorite meal would have to be dinner...I love coming home from work and sitting down to a great family meal! Have a GREAT time on your vacation!

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  6. i love bfast foods, but i most look forward to a nice hearty dinner. big fan of breakfast for dinner!!!

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  7. I need to become a better breakfast eater. I have turned into a night owl, and I find myself eating way too much at night and not enough in the morning. Your posts are inspiring me though!

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  8. I think you and I are breakfast twins :) It's my favorite meal of the day and I would give up any of my other meals to have another breakfast!

    I used to not eat much for breakfast when I was younger, but once I started having good, balanced, filling breakfasts, I have to have it to get through the day.

    Enjoy the first morning of "vacation"!!!

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  9. I love breakfast :)

    Don't let other people tell you how to eat. Eat what your body needs to run itself the best that it can.

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  10. Awww, Lauren!
    I love breakfast too (even though I´m kinda scared to eat too many delicious items in the morning... Yeah, I´m weird)!
    But, girlie... I don´t think you eat so much!
    It´s like Matt said - don´t let people tell you how you eat! You´re NOT trying to loose weight, right? And you run! So, what´s the matter?
    :)
    Love you girl! Have a wonderful Thursday!
    Brazilian XOXO´s,
    Gabriela

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  11. i am TOTALLY with you on breakfast being the largest meal of the day - then dwindling the size of meals as the day goes along. i find i feel best that way, and i never wake up the next morning feeling like crap because i had a ridiculously huge dinner the night before.

    LOTS of love to you girl - mwah!

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  12. Breakfast for me too! Our breakfast philosophies are very similar. :)

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  13. I love all meals! It's hard for me to pick! I may say dinner since it's when I feel most creative and inspired.

    Love Body Pump! The one thing I miss from the gym!

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  14. Gosh! I had a lot of catching up to do. I haven't had much time to read blogs these days :( It's made me sad actually. I know this is going to sound cheesy and over-dramatic but when I was looking at your post with you and your family I got a teary smile. You are always a breath of fresh air. I've been thinking about you a lot lately and especially taking the time to admire your courage. I remember when you first started to find out about your digestive issues, and that you are doing what it takes to get better. The other day.. over months of observations, putting the pieces of the puzzle together, and lots of research--I've had an awakening of sorts. Lol there's so much to write about, but I'll spare you.. for right now :p

    I always love your breakfasts by the way. Whenever I have a medley of fruits I think of you. I've been trying to have a variety every morning :D So you know what means! I think of you everyday hehehe. Oh and breakfast is definitely my favorite meal as well.

    XOXO

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