I’ve received so much support from airing my weight-loss journey with you, our viewers, in the fall that I thought it was time to write it down, as a way to continue to motivate myself and help encourage anyone who may be on the same path.
Losing weight isn’t easy, that’s for sure. It takes dedication and discipline. Our weight goes up, then it goes down depending what we eat – don’t let that upset you. It’s part of the journey and if you work hard you’ll see results. The more weight you lose, the harder it is to keep losing – I feel like that’s where I am now. After being at this for two years, being down 75lbs, I’m at point where food is extremely important to help me reach my goal weight of losing 100lbs total.
So this is where we are, my first ‘Meal Prep Monday’ segment aired March 20. I hope you enjoy it, my former personal trainer, Anna Townsend and I put together some delicious (and easy) breakfast ideas that are ideal for anyone. If you’re a busy bee, like me, you’ll find these breakfast foods will give you the energy to get through the morning, won’t break the bank, and are simple to prepare the night before. I never cook my breakfast in the morning during the work week. So, if I can do it, so can you!
First up – overnight oats
Take a mason jar, or any small-medium sized container, and fill it with half a cup of oats. Add water, almond milk, or milk - your preference! Then, if you want some extra protein to kick-off your day, take a scoop of your favourite protein powder and add it in there too! After that, pick whatever fruits you have lying around and throw them in the mix. I enjoy blueberries, bananas, apples – but really it’s all about personal preference. If you like flax seeds, add that, or hemp seeds, add that. We each have our own personal health goals, do what's best for you. Once everything is mixed up with a spoon, put on the lid and let it sit in the fridge overnight, come morning the meal will have settled and it’s ready to be devoured!
Second option – yogurt parfait
This isn’t much different than your first option. Start off with yogurt – I prefer zero-fat Greek yogurt that’s full of protein. About ¾ cup is all you need. If you don’t like Greek yogurt, make sure the kind you choose has a low amount of sugar. From the yogurt, pick your favourite fruit, or fruit mix – many grocery stores have lots of options when it comes to frozen fruit packages. The choices are unlimited – as I mentioned earlier, I enjoy berries, so that’s typically what I go with. From that – add a tablespoon or two of oats on top of your parfait. Sometimes I add honey to sweeten up the Greek yogurt taste. Toss it in your fridge, and there you have it – another breakfast ready to go!
Third option – homemade breakfast sandwich
If you’re busy the night before, this is your go-to meal. You can have this ready within minutes, or you can spend a little more time on it and really dress it up with a lot of nutrients. Toast a whole wheat English muffin, fry up an egg with coconut oil, and choose your favorite veggies (i.e. avocado, spinach, tomatoes) and voila! You didn’t even have to go through the drive-thru for this delicious, or should I say ‘egg-cellent’ breakfast option. I’ll store mine in the fridge overnight, and it’s still full of flavour in the morning.
I hope this helps – because it sure has helped me. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – for yourself, and your family. So start the day off right and you’ll have more energy. I’d like to invite you to send me some of your healthy breakfast ideas. I’m always looking to spice-up my recipe book and give some new ideas a try.
Have a wonderful week, and always remember, while it’s important to stay on top of your game to feel your best, it’s always important to treat yourself once a week too.
Next week I’m going to share simple and healthy lunch ideas.
Work hard, and enjoy.
Suzette :)
