5 ways to eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up

Too many athletes make one of the worst fueling mistakes: skipping breakfast. From lack of time to lack of hunger, there is no lack of excuses out there for why breakfast doesn't happen. However, eating breakfast really IS important. In fact, eating within 30 minutes of getting up is needed to get your body re-energized and re-hydrated after fasting and dehydrating overnight. You can't drive your car anywhere without gas, so don't ask your body to go anywhere without fuel! For those of you who don't know how to make breakfast happen, here are 5 ideas, depending on your morning style.

The pre-planner
From your lunch to your clothing, you set up everything needed before you go to bed the night before. Why not do the same with breakfast? Here are a couple of options:
-Overnight oats: A Pinterest favorite, first grab a mason jar or a good ole tupperware. Combine 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats (not quick or steel), 1/3 cup non-fat milk or soy milk, 1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup diced fresh fruit of choice, 1 tsp sweetener of choice (if desired) and any extras you like such as chia seeds, ground flaxseed, coconut flakes, etc. Mix, place lid on jar and leave in refrigerator overnight. In the morning, grab the container and a spoon and head on out!
-Breakfast at the table: Who says you can't set the table the night before? Here is an easy option: grab a bowl and fill with bran flakes, nut of choice and dried fruit of choice. Set on table. Grab a piece of fruit and set next to bowl. In the morning, all you have to do is add milk or Greek yogurt to your cereal and munch on!


The early riser
You savor those wee hours of the morning when it's just you, the sun and your breakfast. You like the idea of taking your time and truly enjoying your meal. Here are a few great options for you:
-2 eggs scrambled with veggies combined with freshly sliced avocado in a whole wheat wrap. Pair with fresh berries and a tall glass of non-fat milk or soy milk
-Steel cut oats mixed with cinnamon, raisins and walnuts. Pair with a small bowl of nonfat Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. Serve with a small glass of 100% orange juice

The sleeper-inner
You don't like to pre-plan. You don't like to get up early. You just like to sleep. You need something as fast as possible. Here are two options:
-Clif Bar + 1 tube of Greek yogurt + 1 piece fruit
-Pre-made packet of fruit and nut trail mix + 2 oz turkey jerky + 1 piece fruit

The anti-breakfast foodie
The idea of eggs, bagels and juice turns your stomach. If you could, you would eat dinner for every meal. So here are a few options for you:
-3 oz lean meat + brown rice + veggies all mixed together in a bowl
-1 medium sweet potato + 3 oz skinless chicken breast + 1 piece fruit

The liquid enthusiast
You struggle eating in the morning because it just feels too early. Liquids are your preference. Throw anything in a blender and you will drink it. Here is a great morning smoothie recipe just for you:

Berry Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Makes 3 Smoothies

2 cups fresh baby spinach (you won't taste it)

½ avocado

1 ripe banana

2 2/3 cups berries (variety)

1 cup plain, low-fat Greek Yogurt or silken tofu

Optional: ~ 1 inch fresh ginger

1.  Combine all ingredients in blender; enjoy!

Be Extraordinary,

RDKate