Start day right with breakfast of champions
I am a breakfast addict. Honestly, I could eat breakfast for lunch and dinner! It’s the first meal of the day, and I’m a true believer that if you get this right, it’ll make you feel amazing, put a spring in your step and set you up properly for a great day ahead.
As a fitness professional, people often ask me what do I eat for breakfast?
I know it can be one of those meals that often gets neglected as you’re busy rushing around in the morning trying to do a multitude of other things.
I am just the same. From the moment I wake up I’m on the go with running my fitness business. So while I would love to carefully cook up a gourmet storm, I’m realistic that at this time of day, it’s just not going to happen.
Similarly, grabbing a sugary processed snack bar, even one of those that is touted as ‘healthy’, is less than ideal. Although they’ll give you an initial jolt of energy, they’re also likely to leave you feeling ravenous about half-an-hour later.
Combat the chaos
To minimise the stress of producing something nutritious and tasty first thing, I make overnight oats the evening before, and I can honestly say this breakfast is a game changer.
When you’re surrounded by morning chaos, there is nothing more satisfying than opening the fridge and finding a big bowl of goodness all ready and waiting for you.
This dish is packed with lots of nutrient-dense foods, is low in sugar, high in fibre and has an excellent balance of protein, carbohydrates and fat so your energy levels will stay balanced, and you’ll feel full throughout the morning. It really is the breakfast of champions.
What I love most about overnight oats, is you can get creative with what you add into the mix; why not try adding some fruit, nuts, seeds, nut butters, dark chocolate chips, yoghurt or toasted coconut? The list of combinations and flavours is endless — perfect if you like variety and get bored with eating the same old thing.
The other day, I decided to turn my breakfast green! I know, sounds a little weird, but in case you hadn’t guessed I like to experiment in the kitchen.
So how do you make overnight oats and what exactly was in my ‘green monster’ creation? Here’s the recipe so you too can give it a go.
Recipe for success
• third of a cup of oats
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (or flaxseeds)
• 1 tbsp super greens powder
• ½ scoop vanilla protein powder — I use an organic vegan blend
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• Large sprinkling of cinnamon
• Served with ½cup fresh papaya
Chuck all the dry ingredients in a bowl or mason jar the evening before breakfast, pour over the almond milk, mix it up thoroughly, cover and place in the fridge over night. Serve with papaya in the morning.
So forget boring sugar-laden cereals and burnt toast, I challenge you to get creative and make your own concoction of overnight oats and make a breakfast that Rocky would be proud of.
• Becky Wright is a qualified personal trainer, nutritional therapist and international bikini fitness champion. She has worked with clients worldwide, including royalty. Contact her at www.inspirefitnessretreats.com or becky@inspirefitnesscoaching.com