My day starts off pretty much the same each morning when I take the dogs for a walk. The neighbors have become accustomed to seeing me roam the streets in my pajamas, as the sun begins to rise. Feeling the cool air on my face and getting the blood flowing is the perfect way to start my day.
Breakfast, that important first meal of the day, is not something I have always enjoyed. The combination of limited time and no appetite meant that breakfast was something I could skip. I was one of those grab and go coffee kind of moms. I imagine you can probably relate to this. It wasn’t until the last few years that I began to really listen to all of the doctors, weight loss and nutrition experts who tout breakfast as the most important meal of the day. By mid to late morning I was already feeling sluggish and tired, meaning it was time to make a change in my habits. That second cup of coffee at the office was no longer cutting it.
I still have little appetite and limited time in the morning, but have found some quick healthy breakfast options that seem to do the job of giving me the fuel I need to get through the morning. A bowl of Quaker Instant Oatmeal has become part of my morning routine. This small change in my routine has been a real win for me, providing a healthier and happier day. I still have that cup or two of coffee in the morning, but hey a girl’s got to start somewhere.
A couple of years ago I came across a recipe for oatmeal breakfast cookies and just had to try it. The idea of eating cookies for breakfast was sure to encourage the entire family to eat in the morning. I have probably become a bit obsessed with healthy grab and go foods like these breakfast cookies. I love to whip up a batch of these hearty cookies on the weekend, so we can enjoy them all week long. It’s a recipe that can easily be changed up according to what you have in the pantry.
Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Ingredients:
2 bananas (mashed) or 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup applesauce
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup wheat germ or ground flax-seed
2 cups Quaker Quick-Cooking Oats
1 cup raisins, dried fruit, or chocolate chips
Directions:
With an electric mixer, combine peanut butter and applesauce. Beat in brown sugar, egg and vanilla. Stir in bananas, baking soda and salt.
Add flour and wheat germ, mix until combined. Stir in oatmeal and raisins.
Drop ¼ cup dollops of batter onto ungreased cookie sheet. Press down slightly to flatten into rounds.
Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until browned. Let stand for a few minutes, then move cookies to a wire rack to cool.
Eating a quick healthy breakfast is one small way that I am bettering my health. It’s truly amazing to me that this small change has given me more energy and better focus. It has even helped me to eat less throughout the entire day.
What small wins can you accomplish as part of your morning routine to help start your day right?
The benefits of a warm, filling bowl of oatmeal can keep you going all morning long. Energy. Fiber. Heart Health. Quaker Oatmeal. A super grain breakfast.
How would you like to join a discussion and share your thoughts on what morning small wins will help contribute to a successful future? Just for joining the discussion you’ll be entered into the “Small Wins, Big Rewards” Sweepstakes sponsored by Glam! You’ll have a chance to win one of 3 random $50 Amazon Gift Cards, to purchase anything from your favorite Quaker Oatmeal products to exercise clothing to help you get off to a perfect start. You will also be entered to win the Grand Prize: a $1000 Amazon Gift Card!
Please join this great discussion here at 4PM PST on Thursday, February 23rd!
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Quaker via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Quaker.