If you are trying to get healthier, stronger and more Badass, nothing gets your day started off right like a great breakfast.
I am always looking for new recipes and treats, because as much as I love my oatmeal, it can get boring after awhile. And oatmeal isn't all that portable, so on mornings when I am rushing out to the gym or when I need a post-workout snack to refuel, it's nice having something to grab and go.
I found these first two recipes in a recent Oxygen magazine. The third, for the smoothie, I made up myself.
The no-bake protein bars are great because you can make them well in advance and just keep them in the freezer for whenever you want. They can be breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or even dessert when you crave something sweet but don't want to give in to the Snickers bars!
The parfait has everything I love: creaminess, fruitiness, a little bit of crunch, and lots of satisfying, muscle-building protein. It, too, could be a light lunch or a special dessert treat. And the smoothie? Well, it's a lot better for you than a milkshake, it tastes great, and you can pour it into a to-go tumbler and head out the door.
Happy eating!
Creamy Fruit Parfait
- 8 oz. Greek plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup uncooked, fast-cooking oatmeal
- 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseeds
- 1/2 cup assorted berries of your choice
Layer it all together, starting with half of the yogurt, half of the oats, half of the flaxseeds and half of the berries. Repeat using the remaining ingredients. 290 calories, 6 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbs, 6 grams of sugar and 27 grams of protein. 100 percent delicious!
No-Bake Protein Bars
- 2 cups of uncooked, fast-cooking oatmeal
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 4 scoops of protein powder (I used Muscle Milk Light, chocolate. Vanilla or Banana would work, too)
- 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseeds
- 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
In a large bowl, knead all the ingredients together with your hands until it forms a dough. Line a square 8-inch pan with wax paper and press the dough into it using your fingers. If desired, spread a thin layer of the peanut or almond butter on top. Freeze for 30 minutes. Remove and cut into 8 squares. Wrap individually, and refreeze or store in the refrigerator. 215 calories each, 9 grams of fat, 21 carbs, 14 grams of protein.
Shannon's Sweet-Ass Smoothie
- 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate almond milk
- 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseeds
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1/2 cup berries or 1/2 banana
- Ice cubes
Beat all ingredients together in a blender, using enough ice cubes to make it frothy but smooth. Pour into a tumbler and go! This makes 1 serving. About 250 calories.
Coming up: Meet Badass Bertsch, a real-life fitness inspiration.
