What I Eat For Breakfast

by: Manny Aragon

 

I live a very active lifestyle. Most days I’m up early, running, biking, or swimming before I come home to wake my kids up, and make breakfast and lunch for everyone. It usually takes my body about an hour to cool down from intense exercise and I use that time to prep the family for the day.

Its also a good time for me to give my body the nutrients it needs to break my fast ( I exercise in the am fasted to boost my fat burning metabolic capability) as well as replenish my body from the intense bout of exercise. I usually try to eat within 20-30 min of finishing my training as that is when the body is most receptive to using food to rebuild the tissues I have broken down during my training session.

In the past, I have relied on a these basic breakfasts – all with good results.

1) Protein shake immediately after exercise (whey protein, greens, and coconut milk) then power oatmeal ( organic steel cut oats, with protein powder and flax meal added to balance the carb load, spoonful of coconut oil for healthy fats, julienned or slivered almonds and coconut or almond milk for desired consistency.

This one carries me pretty well- I may add a bit of RAW Canadian (Premier Research harvests a wonderful Canadian loam) or Local honey for added nutrients (this stuff is expensive but real raw honey is a superfood).

I am currently eating grains sparingly (occasional oats in the am when in heavy training) as grains tend to bloat and inflame my system. This one, if I eat it occasionally seems to work well.

2) Eggs, avocado, and bacon. This one is as good as it sounds. Eggs sunnyside or scrambled- sunnyside preserves the protein integrity of the yolk better but either one will work. ( I might add a little fruit on the side in the summer or again during heavy training periods for additional carb intake).

3) Something new for a change…

Here’s one that I started recently with good results:

In a blender: Coconut or Almond Milk,  1 large bunch of spinach, blend until liquid. Then add 1 sliced zucchini, blend. Add 1 banana, blend.  Add 1-2 tablespoons organic almond butter, blend. Add unsweetened protein powder with 15-20g protein ( I use either Standard Process Whey Pro or Premier Research Whey Peptein- both are high quality), blend. Add 2 tablespoons of flax meal (either grind your own or buy pre ground in an opaque bag and keep in the freezer to retard spoiling), blend. After this you can either drink it or add ice and blend for a frosty treat.

This is a pretty well balanced meal (prot/carbs/fiber) and a hearty one as well.

The cool thing is, the flavor is one of almond butter and banana and my kids will drink it despite its intense green color.

Green is good for many things- lots of chlorophyll to boost oxygen carrying capability of the blood, high anti-oxidant levels, and live enzymes from the fresh veggies.

You can substitute your favorite greens and other ingredients provided you keep the protein/carb/fiber content somewhat similar- to get similar results.

This drink is best enjoyed right after blending as the enzymatic activity and anti-oxidant and nutrient activity is at its highest and will degrade with time.

I use it to break my fast as well as replenish my body after a bout of intense exercise.

All of these breakfasts will provide your body with ample nutrition and balance of nutrients so that you are satiated for hours. No mid morning snack needed when you use these breakfasts.

Try em out!