food as fuel

Regulating my food intake has never been one of my strengths. I remember hitting middle school and being so excited to be home alone so I could sneak snacks. My mom kept very few snacks in the house because my dad is the same way, but I would eat whatever I could find. I think I felt freedom in being able to make my own food choices, but I also just really, really like food.

Thankfully, I am able to keep these urges in check (for the most part), as I really struggle with a lot of tummy trouble and can throw myself off for days if I don't eat well. I have tried out a lot of different diets (including vegetarian, no sweets, no dairy etc...all at different times of course!), but I'm currently eating a dairy free diet (to combat stomach problems but also acne that I haven't been able to kick since middle school). I also eat very little red meat (maybe 1x month at the most...I just don't really like it), try not to eat carbs after lunch and am limiting my intake of sweets to 5 servings/week (sounds like a lot but is a HUGE deal for me. I have a giant sweet tooth.)

For the most part, these guidelines are able to combat a lot of trouble that I can get myself into. However, yesterday threw me for a loop - I went out for a surprise lunch at a local Asian restaurant with a friend and at a giant Mexican dinner at a meeting. I dragged myself to yoga at 7:00 last night feeling absolutely stuffed, uncomfortable and lethargic. I'm glad I went, but my practice felt like mostly child's pose because of how uncomfortable I felt. I need to remember these feelings the next time I feel the urge to overindulge.

One way that I try to combat cravings to overeat is through hearty breakfasts. I have always been a person who wants to eat right after I wake up - none of this "I'm not hungry in the morning" stuff for me! Here are 3 different breakfasts that I've made this week - all of which have kept me fulfilled and feeling good until lunchtime!

 Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats

I use Jen from Peanut Butter Runner's recipe for Overnight Oats as a guideline for these oats. They are filling and are fun to play around with - you can spin these in so many different ways!

 Apple Cinnamon Quinoa

I had never thought of quinoa as a breakfast option until I saw a recipe on Pinterest suggesting eating the grain cold with dried fruit. I decided to eat them hot and cut up a whole green apple and added a teaspoon of cinnamon sugar. It was tasty, but next time I'd add agave and cinnamon instead of the cinnamon sugar - I wanted a stronger flavor, and I think this would do the trick.

Breakfast Smoothie

This is my favorite go-to breakfast. Once every couple of weeks I make "smoothie bags" where I do all of the prep work these smoothies ahead of time and throw them in the freezer. I buy whatever is on sale, but typically the smoothies are blackberries, strawberries and bananas. I cut up everything into small chunks and put them in single serving baggies, so when I'm ready I just grab a bag and drop it into the blender. I also add almond milk and some kind of green juice (I'm partial to Naked Green Machine). Blend it up and it's a great breakfast in 2 minutes flat!

What are your favorite filling breakfasts? Do they curb your snacking and overeating?

My favorite breakfast is a hard boiled egg...but I try to only eat them in moderation :-)