grain-free breakfasts

Can't even believe these words are coming out of my mouth:

I'm going back to work. 

{Yikes!!}

Almost nine years ago, I became a full-time mama to our 3 boys (well, one at a time :) I am so so thankful to have been able to do that. I wonder where the time has gone, how we got here so fast. Our older 2 are now in school and my li'l sidekick has been in "scribbling grade" with his teacher: "mama." I would freeze time right here if I could, often thinking these days have been such a gift.

But this opportunity came, and it seems like a good fit for us. So...starting next week, I will be taking over a morning preschool class. Jude will be in a class right across the hall, then we will still have our afternoons together. We are very excited, but it may be a bit of an adjustment. By 8.15 in the morning, I need to be out the door with 3 kids, dressed and ready to welcome a class-full of 4-5 year olds. Ok, forget adjustment, we may need a miracle :) Hence, pulling together some super-fast breakfasts we can eat. 


Breakfasts have always been my "challenge meal." The brazilians over here would much rather crusty, fresh bread over cereal for breakfast.  But man cannot live by gluten alone.  Now that we've cut out wheat, oats, and rice {a.k.a. crusty-fresh-bread, doughnuts, scones, muffins, oatmeal, pretty much any cereal except corn chex}...well, let's just say it's been a bit of a challenge.  But, one with a happy ending I now share with you! {btw, the kids still eat slices of gluten and regular cereal once in awhile, but they are happy with the below too.}

You may be able to stomach the typical American breakfast grains, but after reading this article, if you want to reconsider...
Here are our fave, fast, healthy, kid-friendly, grain-free breakfasts!!!

Piña Colada Protein Smoothie

Just one sip of this and you're basically transported to a tropical island.  It is a dream of flavors - coconut, pineapple, orange, subtle banana, and a punch of protein.  Oh man, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup canned coconut milk
1 cup frozen pineapple*
1 banana
1 scoop protein powder
*If you're not using frozen pineapple, add some ice cubes.
Blend and enjoy!  Makes 1 adult- and 3 kid-size drinks OR 2 adult-size drinks.

Energy Bars

In the past, I have made these mainly when we were taking a break from sugar {a much cheaper, homemade version of the LÄRABAR}.  Then I started keeping them in my purse for a mid-zumba boost or a morning pre-K teacher snack :)  Now they're pretty much regulars 'round here.  Pair them with a smoothie, yogurt (or, bacon!) and you have an energy-packed start to your day.

2 packages pitted dates
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup coconut
1 T. vanilla
Mix in a food processor until it starts forming into a ball.  Pat into a greased 8x10 inch pan, cut into bars.  Wrap and refrigerate until use.

Omelets

To make quick omelets, I dice up a whole onion and pepper on the weekend to use throughout the week, or throw in leftovers {like above}. We eat lots of eggs...so, I try to spice it up now and then. Here is our latest creation:

{photo by Jack}

Mini Egg Frittatas

These can be made and frozen, to then pop in the microwave or toaster oven for a super-fast breakfast.

Quinoa Breakfast Cake

Made this, and found out quinoa flakes are so very different than quinoa. After 1 hour and 1 1/2 cups of wasted quinoa, I pulled from the oven an inedible cake.  {Delicious taste, but now know that uncooked quinoa does not digest. at all.}  However, I made it again with proper ingredients, cut it into bars, wrapped in foil and froze. It is a yummy, quick breakfast to heat up and go.

Yogurt with Homemade Gluten-Free Granola

I have finally found a homemade gluten-free granola I love!!!  It costs $1 for a pound AND takes under 10 minutes to make.  But, that's a whole other post...


Until then, happy weekending!  

Cheers! to another new adventure...