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Food: Easy, portable breakfasts

Posted Monday, October 6, 2008

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(ARA) - After eight hours of sleep, our bodies feel refreshed, but dehydration and low sugar levels from hours of not eating can leave us dragging. That's why eating breakfast is such an important part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Even if your mornings are rushed, there are easy ways to make sure you get your breakfast and enjoy it.

Here are some economical ideas you can prepare quickly and eat on the go:

Shake up your morning.

A morning shake is a highly customizable way to get great nutrition in a compact, portable way. Choose your favorite fruits, yogurts, milk and juices and mix in a blender. Did you know frozen fruit offers virtually the same healthy benefits as fresh versions? Buying frozen bags of strawberries or peaches often costs less too. Separate appropriate fruit portions into baggies and freeze. In the morning, pull out the baggie and simply toss the fruit in the blender with some milk or juice for quick preparation. Your morning commute never tasted so good.

Good muffin to you.

Muffins are a great option because they are pre-made so there's no morning prep. But make sure you don't get one of those gigantic fat-filled options from the local coffee house. Healthier options are available at grocery stores from Weight Watchers that are both sensible and delicious. Flavors include Caramel Apple, Berries and Cream, Blueberry and Double Chocolate. Each is individually wrapped and is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C. Toss it in your purse to eat on your way to work and get your day started right.

Rise and spread
the morning cheer.

Many delicious spreads come in low-fat or low-calorie versions that are tasty and satisfying. In the morning, try toasting a bagel and topping with peanut butter or Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Cream Cheese, which come in conveniently portable 1-ounce cups. Bagels may be more convenient because they produce fewer crumbs. Top with sliced applies, bananas, raisins or berries for a breakfast full of flavor and nutrition.

Tortillas: the perfect portable package.

If you don't have time to fry up some eggs and toppings, you can still use soft tortillas as the perfect portable container for your favorite breakfast items. For those who love veggies, try spreading hummus on the tortilla and add cut up peppers. Fold up and go for a quick, easy breakfast you can nibble on in the car or at your desk.

Mix it up with breakfast trail mix.

Try making a batch of breakfast trail mix and have it ready for the entire week. What is breakfast trail mix? It's your favorite dry goods mixed together for a yummy morning treat. Low-fat granola, healthy nuts and bran cereal are all good bases. Add any type of dried fruit and other favorites like yogurt bites or a sprinkle of chocolate chips and you have a mix that will wake you up the right way.

Dairy up in the morning.

Dairy can be a great way to satisfy your morning hunger and keep you satisfied until lunch. And the good news is dairy doesn't have to be high in fat. Toss a prepackaged low fat string cheese into your bag along with a delicious Weight Watchers yogurt and you have the perfect breakfast on the go.

So stop the excuses and start enjoying healthy, affordable and portable breakfasts. For more information and ideas for starting your day off right, visit www.WeightWatchers.com.

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