In efforts to make the transition back to work as painless as possible, we are doing several breakfast meal prep articles this week. Check out our other articles here and here for more ideas. Today we are focusing on cold and refreshing breakfasts. It is getting so hot and muggy outside that the idea of eating anything warm for breakfast is just so unappealing to me right now. Every morning I am craving berries and fruit and maybe a little vanilla and honey flavors, so we have put together three different recipes that combine these flavors. Though some of these recipes are more involved and all require refrigeration, they all will last the entire work week making your breakfast meal prep fairly painless and will be able to achieve in one afternoon.
Overnight Quinoa with Fruit
First up is overnight quinoa. Although I am calling this overnight, it is not like overnight oats that require no cooking. Quinoa needs to be cooked through. But it can be eaten hot or cold and is stored great in the fridge for about 4 days. Quinoa is packed with nutrients, fiber and protein making it a great fill in for oats. It is also a very neutral flavor profile which makes it easy to make it sweet or savory.
Ingredients
Makes 4
1.5 cups of quinoa
2.5 cups of water mixed with protein or milk/milk alternative
Cinnamon to taste
Sweetener of choice to taste
5 Tablespoons of nuts
Stovetop: Combine ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes
Instant Pot: Combine ingredients and set to high pressure for 1 minute and allow pressure to release naturally
Rice Cooker: Combine ingredients and set to white rice
Divide the cooked quinoa into 4 jars and store in the fridge. On the day of eating it, add ½ cup to 1 cup of your favorite fruit. My favorite is taking a banana with it to go but you can also use mixed berries (frozen or fresh), mango or any fruit you have on hand
Overnight Oats Peanut Butter and Banana
Traditional overnight oats are always a great staple. While I personally am not a fan of cold oats, these can be heated up or enjoyed cold. The peanut butter and banana make these oats an extra indulgent treat and will keep you fueled long into the afternoon.
Ingredients
4 cups of rolled or steel cut oats
4 tbsp of peanut butter
1 tsp of vanilla
4 cups of water, milk or milk alternative
Mix all the ingredients into a bowl and divide between your jars or divide between 4 jars as you go, it seems we all are significantly better at only one of these methods so if one isn't working for you, try the other. Give each jar a shake and place in the fridge. When you are ready to eat the oatmeal be sure to pack a banana with you to slice into the jar, or eat alongside.
Yogurt Parfaits
I am sure we all have grabbed one of these in the airport impulse section or at Starbucks on the way to work. I am also sure that all of us were disappointed in either the price or the amount of sugar in the parfait. While parfaits can be a healthy choice when done with quality ingredients, often the prepacked ones end up leaving us with way too much sugar for the meal. Beat the price and the sugar by making yogurt parfaits at home. They are deceptively easy and much more affordable than their impulse counterpart.
Ingredients
Makes 5
5 Cups of greek yogurt (I recommend plain with vanilla extract added but whatever flavor you like)
1 package of frozen mixed berries or a pint each of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, chopped
3 cups of cereal (granola, muesli, cornflakes whatever you like but be sure to watch your fat and sugar content here!)
1 cup of mixed nuts (optional)
2 tsp Vanilla extract
Sweetener of choice to taste (optional)
Mix your yogurt with the vanilla and sweetener if you are using it. Next, take your 5 jars and start layering yogurt, fruit, yogurt, cereal till you reach the top. Screw the lids on and that is it, you're done! Super easy.
What is your favorite to-go breakfast? Reach out to us at info@bullionite.com with your comments or questions!