Sunday, August 31, 2014

7 Quick Breakfast Ideas

I love breakfast! It’s my favorite meal, but I don’t usually get to sit down to a leisurely breakfast Monday through Friday. The morning rush seems to be a pretty typical problem for most of my patients. Here are a couple tips and tricks that will hopefully help you fit breakfast into your schedule.

Quick Breakfast Ideas

1)    Breakfast Burritos
My Texan sister-in-law recently introduced me to this delicious breakfast-on-the-go option. Many fast food restaurants offer this option on their menu, but I think a make-at-home option can be delicious, more healthy, and cheaper. Try a whole grain or spinach tortilla. Try 1 egg + 2 egg whites. Top with reduced fat cheese and vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes. Try making a couple at a time. Freeze for later. Or, wrap in foil, and you have breakfast on the go.

2)    Smoothies
Smoothies are a great on-the-go breakfast drink. You can prepare smoothie pack by washing the fruits or vegetables you want to include and putting them in zip top bags or in mason jars. Then everything is ready to blend with yogurt, milk, or your favorite non-dairy option.




Summer Sunrise Smoothie
1/2 cup orange sherbet or frozen orange juice
1 cup watermelon
1/2 cup strawberries
1/4 cup peaches

Very Berry Smoothie
6 oz vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt
¼ cup of your favorite frozen fruit (blueberry, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries)
1 banana

Crunchy Monkey Smoothie
6 oz vanilla yogurt
1 Tablespoon crunchy peanut butter or nut butter
1 banana
¼ cup ice

3)    Greek Yogurt Parfait
Greek yogurt has more protein than most other yogurts. Look for brands that have 10 grams of protein per serving and little added sugar. Add your favorite fruit or a handful of nuts for crunch, flavor, and more nutrients.



4)    Cereal
I have always been a fan of dry cereal. Cereal is a great portable breakfast or snack. Just put the amount you want in a zip top bag, and you are ready to go! Look for whole grain cereal with > 2 grams fiber per serving and little added sugar. Aim for less than or equal to 10 g sugar per serving. If your favorite cereal has dried fruit, the sugar content will be high because of the fruit, but this is different from added sugar.



5)    Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a type of cereal, but I cannot imagine trying to eat it dry. Try make-it yourself options by buying your favorite oats and adding your favorite toppings. Add your favorite fruit, nuts, spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg) or a little brown sugar, honey, molasses, or your favorite sweetener.

6) Breakfast Sandwich
Toast your favorite whole grain toast or an English muffin, add your favorite reduced fat cheese, protein of choice (egg white, scrambled egg, turkey deli meat, etc.), and even some veggies (spinach, tomatoes, pepper). That is a quick breakfast with four food groups and an endless variety of customization! 

7) Waffle
You can make your own and freeze for later or take advantage of the pre-packaged whole grain variety. Add fruit and some milk to drink and you have a colorful, quick breakfast with three food groups!


For more tips and tricks for healthy eating, follow RDtipoftheday on PinterestInstagram, and Twitter.

Friday, December 13, 2013

5 Gift Ideas under $50

It's the holiday season. So, giving is on my mind! We all have friends and family to think of, but our budgets may be different. Today, we are covering some foodie and fitness gift ideas for $50 and under. Hope you enjoy!



1) For the techy chef, here's a stand for their recipe book . . . I mean iPad. $49.95

2) For the pizza lover in your life, think about a pizza stone $49.95

3) For the baker, this is my favorite pie dish because it basically crimps the crust for you! $49.95

4) For the cook, gift them a new cook books, so they stay inspired! Check out your local bookstore for great options from baking to grilling the possibilities are almost limitless!

5) For the coffee lover, this coffee grinder grinds the a single serving of coffee for your Keurig. How cool! $49.95

For more gifting ideas, follow RDtipof the day on on InstagramPinterest, and Twitter.

P.s. I have received no compensation from any of the companies listed above. These gifts are on some of my loved ones wish lists. Hope you enjoy!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

10 Gift Ideas Under 40 Dollars

It's the holiday season. So, giving is on my mind! We all have friends and family to think of, but our budgets may be different. Today, we are covering 10 foodie gift ideas for $40 and under. Hope you enjoy!



1) Measuring cups
They are beautiful in use with the painted cups and when stored it looks like an old fashion milk bottle. At $24, it is a unique and useful gift!

2) Aprons
Red Toile Apron for $32
Striped Apron for $38
Blue and White Apron for $36
I can't decide on a favorite; they are all too cute!

3) Serving utensils in bright colors or wood and metal serving utensils for your favorite host or hostess for $36 and $38 respectively

4) A lotion and soap set for $34

5) A wooden cake stand or clear cake stand for your favorite baker for $40 and $29.95 respectively

6)  A printed baking pan for brownies or pie for $36 each

7) My favorite bakeware including: jelly roll pan for $29.95

8) 9 x 13 cake pan for $32.95

9) Muffin pan for $29.95

10) A set of glass mixing bowls will have your favorite chef looking more and more like t.v. chefs for $39.95

For more gifting ideas, follow RDtipof the day on on InstagramPinterest, and Twitter.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

10 Gift Ideas Under Twenty Dollars!

It's the holiday season. So, giving is on my mind! We all have friends and family to think of, but our budgets may be different. Yesterday, we began with gifts under $10. Today, we are covering some foodie and fitness gift ideas for under $20. Hope you enjoy!



1) A health or recipe magazine subscription

2) Gift certificate to a favorite restaurant

3) Fruit basket
You can pick up local produce and give to a friend in a beautiful bowl or basket. It is a great semi-DIY gift that your friend will enjoy now and later!

4) Infused olive oil for the chef or baker in your life

5) A white pitcher for your favorite hostess

6) An herb and spice illustrated calendar
Beautifully illustrated and only $18 for a gift your foodie friend will enjoy year-round!

7) Unique measuring spoons for the baker in your life for $18

8) This spoon rest looks for expensive than it is ($12 - I won't tell if you won't)

9) This set of 3 dish towels would look great in any kitchen! It might even encourage others to help you clean up after dinner! At $24, they could be given as one gift or split into 3 hostess gifts for the holidays at $8 a piece.

10) Help your favorite foodie grow their own herbs with this DIY herb kit for $24.

For more gifting ideas, follow RDtipof the day on on InstagramPinterest, and Twitter.

P.s. The corporations in the above links did not provide me with any compensation. The opinions above are my own, and I hope they make your holiday gifting a little easier.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

10 Gift Ideas Under Ten Dollars!



It's the holiday season. So, giving is on my mind! We all have friends and family to think of, but our budgets may be different. Today we are starting with gifts under $10. These gifts would make great stocking stuffer, small gifts, or secret Santa ideas. Hope you enjoy!

1) If you thought mason jars couldn't be more useful, check this out! This nifty addition will turn a canning jar into a bento container! At $7.99, it won't break your budget. This is perfect for your friend who loves mason jars (hint, hint). :) It would be great for a snack container; I'm thinking hummus and veggies or peanut butter and fruit! Delicious!
Bento Canning Jar Adaptor

2) This next gift is great for encouraging extra fluids, and it's cute too! It comes in just under today's budget limit at $9.99.
Mason Jar Insulated Mug

3) Coffee beans

4) Tea

5) Mugs! I love these mugs personalized with the recipient's initial. Too cute! Consider gifting this mug with an accompaniment of coffee or tea.

6) Candles

7) Kitchen Timer

8) Water Bottle

9) Herbs and spices
Give some unique herbs and spices to the cook in your life. I got an assorted pack of herbs and spices for my wedding. It was a really good way to stock the pantry (on a newlywed budget) and try new flavors!

10) Making groceries was never more fun than with this beautiful grocery list for only $8 or check list for less than $5! It even has a magnet attached. Perfect for hanging on the fridge!

For more gifting ideas, follow RDtipof the day on on InstagramPinterest, and Twitter.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Gift Guide for Your Foodie Friends

It's the holiday season. So, giving is on our minds! We all have friends and family to think of, but our budgets may be different. This week I will be posting gift ideas for various price ranges: <$10 up to about $50. Feel free to mix and match or get stocking stuffer and present ideas. Hope you enjoy!



For more gifting ideas, follow RDtipof the day on on InstagramPinterest, and Twitter.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Coffee: Small Changes Big Rewards

One of the most frustrating things about being a dietitian is helping people. One of the most rewarding things about being a dietitian is helping people.

The majority of the US has a weight problem or has had a weight problem at one point in times. Data on "overweight" and "obesity" shows us this. The "obesity epidemic" also points to this fact.

The frustrating thing about weight management for me is how weight gain seems to happen so rapidly usually without us noticing. But when we try to control our weight and make healthy choices, it seems to take forever! Or maybe that was just my journey with the "freshman 15."

I am a big proponent of moderation - in food choices and exercise. I like the idea of small changes and big results. I like small, maintainable changes that turn into a lifestyle of better choices.



If you are like many Americans, you choose a caffeinated beverage every day or almost every day. Since this is an everyday choice, small changes can result in big results . . . over time of course. Here are a few suggestions for ordering your favorite coffee drink or making it at home.

1. Adjust the Size
Say "tall" instead of "venti." Or, say "small" instead of "large." On the average specialty drink, you can cut approximately 200 calories by ordering a 12 ounce or tall instead of a venti or 20 ounce coffee.

2. No Whip
If you are watching your saturated fat or calorie intake, two words can help "no whip." Say it with me "no whip." By cutting the whipped cream, you save between 60-70 calories with a tall or venti respectively.

3. Try It Skinny
Saying "skinny" tells your favorite barista, aka the one who is making your coffee today, that you want skim milk instead of the standard 2% milk. This saves you 60-70 calories with a tall or vent respectively.

Three simple solutions that take less than 30 seconds can make a big difference over time.

For more nutrition tips and tricks, follow RDtipoftheday on InstagramPinterest, and Twitter.