5 Steps to a Better Morning Routine and a Yummy Breakfast Parfait

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.#SpoonfulsOfGoodness #CerealAnytime #CollectiveBias

 It’s a new year and not to sound too cliche but it’s time for a new me, well at least a new routine.  As some of you may know I’ve had a lot of change (good change) in my life over the past few months.  I’ve recently returned to work full time and have just finished up my last semester of college.  While trying to adapt to my new routine, I found myself caught up in the hecticness of the mornings getting myself and three of my kiddos out of the house and off to school on time–I was lucky if I had enough time to grab a fast food coffee let alone breakfast!  As challenging as it was, learning to juggle these things, I realized  how important it is to take better control of my time.  Here are a few steps that I’ve taken to create a better routine for myself and my family.

#1 Eat Breakfast and Eat Well! Start Your Mornings Off Right

It’s no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day–so why are we always so prone to skip it? I decided that I need to get myself on track, starting with a great breakfast! Honey Bunches of Oats is a staple in my home, it’s my sweet indulgence that I don’t have to feel guilty about. With an awesome combination of textures and flavors, Honey Bunches of Oats has four different types of grains in its 10 grams per serving: rice, wheat, oats, and corn. It’s also incredibly heart healthy with 0 grams of trans fat, saturated fat, and 0 milligrams of cholesterol per serving.

I often enjoy it plain with milk or parfait style with either low fat pudding or Vanilla Greek yogurt, topped with slivered almonds, shredded coconut and drizzled honey for added sweetness and crunch. (Scroll to the bottom of this post for the recipe.)

#2 Clothes Prep

Let’s face it, the most stressful part of the morning is figuring out what to wear, and living in New England with its crazy weather doesn’t help much.  Planning your (and your kids) outfits a few days in advance, takes the guess work out and definitely helps to streamline your morning routine.

#3 Get a Good Nights Rest

No seriously, put your phone on silent at night, keep your laptop/tablet. smart watch (whatever your technological vice is) and get some rest.  I am super guilty of this, because nighttime is my “Me” time.  The house is quiet, I can blog or get lost on Pinterest for hours on end, but let’s be honest—I’m useless the next day, I’m no spring chicken! (I have no idea what that really refers to, but roll with me here).

#4 Keep it by the door

Keep your important stuff by the door.  Your purse, laptop, coffee mug, kids’ backpacks, lunchbox even—right at the front door, so there’s no forgetting.  Having an empty lunchbox there, will remind you to grab your pre-made lunch out of the fridge before you leave.

#5 Make a Habit of Being Early

Some people are just punctual by nature, others (need I say names?) are not.  I have never been known to be the punctual type, but making it a habit to leave the house 20-30 minutes sooner (if possible) helps to reduce anxiety as well as potential mishaps (from being late and rushing all of the time).  Did you know it takes 3 weeks to form a habit? Don’t believe me? Well it’s worth a try isn’t it?

These tips have really helped transform my mornings from crazy to smooth sailing over the past few weeks and I hope they  will help you too!  If you’d like the recipe for my “go-to” Honey Bunches of Oats Loaded Parfait scroll to the bottom of this post.

add yogurt or pudding  to bottom of bowl . . .

Top with sliced bananas

Sprinkle this spoonful of goodness on top of the banana slices . . .

Repeat.

Top with slivered almonds, shredded coconuts and drizzled honey . . . YUM!

Enjoy!

Honey Bunches of Oats Loaded Parfait:

1/2 Cup Honey Bunches of Oats Honey Roasted

3/4 Cup of non-fat Vanilla Greek Yogurt or Vanilla Pudding

1 banana

1 Tbsp Shredded coconut

1Tbsp of Sliced Almonds

A drizzle of honey

Layer a 1/4 cup of yogurt into the bottom of your bowl.  Top with banana slices and 2 Tbs of Honey Bunches of Oats.  Repeat. Top with Shredded coconuts, sliced almonds and drizzle lightly with honey.

The importance of breakfast can’t be overstated. And, fortunately, it’s never been easier to find a healthy and tasty breakfast from Post cereals. They contain fiber that prepares your body for the day and keeps you full until lunch. And they have whole grains that are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, B vitamins and antioxidants.

Find Post Cereals in the cereal aisle at your local Walmart.

In our home, we also love Post Cereals Raisin Bran, with its 23 grams of whole grain and 8 grams of fiber and Shredded Wheat, which is a classically wholesome breakfast. It’s so good in fact, that it’s recommended by 9 out of 10 doctors to reduce heart diseases.  All of these cereals are delicious on their own or topped with bananas, almonds, coconut and honey as well!–With all of the delicious better-for-you options, you’re bound to find a favorite for everyone in the family.

Be Wonderful!