BREAKFAST CHRONICLES

Breakfast is such an important (and healthy, and critical) part of the day.  I used to never eat breakfast due to lack of ideas and time but I have recently started to change my mindset and take control of mornings.  By waking up a bit earlier and having a long list of easy and delicious meals on hand, I have been able to start my days on the right note.  I am excited to share some of my favorite breakfasts with you through my 'breakfast chronicles' series!

QUICK OATS

prep time: 10 minutes

Follow instructions on how to make Trader Joe's Steel Cut Oats on the stove.

While the oats are cooking, cut up your favorite fruits.  This morning I used bananas, strawberries, and blackberries.

Sprinkle fruit on top of the cooked oats and drizzle honey to taste.

PLANT DRIVEN

^^homemade sushi! a birthday exception.^^

Healthy living is an important part of my life.  This is most prominent in the kitchen where, on a regular basis, I eat a whole foods plant based diet.  Put more simply, I rarely eat animal products or animals themselves.  My Wisconsin-born family gave up all things animal (including cheese!) over a year ago (beginning with this amazing documentary) and we are so happy with the results.  I feel better, have healthier skin, and am overall happier.  Contrary to what many believe, my diet does not consist of lettuce and cardboard.  In fact, I have more fun cooking on a whole foods plant based diet!  I get to use my creativity and scour the internet and cookbooks for fun new recipes and I even make up my own.

That being said, I eat this way for health reasons only, which means that I get to make exceptions when the time is right.  Having me over for dinner?  Make me a steak!  What did I order for Easter brunch at Lillie’s?  Eggs benedict with salmon! Balance is essential to a healthy life and everyone needs to indulge once and a while :)

^^juicing with fresh fruit and vegetables from the farmers market has become a new favorite^^

^^a cheese-less pizza picnic at Columbia last Spring when Kurt and I visited my brother Charlie in NYC^^

IVY LEAGUE

I spent a good amount of my weekend driving but it was worth being able to celebrate my cousins graduation in New Hampshire.  It is a beautiful part of the country that I have never been able to explore before.  Although Dartmouth is located in the middle of nowhere, it was absolutely beautiful and inspiring in it's isolation.  From frat parties to official Phi Beta Kappa meetings, it was a wonderful weekend full of food and a lovely celebration of accomplishments.  Congratulations, Joey!

SNACK TIME

My favorite snack just happens to be an easy and (somewhat) healthy one.  How lucky am I?!  Just pour a slight layer vegetable oil into a heated pan, add a handful of popcorn seeds, cover the pan and let them pop!  Add a little sea salt and throw in your favorite movie (or show)!