What is one piece of advice you give to clients who are struggling to eat a balanced breakfast?

Breakfast is one of the first meals I help clients adjust because it's the greatest opportunity to boost energy levels. One of the most important pieces of advice I give clients is to focus on protein. This really requires a shift in thinking from sugary or processed carbohydrate focused foods towards protein rich foods. For clients who are rushed for time, I love to recommend making mini frittatas in a muffin tin using two eggs per frittata, cooked protein such as sausage or it can be leftover chicken or pork, any veggies you have leftover as well will do just make sure you cook them before adding them. Batch cooking these can result in several days worth of easy breakfasts. I might combine the mini frittata (or two) with a handful of arugula (for a fiber boost) and a bit of balsamic vinegar. These make for an easy-to-grab breakfast that will give you lasting energy throughout the morning. For clients who don't eat eggs, 1 full cup of plain goat or sheep milk yogurt with a handful of berries and a spoonful of ground flaxseed can be a great option.

Breakfast doesn't need to be traditional. Rather, dietary variety is very important for maintenance of dietary balance. Otherwise, clients often get bored or experience taste/sensory fatigue to the same ingredients over time. I regularly brainstorm breakfast ideas with clients that are viewed as atypical, such as different kinds of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, or leftovers from dinner the night before. When we can reframe what Western culture has made us think of as a traditional "breakfast" the barriers of "what to eat" diminish.

Boost Your Coffee. Adding protein to your morning brew is a great way to improve your protein intake in a way that's fast and easy. That way you can ensure you are getting the energy your body needs!

One piece of advice I give to clients struggling to eat a balanced breakfast is to plan and prepare in advance. Having a well-thought-out plan and prepping your breakfast the night before can make it much easier to start your day with a nutritious meal. Here’s how to implement this strategy effectively: Plan and Prepare in Advance 1. Create a Weekly Breakfast Menu Spend a few minutes each weekend planning your breakfasts for the upcoming week. Choose a variety of nutrient-dense options that are quick and easy to prepare. This ensures you have a range of healthy choices and prevents last-minute unhealthy decisions. 2. Prepare Ingredients the Night Before Set aside time each evening to prepare breakfast ingredients. This could involve chopping fruits and vegetables, measuring out smoothie ingredients, or preparing overnight oats. Having everything ready to go means you can assemble or cook your breakfast quickly in the morning. 3. Make-Ahead BreakfastsConsider incorporating make-ahead breakfasts into your routine. Examples include: Overnight Oats: Mix rolled oats with milk or yogurt and your choice of fruits, nuts, and seeds. Leave it in the refrigerator overnight, and it’s ready to eat in the morning. Egg Muffins: Bake a batch of egg muffins with vegetables and cheese on the weekend. Store them in the fridge and reheat them quickly for a protein-packed breakfast. Smoothie Packs: Prepare smoothie packs by portioning out fruits, vegetables, and other add-ins into freezer bags. In the morning, just add liquid and blend.