Fighting the Morning Fade

Image by pfv. via Flickr

I am not a breakfast eater. There, I said it. Unfortunately, my tendency to not eat breakfast sets me up for a mid-morning binge. Well maybe not binge, but I get so hungry and just grab whatever is the easiest thing to inhale. Most of the time what I eat at this point is basically junk. But, I'm hungry, so in the moment I don't really care.

Since I am trying very hard to start living a healthier lifestyle, I know that I need to have a high protein breakfast. Not just that, but I need to remember to take care of myself a lot better. After all, who will take care of everyone else if I'm not 100%? That sounds great, but the reality is that trying to fit that into my busy mornings can be quite difficult. Luckily, I read the following tips that have really helped me with this.

Sissy Biggers’s Top 5 Tips for Energizing Yourself in the Morning

No need for caffeine! To help get your family and you up and out the door during busy mornings, Sissy Biggers recommends:

Morning Stretches: Bend your body and stretch your mind. Find a quiet corner and create a pattern of simple stretches and deep breathing to get the circulation, and your mind going for the day ahead. After a few days, it will become an essential part of your daily routine.

Morning Power Stroll: Exposing your body to natural light first thing in the morning is a way to set your body clock for the day ahead--especially if you do it the same time every day. If you don't have a dog, take yourself for a walk and discover the invigorating and energizing benefits.

Numero Uno gets breakfast too. We worry so much about getting the kids off with a proper breakfast, we often forget that the morning meal is the best gift you can give yourself to stay alert and energized throughout the entire morning. Eat a wholesome breakfast that includes the all important protein. The convenience of Jimmy Dean breakfast bowls, entrees and sandwiches make for a quick and delicious breakfast that will keep you satisfied and alert until lunch.

Play upbeat music: From the latest pop hit to an old-time favorite, a blast from a favorite tune is sure to get you movin' and groovin' well into your morning.

Shower/bathe with citrus scents in the morning: Refreshing citrus scented soaps and shampoos like grapefruit or tangerine awaken and tingle the senses. It's like a glass of orange juice for the mind and body to get you up and going.

These are great, easy to do tips that have really made a difference for me the past few mornings. Try them for yourself and see how much better you feel! You might want to try the delicious recipe below as well. It tastes terrific and really gets you going in the morning.

I'd love to hear how y'all fight the morning fade. Please share your tips by leaving a comment!

Sage Sausage and Apple Crepes

Yield 6 Servings


Ingredients Amount

Store bought crepes 6

Granny Smith apples; peeled, sliced ¼ inch 2 cups

Brown sugar 1 tablespoon

Jimmy Dean Sage Bulk Sausage;

(browned, drained and roughly chopped) 1/2 lb

Heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon

Lemon juice 1 teaspoon

Salt 1/8 teaspoon

Unsalted butter 2 ½ tablespoons

Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon


Method:

1. Melt butter in a 10-inch skillet
2. Once melted, stir in brown sugar
3. Add apples to skillet and sauté until slightly softened, approximately 5 minutes
4. Mix in cinnamon, salt and cream
5. Sprinkle lemon over sausage
6. Add sausage to apple mixture, stir
7. Divide filling into crepes
8. Serve warm