A Trio of Easy AM Goodness:
I’m so excited to team up with Made in Nature for these quick and healthy breakfast recipes! Sometimes it might seem difficult to plan a fast, nourishing breakfast during a busy week, but I’m about to share three different recipes that help you do just that. This recipe roundup includes my No-Bake Pineapple Upside-Down Bars, followed by Carrot Apricot Overnight Oats, topped off with an Exotic Green Smoothie Bowl – are you drooling yet?
Made in Nature did sponsor me to feature their products in this post, but I can promise you I will never recommend anything I don’t truly love and trust. 🙂 My purpose in starting this blog was to share good food so others can find better health, while still enjoying their taste buds, and I keep this in mind with every ingredient I choose. Made in Nature does not use any sulfur (found in most dried fruits and linked to health issues) or refined sugar in their products, which are all 100% Certified Organic. Their stuff is the real deal!
I LOVE breakfast and fruity, nutty combinations have always been my favorite. Your first meal of the day should really set the tone for your dietary goals; eating a breakfast high in refined sugar, flour, and artificial ingredients but low in protein and fiber will leave you feeling hangry well before lunch arrives. Not to mention, your health will suffer the consequences. Obviously, it’s important to start your day with a good meal! My three quick and healthy breakfast recipes can save you the conundrum of what to make for the morning.
Now, let’s get on to the yummy, yummy food.
No-Bake Pineapple Upside-Down Bars
To kick this breakfast party off, I made No-Bake Pineapple Upside-Down Bars. These are so simple and SO delicious – the sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with the buttery taste of macadamia nuts… you guys, it seriously tastes like fruity shortbread. These make a great grab and go breakfast or snack and are super kid-friendly as well. You can make a double batch and pop the extras in the freezer until you’re ready to attack them, which probably won’t take long.
Why You Should Eat It
Pineapple contains a lovely little enzyme called bromelain, which has been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can also aid digestion. These are great benefits for anyone, but especially for those of you who are really active or trying to work on your gut health. Pineapple also contains the mineral manganese – vital for healthy bones and connective tissue, along with a good amount of Vitamin C. These bars are naturally sweet thanks to this golden dried pineapple, nothing else needed.
Then there are the macadamia nuts, AKA crunchy nuggets of heaven! They add so much flavor and texture to this recipe while bringing a nice dose of monounsaturated fats. This is a healthy type of fat that’s been found helpful for lowering LDL cholesterol, plus it keeps you fuller, longer, and will help you absorb the beta-carotene found in the dried pineapple – I love this kind of nutritional teamwork!
How You Can Make It
Start out by lining a bread pan with parchment paper and placing a layer of dried pineapple bits on the bottom of the pan – try to leave a little room between pieces, because next you’ll scatter some coconut flakes overtop, and it’s nice to see both of these when you flip the bars over. In a food processor, combine the figs and coconut oil until the figs are totally mashed, then sprinkle this crumbly mix evenly over the coconut flakes.
You don’t need to wash your food processor in between steps (I know, that’s the best), just dump the rest of your ingredients in and whirl away. It may take a couple minutes for the nuts and pineapple to break down, just blend until everything is mixed and crumbly, but be cautious of over processing because the macadamias will continue to release oil. Pour this mix over everything else in the pan and use your hand to press firmly all over, until very compact. Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before cutting. Then wrap up as cute as you want and you’ve got a quick and healthy breakfast or snack ready for the week.
No-Bake Pineapple Upside-Down Bars
Prep
Inactive
Total
Author Ailsa @ Food to Feel Good
Yield 8 bars
These sweet, nutty, bars are the perfect morning pick-me-up or afternoon snack! Great for adults or kids, I recommend keeping a stash in the freezer at all times.
Ingredients
First Layer:
- 1/4 cup Made in Nature dried pineapple
- 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil
- 5 Made in Nature chopped, dried Smyrna figs
- 2-3 Tbsp unsweetened flaked coconut
Second Layer:
- 1 cup raw, unsalted macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup raw, unsalted almonds
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Made in Nature dried pineapple
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Layer a bread pan with parchment paper and sprinkle the 1/4 cup of dried pineapple evenly along the bottom. Then, sprinkle the flaked coconut over top.
- In a food processor, combine the chopped dried figs and coconut oil and blend until the figs are broken down and you have a soft paste, that is kind of crumbly. Spread this evenly over the coconut.
- Now throw the rest of your ingredients in the food processor and blend until everything is well combined. You'll be able to see some large crumbs leftover from the nuts and it should stick together; you shouldn't be able to see any more of the pineapple. Be careful not to over process because the macadamia nuts will release oil and you don't want the mix too oily.
- Pour the macadamia pineapple mix evenly over the fig layer and use your hands to press very firmly all over the pan.
- Place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut into 8 bars. Store in the fridge and grab on the go!
Courses Breakfast
Cuisine Vegan, Paleo
Carrot Apricot Overnight Oats
Next, in my quick and healthy breakfast recipes lineup, is my Carrot Apricot Overnight Oats. This satisfying combination of whole rolled oats, grated carrots, dried apricots, and raw walnuts tastes like a fruity twist on carrot cake. You just have to toss a few ingredients in a bowl before bed and when you wake up the magic of overnight oats awaits, ready for toppings.
Why You Should Eat It
Dried apricots are a tasty little package of nutrients – they actually contain more potassium and iron than their fresh counterparts. Potassium is important for helping those active muscles stay strong but relaxed and also for managing blood pressure. The type of plant-based iron, called non-heme iron, found in dried apricots is better absorbed when consumed with some Vitamin C, which you get from the carrots! Once again, it’s awesome to see how foods can work with each other to bring you better health.
Rolled oats are one of my favorite grains. I just love their wholesome flavor and texture. They provide you with lots of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and even some protein, so your body has ongoing energy and stays satisfied. Whole oats also contain lots of beneficial minerals, like selenium, which is essential for thyroid hormone function, synthesizing DNA, and protecting your body from oxidative damage.
How You Can Make It
One of the most important parts to this recipe… is choosing a cool jar to put it in. Trust me, you’ll enjoy this aesthetic aspect when you’re eyeing up your beautiful overnight oats and planning that first bite. Other than that, just toss your almond and coconut milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, spices, and oats in the jar before bed, and mix ‘em up. You can also add a little maple syrup if you prefer your oatmeal on the sweeter side. Since I leave for work pretty early, I like to have my grated carrots, chopped apricots, and chopped walnuts ready the night before too, then in the morning I just mix my oats once more and top them off.
Carrot Apricot Overnight Oats
Author Ailsa @ Food to Feel Good
Yield 1 serving
Creamy oats, sweet apricots, and crunchy carrots come together to give you a wholesome, satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients
Oats:
- 1/3 cup gluten-free whole rolled oats
- 1/3 cup light coconut milk
- 1/3 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- dash of sea salt
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (optional)
Toppings:
- 2 Tbsp raw chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup shredded raw carrots (I used both orange and yellow)
- 3 Tbsp chopped Made in Nature dried apricots
- cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine oats, coconut milk, almond milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, a dash of sea salt, chia seeds, and if desired maple syrup in a jar and mix well. Refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, layer or stir in the shredded carrots, chopped walnuts, and chopped dried apricots and sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy!
Courses Breakfast
Cuisine Vegan
Exotic Green Smoothie Bowl
The grand finale to this breakfast extravaganza is this luscious Exotic Green Smoothie Bowl. It’s like eating soft serve ice cream for breakfast! Only it’s actually good for you. Full of banana, kale, and protein powder, garnished with tangy goldenberries and mango along with some bitter, crunchy cacao nibs. Let me tell you, it might seem kind of odd but these ingredients compliment each other surprisingglllyyyy well.
Why You Should Eat It
I love working greens into my breakfast and in this Exotic Green Smoothie Bowl, you won’t even know they’re there, besides the beautiful green color of course. This recipe uses green curly kale, which is packed with folate and benefits cardiovascular, reproductive, and neurological health.
The goldenberries in this dish provide a tart contrast to the sweet banana with a fun, chewy, bite. These little yellow berries are overflowing with antioxidants, helping to counteract all of the many toxins and stressors we are bombarded with in this modern age. They also contain compounds called withanolides, which have been found to reduce the growth of cancer cells, reverse liver degeneration, and support detoxification of the kidneys and lymphatic system. Definitely a super food worth trying!
Dried mango is equivalent to natural candy. It’s sweet and tangy and even a small amount can add a lot of flavor. Mangoes are packed with Vitamin A, supporting your eyesight, immune system, and overall cell rejuvenation. They also contain fiber and enzymes to keep your digestion moving, which makes your whole body happy.
This combination of goldenberries and mango are actually an amazing tangy contrast to my Savory Curried Almond Butter, just spread it all on some gluten-free toast and call it a day. Definitely add this idea to your quick and healthy breakfast recipes arsenal.
How You Can Make It
Throw your frozen banana, kale, flaxseed, almond milk, and protein powder in your blender and process until smooth and creamy. Watch closely and once it has this desired consistency turn it off right away, to keep your smoothie on the thicker side and support the delicious toppings you’re about to add. Pour this green concoction into a pretty bowl and sprinkle with the chopped dried mango, goldenberries, and cacao nibs. Dig in, slurping is encouraged!
Exotic Green Smoothie Bowl
Prep
Total
Author Ailsa @ Food to Feel Good
Yield 1 bowl
This green bowl of goodness makes waking up easy! It takes just a few minutes and provides you with tons of nutrients to power up your day.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana, chopped
- 2 large leaves of kale, destemmed
- 1 scoop unsweetened vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 Tbsp flaxseed*
- 1 Tbsp goldenberries
- 1 Tbsp chopped Made in Nature dried mango
- 1 - 2 tsp raw cacao nibs
Instructions
- Place frozen banana, almond milk, protein powder, kale, and flaxseeds in blender and blend until super smooth and creamy. If you're using a high-speed blender, like a Vitamix, be careful not to over blend because it will create a thinner consistency.
- Pour into a bowl, top with dried mango, goldenberries, and cacao nibs. Enjoy!
Notes
- I used whole flaxseeds, but ground should work just as well.
- If you want to make a smoothie to take on the go, just toss all of the ingredients in the blender and process until smooth.
Courses Breakfast
Cuisine Vegan, Paleo
Wow. I am so hungry after writing all this! I hope you enjoy these fun, quick and healthy breakfast recipes as much as I do. They make great snacks or lunches as well and would go perfectly with my Easy Healthy Meal Prep tips. Leave me a comment and let me know which one is your favorite. If you can’t find Made in Nature near you, here are some links to my Amazon store (I do receive a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you):
[easyazon_link identifier=”B002HQOFH4″ locale=”US” tag=”foodtofeelgoo-20″]Made In Nature Organic Dried Pineapple [/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B002HQLKMC” locale=”US” tag=”foodtofeelgoo-20″]Made in Nature Organic Dried Smyrna Figs [/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B01N0607N0″ locale=”US” tag=”foodtofeelgoo-20″]Made In Nature Organic Dried Apricots [/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B01LAX5YBK” locale=”US” tag=”foodtofeelgoo-20″]Made in Nature Organic Dried Mangoes [/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_link identifier=”B013ORB37O” locale=”US” tag=”foodtofeelgoo-20″]Made in Nature Organic Dried Goldenberries [/easyazon_link]
Thanks for checking out my latest recipes, stop back soon!
