breakfast

healthy living

Drink Yourself to a Flat Belly: Pineapple Kale Blueberry Smoothie

Forget doing another set of crunches at the gym.

Forget doing another set of crunches at the gym. Tomorrow morning, sip on this deliciously sweet smoothie packed with ingredients that fight belly fat and reduce bloating — all for under 300 calories.

The Greek yogurt in the recipe provides a good amount of calcium and protein, both of which can aid in weight loss. The smoothie also contains several ingredients — like blueberries — which have been shown to help diminish belly fat. If that's not enough, you also get the sweetness of pineapple, which contains an enzyme that helps ease digestion and banish bloat. You won't be able to taste the kale, which is full of fiber to prevent constipation, as well as calorie-free water to help clean you out.


From Jenny Sugar, POPSUGAR Fitness

Flat-Belly Smoothie

Flat Belly Smoothie

Ingredients

3 ounces vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon almond butter
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1 cup kale
3/4 cup water

Directions

  1. Place all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
  2. Enjoy immediately.

Makes one serving.

Source: Calorie Count

summer

Off the Bookshelf: Filipino Baked Eggs With Tomato and Eggplant

A combination of eggs, tomato, eggplant, fish sauce, and Edam cheese might sound bizarre — unappetizing, even — but before you shy away, let me implore you to give this savory and satisfying breakfast bite a chance.

A combination of eggs, tomato, eggplant, fish sauce, and Edam cheese might sound bizarre — unappetizing, even — but before you shy away, let me implore you to give this savory and satisfying breakfast bite a chance. A ramekin-bound spin on poqui poqui, a Northern Philippines eggplant and egg scramble of sorts, this exotic option tastes fabulous rather than funky, as the fish sauce and Edam cheese add an umami punch rather than a domineeringly cheesy or fermented flavor.

Add to its virtues a solid dose of Summer vegetables, its ease of preparation, and a brunch-friendly nature, and it quickly becomes clear why you'll be singing its praises on first bite. If this creative take on an Ilocano classic is any indication of the quality of content tucked between the pages of The Adobo Road Cookbook, then I'll be coming back to this cookbook for further inspiration with fervor, and you should follow suit.

Get the savory and satisfying recipe.

taste test

Barbara's Snackimals Cereal Is Not Just For Kids

Put a box or two of cereal in our office kitchen, and it's rarely long for the world; the latest offering from Barbara's Bakery, Barbara's Snackimals Cereal ($5), was no exception.

Put a box or two of cereal in our office kitchen, and it's rarely long for the world; the latest offering from Barbara's Bakery, Barbara's Snackimals Cereal ($5), was no exception. As soon as we set these adorable animal-shaped breakfast bites out for a taste test, the hungry masses descended like a pack of wolves to see if they were up to snuff, and — spoiler alert — they were, and then some. Keep reading to see which flavor will break you out of a breakfast rut.

Breakfast

What's the Difference Between American and French Omelets?

If you've ever ordered an omelet in Europe, then you know you were served something very unlike the omelets we know and love in America.

If you've ever ordered an omelet in Europe, then you know you were served something very unlike the omelets we know and love in America. Many Americans feel squeamish about undercooked eggs (hello, risk of salmonella!), but that custardy, underdone quality is sought out in Europe. Whether you plan to cook one of the styles yourself or experience it at a European restaurant, here are the main differences between American and French omelets.

An American omelet, as pictured on the top, has a speckled golden crust from the pan, and the surface is uneven with craters. This effect occurs because, similar to how steak chars on a pan, the scrambled eggs are cooked over a high heat and left untouched until the eggs set. The round omelet is then folded in half and served. Often, the fillings like meat and vegetables are cooked into the eggs rather than added afterward.

Learn more about the French-style omelet when you keep reading.

Cooking Basics

The French Omelet: A Classic Breakfast Made Easy

Take your love of cooking eggs to the next level by trying your hand at a classic French omelet.

Take your love of cooking eggs to the next level by trying your hand at a classic French omelet. If you've never had one before, the difference between a French version and its American counterpart is simple: the French version is rolled, and thanks to a light hand and a shorter cooking time, it also has an oozy custard interior.

The basic recipe — which is little more than eggs cooked in butter with salt, pepper, and a garnish of chives — is so elemental that perfect execution is key. Learn how to make these fluffy, silky eggs when you watch our video, then print out the recipe and give it a try on your own.

Breakfast

Taste Test: Yopa! Greek Yogurt

It's official: Greek yogurt is now the reigning queen of the dairy aisle.

It's official: Greek yogurt is now the reigning queen of the dairy aisle. New brands have been sprouting left and right, and one of them is Yopa!, by the makers of YoCrunch. It bills itself as "authentic Greek nonfat yogurt," but how did it taste in comparison to other Greek-style yogurts on the market? To find out, we tasted three fruity classics — strawberry, blueberry, and black cherry — complete with an essential, crunchy granola (an added bonus on the package). Find out how Yopa! yogurt fared.

healthy living

4 Creative Recipes That Bring Quinoa to Breakfast

Anyone who thinks that quinoa is just for lunch and dinner needs to use this ancient grain in their breakfast routine.

Anyone who thinks that quinoa is just for lunch and dinner needs to use this ancient grain in their breakfast routine. Versatile, protein-packed quinoa is a delicious resource when creating a satisfying and healthy start to your day. Let these four quinoa-filled recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

Quinoa, Egg, and Spinach Scramble

Bulk up your breakfast with some ancient grain power in this quinoa and egg scramble. It looks gourmand, but as long as you've precooked your quinoa, this recipe takes just a few minutes from prep to plate.

Quinoa Pancakes

For a satisfying weekend brunch, take the time to whip up these delicious quinoa flapjacks. The twist on the tradition offers more folate, protein, and fiber than standard pancakes.

Keep reading for two more easy recipes starring quinoa.

Breakfast

19 Healthy Brunch Recipes For Mother's Day

If you grew up with a mom who adored whipping up special breakfasts on the weekends, it's time to return the favor this Mother's Day.

If you grew up with a mom who adored whipping up special breakfasts on the weekends, it's time to return the favor this Mother's Day. Here are more than 15 deliciously decadent brunch recipes that won't wreak havoc on her — or anyone else's — healthy lifestyle. For an added bonus, these are all a cinch to make!

fast and easy

Sip on a Mango Lassi Morning, Noon, or Night

Mouth-puckeringly tart, slightly sweet, cool, and creamy, the mango lassi is a natural pairing with spicy Indian dishes as its dairy base quells fiery bursts of heat.

Mouth-puckeringly tart, slightly sweet, cool, and creamy, the mango lassi is a natural pairing with spicy Indian dishes as its dairy base quells fiery bursts of heat. Thankfully, like its smoothie kin, it's a simple recipe to master and, likewise, worth considering beyond the dinner table.

Thinner than a typical smoothie (thanks to a healthy dose of milk), a lassi isn't an exact analogue per se but ticks many of the same boxes. For those only familiar with it as Indian-restaurant fare, it might seem like an odd choice for breakfast, but I bet once you try your hand at the easy recipe, you'll want to enjoy it morning, noon, and night.

Breakfast

Celebrate Mom With Breakfast in Bed

This Mother's Day, instead of taking Mom out for brunch, do something that's friendlier on the wallet, and treat her to a homemade breakfast in bed.

This Mother's Day, instead of taking Mom out for brunch, do something that's friendlier on the wallet, and treat her to a homemade breakfast in bed. There's nothing more gratifying than watching her enjoy what you've created for her: a special meal that shows her how much you care. To get inspired, click through to see some of our best morning recipes.