On an afternoon full of beer, Baileys and Irish Car Bombs, the only way to get through Parade Day without passing out before 5 p.m. is to eat a big breakfast. But not just any old breakfast will do. To prep right, you need a well-balanced meal that includes protein, whole grains and antioxidants; both protein and whole grains will keep you full and full of energy. Considering that alcohol compromises your immune system, eating foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, will help to keep you going all day long. Pipe Dream has compiled three recipes that are sure to make this Parade Day your best ever.
Oatmeal with Berries and Chicken Sausage
Ingredients
-1/2 cup rolled oats (or instant Quaker oats)
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
-1/2 cup water
-1/2 banana, sliced
-2 tablespoons vanilla soy milk
-strawberries, sliced
-banana, sliced
-blueberries
-1 package of chicken sausage
Steps
1) In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together the oats and cinnamon. Stir in the water.
2) Cook the oats in the microwave for one minute. Remove bowl and add in the banana slices. Stir. Cook for one more minute.
3) Stir in vanilla soy milk and top with fresh strawberries, bananas and blueberries.
4) Serve hot.
5) Cook sausage according to the directions on the packaging.
Adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod
Peanut Butter Banana Toast with Granola and Honey with a Side of Berries
Ingredients
-4 slices hearty multi-grain or wheat bread
-4 tablespoons peanut butter
-2 large bananas, sliced
-2-3 tablespoons honey
-Small handful granola
-A cup of berries
Steps
1) Toast bread and spread with peanut butter.
2) Top with banana slices, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with granola.
3) Put berries on the side.
Recipe adapted from Well Plated
Protein Pancakes with Homemade Blueberry Syrup
Ingredients
-Your favorite protein pancake mix
-2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
-½ cup sugar or honey
-1 cup + 2 tablespoons water, divided
-1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch for grain-free)
Steps
1) Combine 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch in a small dish and set aside.
2) In a medium saucepan, bring water, sugar/honey and blueberries to a boil. Stir occasionally.
3) Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4) Add water and starch mixture and blend well. The sauce will thicken, the blueberries will have busted open and it will begin to smell like pie.
5) Make protein pancakes according to directions on the package.
Recipe Adapted from LauraFuentes.com