Any ideas for getting veggies into breakfast?

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7/22/12 10:38 A

Green smoothies and omelets

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7/22/12 8:26 A

Gonna echo everyone else. Veggie Omelets.

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7/20/12 12:27 A

Sounds delicious, Claudia!! I, too, love fresh veggies and always add a LOT of veggies to my egg breakfast...spinach, onion, asparagus, a variety of different tomatoes and arugula.

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7/19/12 11:11 A

I LOVE omelettes! I always try to sneak some veggies away froom the dinner table for my breakfast but this time of year, I have those beautiful fresh veggies hangin' out in my garden. Do you have any idea how delicious fresh picked broccoli is straight from the garden? I go outside after I have started heating the pan with a little olive oil and cut whatever is ready...now that's fresh and scrumptious!!

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7/9/12 9:33 A

Years ago I know/had a friend that used to set the leftovers on their oil space heater all night and in the morning that was her hubbies B/F and it was raedy and hot for him B4 he lsft 4 work in the a.m.

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7/8/12 8:57 P

A good bowl of gaspacho (pre-made) instead of cereal. Mmmmm

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7/8/12 7:51 A

It's important to remember that you can actually eat ANYTHING for breakfast. There's no law that says it has to be cereal, toast or bacon and egg. I used to have a friend whose dad was Chinese and they ate Chinese food at home because they liked it better and she said they would eat any food left over from the previous night's dinner for breakfast. So think outside the box.

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7/7/12 3:40 P

mmmm-yum!

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7/7/12 8:05 A

CROWSPIRIT1:

You "sparked" my memory: I used to bake twice as many potatoes as I'd need for a dinner. Let the extras cool down, and split in half. Scoop out the contents and mix with sour cream/broccoli, or asparagus/vinaigrette, or Spam & peas. Then restuff the halves. Wrap individually in foil, and freeze.

They made complete lunches of breakfasts--quick to microwave in the morning or for lunch.

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7/7/12 7:30 A

Most of the world eats leftovers for breakfast. Why not make more for supper and then reheat it? It's also convenient. I like my recipe for 1/2 c boiled (or baked-put a few extra on the BBQ in the evening) potatoes, 2 slices of turkey bacon in small pieces, onions, mushrooms, celery, spinach, or anything else that you like. This recipe is usually under 200 calories and fills a plate. I had six teenagers at the same time, and this was cheap, nourishing, and filled bellies.

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7/6/12 11:39 P

For breakfast- Omelettes (egg whites if you like) with mushrooms, onions, peppers and tomato (yum)

Lunch/Dinner- Broccoli slaw (they sell this at the supermarket and you just add a low fat dressing to it. SOOO good. Fish with red pepper sauce, Meatloaf with spinach sauce (it really is amazing) Stirfrys- lean ground beer/chicken/turkey with broccoli, califlower, peppers etc. serve with brown rice.

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7/6/12 10:52 P

mexican huevos rancheros: tomato, onons, bell peppers, squash or zuccine, okra scrambled with eggs

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7/6/12 10:46 P

Sunday, I made Omelets with yellow summer squash, zucchini, onion, yellow peppers, orange pepper, mushrooms, and few bacon crumbles. I used mozzarella cheese it has fewer calories in and over the top. All diced veggies small and saute a little bit. I also give it an air dusting of garlic salt and ground pepper to eggs and add a little water to them. If you put a lid on the skillet the eggs are fluffy and set well. Remember eggs don't like a real hot skillet. Now you have my secrets. You can also add veggies to Baked Eggs, Quiches, Egg Casseroles, and Scrambled Eggs.

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7/6/12 10:13 P

This time of year, zucchini muffins are great. (anyone with a garden is overrun with the squash!)

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7/6/12 9:01 P

I got another idea. In addition to the spinach in the smoothie or protein shake I have a breakfast wrap made of romane leaves instead of pita bread. You can put any ingredients inside, but bread will be replaced by the green leaves. That leaves you with min carbs/cals and max vitamins and fiber.
The fibrous pulp left after juicing of my veggies (bok-choy, beets, carrots, zuckiny, celerey) I save for making crakers. Main ingredients are: veggie pulp, chia seeds, flax seed, oat bran, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, eggs. eggs white and little of milk whey. (Chia and flex seeds needed to be soaked for 8hrs) I don't bake, instead I dry it on the 175 degrees for several hrs to preserve all vitamins and enzymes. Taste very good

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7/6/12 8:57 P

I enjoy a smoothie of light activia yogurt (vanilla is my favorite, but any flavor works) then I fill up the empty yogurt container with kefir (super yummy....blackberry is wonderful) I throw in some blue berries, or whatever I have, then a handful of nuts and sometimes a handful of oatmeal. I also add baby spinach and blend. It is a filling, satisfying meal and holds me over all morning

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7/6/12 8:20 P

Agreed. I add 1 cup of spinach to my morning berry non-dairy smoothie and it actually improves the texture! Cant' taste or see the spinach.
I cook chopped salad veggies for a bit then scramble egg whites into it, and I also save the pulp from juicing for muffins.

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7/6/12 8:00 P

Why not something like a black bean patty seasoned with onion and sage? Just saw a Chef Meg recipe flash by not too long ago for a black bean patty with orange salsa. I think they'd make an excellent breakfast food.

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7/6/12 7:38 P

I like making scrambled eggs with tomato, onion, garlic, and sometimes spinach. Not only is it tasty, but very filling.

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7/6/12 7:35 P

Put them in an Omelette! So delicious and you can change the veggies up depending on your mood :)

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7/6/12 6:49 P

I pre chop veggies for 3-4 days and put them in a tupperware container. Then I take one day's amount of veggies (about 2 servings of veggies) and saute in a non-stick pan. When the veggies are done, I add 2 egg whites and 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese. Presto! Quick veggies for breakfast.

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7/6/12 3:56 P

I agree with DMVILLANO on adding spinach to a smoothie - you don't even notice it! Also try egg white omlette with spinach, peppers, tomato, mushrooms, onions, and salsa.

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7/6/12 3:01 P

I make a smoothie and add spinach to it. It may sound gross but you can't taste it at all. My favorite is 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 banana, 1 cup almond milk(you can use regular too if you prefer) 2 tbsp of flax seed and a couple handfuls of fresh baby spinach.

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7/6/12 2:52 P

4EVERCEPEDA: Do you cook your greens first, or perhaps use frozen? (I'm thinking kale might be a bit rough, used fresh.)

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7/6/12 2:49 P

1GODISMYROCK1:

Poaching eggs in the juices from canned tomatoes sounds absolutely delicious. Here I was, a few years ago now, feeling quite proud of myself for figuring out that poached eggs don't need one of those egg poaching pan contraptions--just slide them into water with a schmudge of vinegar added to help the whites firm up well. The acidity in the tomato juices serves the same purpose.

Now I'm inspired!

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7/6/12 2:45 P

Do a green smoothie. They're really good and easy to make. Just take about 2 cups of any green leafy vegie, (kale, spinach, baby spinach, etc) and about 1 cup of the fruit of your choice and blend it in the b;lender on pulse. You won't even taste the vegies, just the fruit. And you can always add more fruit if you like. If it needs a little sweetening I add agave nectar. I also put 4 tbsp. of f;ax seed in it. Mmmmm.

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7/6/12 2:28 P

I like to have a V-8 that has been heated sprinkled with salt and pepper. Different - I know. I cant take cold vegetable juice, but heated it tastes kind of like a spicy tomato soup. I also like grilled veggies in with scrambled eggs.

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7/6/12 2:27 P

I make a chocolate protein shake and throw in leftover veggies or spinach with it in the blender. You barely taste it. OR I poach my eggs in 1/2 can fire-roasted tomatoes and some zucchini. Add a bit of garlic &/or basil if desired.

Edited by: 1GODISMYROCK1 at: 7/6/2012 (14:27)

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7/6/12 2:18 P

Veggie omelettes are the best! I like to add one diced Roma tomato or a handful of grape tomatoes, some diced onion, and a diced jalapeno to two eggs. Oh, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.

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7/6/12 1:58 P

I see one of the responses the same as mine. Although I will roast some veggies in the evening for supper and sauté leftovers for my breakfast or make an omelet, with them.

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7/6/12 1:41 P

BINGHAM37: My blender multi-tasks in the kitchen in place of a food processor and a juicer--sometimes even in place of a mixer. Just be careful how full you fill it so as to avoid an eruption! I find that turning it on in short bursts, as opposed to leaving it running and running and running, gets the job done better and doesn't burn out the motor.

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7/6/12 1:38 P

JESSICADATKO:

I, too, love old-fashioned oatmeal seasoned with just pepper. Okay... Iike pepper on everything. But, to take your oatmeal suggestion a step farther, I make a few servings at a time in my rice cooker, which multi-tasks in my kitchen and rarely gets put away. The extra portions get refrigerated and portioned out as needed. A little bit of broth or water loosens it up if it seems too thick.

Adding vegetables--onions would be wonderful, nuts and fruit just makes it all the healthier.

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7/6/12 1:32 P

Thank you - sounds great! Do you think a juicer is necessary or would a blender be sufficient?

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7/6/12 1:28 P

Veggie omlette! I use one whole egg and two egg whites to cut back on the calories a bit. Low fat cheese and whatever veggies you want. The other day I had some grilled summer squash, zucchini and onions leftover from the night before, so I chopped them up and threw them in there with some feta cheese. wow.

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7/6/12 1:23 P

On my workout days I make a fruit smoothie since for some reason eating anything really solid prior to a workout really drags me down, however on my rest days (or days I work a morning shift and wont get a chance to go work out til the evening) I'm a huge fan of savory oatmeal! I use plain oatmeal, then add salt&pepper, lots of sauteed veggies, an egg, and some fat free feta. It keeps me full for hours and has countless variations so I never get bored! I've gotten some funny looks from people when I explain that I don't do sweet oatmeal, but everyone I know who has given it a try has loved it.

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7/6/12 1:16 P

I love fresh spinach with egg whites for breakfast. I cook the spinach first, then cook the eggs in the same pan but off to the side, then mix then together with some no salt season all mix, sometimes I add a bit of shredded schees too. I will change it up by rolling it in a low fat tortill shell..

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7/6/12 1:11 P

I add a glass of V-8 juice and consider the problem of adding veggies done. Personally, I like the Hot & Spicy Low Sodium--lets me imagine I'm celebrating with a bloody mary. There are many varieties from which to choose, especially now with the V-8 Fusion products.

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7/6/12 12:48 P

I love having eggs for breakfast because it keeps me full so I don't snack in the morning. Here is one of my favourite recipes. I usually eat it with a serving of grain. The amount of asparagus is only a guess since I like to pack as much into my omelette as I can!

ASPARAGUS OMELETTE

Serves 1 to 2 people

1 to 3 lg eggs (2 to 3 if you only eat the whites)
5 to 15 asparagus spears

Asparagus: Break the woody ends off and chop into little pieces. Blanch (boil until they turn brighter green).

Eggs: Whisk lightly and poor over the the blanched asparagus on medium. Don't dilute the eggs with milk or the asparagus will overpower the dish.

Cook like an omelette or scramble, its up to you.

Gourmet Notes:
[1] The Italian exchange students who taught me this used to separate the tips and throw them in at the last minute so they would be nice and tender.
[2] If you're in the mood to treat yourself then sprinkle on a little Swiss cheese and fold the omelette in half.
[3] I'm lazy so I usually just throw the asparagus right into the pan with 3-4 tbsp water and a dash each of salt, pepper and curry spice

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7/6/12 12:27 P

That sounds great! Thanks much for sharing!!

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7/6/12 12:17 P

My best tip is to pick one day a week to do all your fresh fruit & veg prep. Mine's Sunday- I made a trip to the grocery, buy everything for the week, and then get cleaning. I clean all the fruit and veggies, chop them into the sizes I like to eat, and put them in large plastic bags or containers. Then when I want a snack I can just grab something. If I can make healthy foods as easy to access as crap foods, I do very well. Plus, it's all just so BEAUTIFUL sitting there in my fridge.

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7/6/12 11:10 A

I make a veggie egg muffin: saute fresh spinach with Mrs. Dash, add a serving of egg beaters and cook until set. Place on a low calorie toasted english muffin( Thomas has a good one). You can top with a sprinkle of grated cheese if you like, and a tomato slice.

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7/6/12 11:04 A

These are all great ideas! One thing I personally love to do for breakfast is to make smoothies. I put in (and I don't measure anything out, just eye it and taste test!) frozen fruit and veggies (this helps make the smoothie cold so you don't have to use ice cubes) and fresh fruit and/or veggies, and yogurt. Sometimes if it's too thick, I add a little splash of skim milk. You do need a pretty decent blender though. Mine struggles a bit sometimes, and it's some $20-30 dollar one, but it works. So you don't need anything too fancy.

Yesterday I had a delicious smoothie made of frozen blueberries, a fresh banana, frozen broccoli and cauliflower (you don't taste these at all), fresh celery, frozen sweet potatoes, yogurt, and a tbsp of flax seed. Really I could only taste the blueberries and banana, and the celery a little bit. (Stick to one stalk!)

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7/6/12 11:03 A

Green smoothies...lots of fruit, several bananas, peaches, strawberries and a large fist full of greens...spinach, kale, lettuce, celery. If it's not sweet enough add several medajool dates.

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7/6/12 10:15 A

Scrambled eggs with fajita veggies (peppers, onions) is my favorite! I absolutely hate eggs, so the veggies and a little salsa make them palatable.

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7/6/12 8:16 A

I think I'm going to try a fresh vegetable muesli tomorrow for breakfast: 0% greek yogourt, lots of dill, cucumber, shredded carrot, finely chopped red pepper, oats, hemp hearts, lemon zest, and maybe some cooked corn.

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7/6/12 6:57 A

I like to add 1/2 cup pumpkin or pureed yellow squash to a 1 cup of cooked oatmeal. With cinnamon, walnuts, and some sweetening, it's delicious!

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7/6/12 3:18 A

I love a red potato casserole. I quarter small red potatoes, stir them in a little olive oil and roast about 20 minutes @ 450 degrees. Then I sprinkle 1/4 cup cheddar cheese that has been mixed with red onions. I haven't added green peppers yet, but that is my next adventure. Family loves it! For extras I do chop up 2 strips of bacon in the cheese and onion mix.

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7/6/12 12:53 A

Green beans is really great with eggs, all I do is dump a drained canned in till hot with a little butter, add scrambled eggs seasoned to taste cook till eggs are done and serve.

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7/5/12 11:47 P

I do my best to really limit starchy carbs, and that made breakfast a challenge, Now I eat Greek yogurt 0 percent plain mixed with bananas and/or berries. (I like to buy the bags of unsweetened frozen berries at Costco or Trader Joe's and just defrost them in the microwave a portion at a time. Of course now its berry season so I use fresh! Yum!)

And I was never a big cottage cheese eater, until I found Friendship whipped one percent cottage cheese. Its very smooth and light, like ricotta in texture. That with a little chopped apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon is heaven in the morning, and really good protein.

Chicken or turkey sausage, or tuna with low fat mayo, also good choices in the morning.

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7/5/12 10:33 P

Aside from the suggestions listed already, try a salad omelette. Leftover salad from the night before, fold into your omelette with a little cheese, a little garlic & pepper, until the greens are just wilting.

Otherwise, just have a salad or fresh veggies on the side of your egg and toast or oatmeal, etc.

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7/5/12 10:22 P

What a great topic!! I routinely will eat a green energy soup with mixed vegetables, a salad, a green smoothie(bananas, blueberries, pineapple, spinach, ice and kefir), hard boiled eggs with cold steamed veg from the day before, oatmeal with fruit or raisins and cinnamon or almonds and craisins, or scrambled eggs with the same steamed veggies heated in the pan before the eggs are added. I feel so much better when I eat lots of veg that I routinely try adding them to everything and eat alot of stuff that isn't considered "breakfast food". Hope this helps, the other comments have given me alot of great ideas!

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7/5/12 10:06 P

I live in Japan, and salad is often served here with breakfasts in restaurants. I thought it odd at first, but now I find that a bit of salad with a vinegary dressing goes great with scrambled eggs!

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7/5/12 9:55 P

I seen this thread and right away I thought..green peppers, mushrooms and onions in eggs! Just so happens I have those ingredients so I should definitely do that myself, thanks for putting the thought in my head, lol.

Sorry that's all I got. I usually only eat eggs or cereal for breakfast..I'm don't know a whole lot about breakfast food since it's breakfast foods aren't my favorite. But there is a lot you can do with eggs, that's all I know :)

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7/5/12 9:52 P

I prepare a spinach, bell pepper. onion, cilantro and egg dish every morning with a feta cheese. YUMMY!!

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7/5/12 9:41 P

I saute fresh spinach and then cook them into scrambled eggs. I think it's delicious.