I need more breakfast ideas. I don't have time to make eggs in the morning since I work so early in the morning. Therefore, I've been drinking smoothies.... I bought oatmeal...but it wasn't any good. Plus, i think I bought the wrong kind (it doesn't say slow cooking).... Any ideas? recipies? thanks.

I make sure I have the following on hand: Cottage cheese Soy sausages Eggs Tuna Protein Powder Egg-substitute Low-fat cheese I can then mix and match any of these for my meals. For example, a 3 block meal could be any of the following: 2 Soy sausage patties + 1/4 cup cottage cheese 2 eggs + 1 soy sausage patty 1/2 cup egg sub w/ 1/4 low-fat cheese Protein fortified oatmeal 2 protein blocks of tuna + 1/4 cup cottage cheese.

I use cottage cheese and applesauce plus somne nuts some mornings when I'm not having shakes. I always split my breakfast into two parts...one at 6:30 or so and the balance around 9:15 at my desk. Many days I use Omega Zone bars as well since they are a balanced 2 blocks per bar. I personally find that they hold me just as well as regular food. Jim

I have to leave home very early for work too and almost always have the same breakfast: 2 blocks of cooked oatmeal with 3 blocks of protein powder stirred in after cooking, 1 cup of frozen strawberries (1 C), and macademia nuts or almonds for fat. I soak the steel cut oatmeal in water overnight, which reduces the cooking time, then add more water in the morning, bring it to a boil, then simmer it while I dress. I make extra, and microwave the leftovers for the next couple of days. To save time, I nuke my serving of leftover oatmeal in the bowl I'll be eating from for three minutes while I'm measuring the strawberries with the same measuring cup I just used for the oatmeal. While I'm stirring in the protein powder, I nuke the frozen berries for 2-3 minutes. It only takes a few minutes in all, especially if I'm using leftover oatmeal. The protein powder gives the oatmeal a creamy texture, and the strawberries sweeten it. I've even used this meal as a quick dinner when I'm really tired or running late. :roll: Andrea

Thanks. THis is all very helpful however, I guess, I was looking for something more portable. Basically, something I can eat on the bus. I guess I can make those Zone recipie Muffins.... thanks.

Omega Zone bars are perfect for the bus. Absolutely nothing to prepare! Pleanty of folks use Zone Perfect bars...they justy don't "hold" me anywhere near as long as an Omega Zone bar does. How about string cheese and some fruit? One string cheese takes care of your fat and protein requirements and it would be easy enough to have some grapes and some orange or strawberries or whatever. Jim

Jim: You mean string cheese and fruit as a first snack and eat a bar at work? That would be a good possibility. I guess I never thought of cheese for breakfast...sometimes I just miss my Special K with Berries cereal!! haha.. Thanks. Renee

I have this just about every morning. It is so fast and easy and I drink it on my way to work. Even better it holds me until my lunch hour. 1 cup 2% milk 1P, 1C, 2F Blueberries to = 1 block 1C 1 heaping tablespoon of Strawberry flavored protein powder 1P 1 packet of splenda (This is a little low in fat, I take 2 fish oil pills which adds to the fat.) Blend all in a blender until smooth and pour into a tall glass. This is only two blocks but you can easily make it 3.

Thanks. THat's very helpful. I make shakes every morning but this one is a little different. I may try it tomorrow then eat a 1 block snack around 9am. thanks again.

You know......when I started the Zone I woulkd have never thought of having something other than Special K, cream and sugar with strawberries.....Geez...sounds wonderful! When you think about it, it makes no difference what food source you use...cheese...turkey....cauliflower...etc. Food is a drug / fuel and no matter what favorable source you consume, it all does the same thing. I always split my breakfast into two hald breakfasts. I am never hungry in the morning this way and I never get the 11:00AM shakes / tiredness that I used to experience any longer. Hmmmm..lobster and asparagus for breakfast with pistachios...great idea!

Jim: I you're right. It doesn't really matter what I eat. I could have cottage cheese or a cheese string and fruit. That wouldn't be so bad. I didn't eat my Special K with cream and sugar though..haha... but they were delicious!! Here I thought, I was being super healthy! wow, has my impression changed.

Renee, where do you live that you're allowed to eat on the bus? Scott, so you're the one buying up all the soy sausages! :x Renee, seriously, there are two things new Zoners learn quickly: 1. A full breakfast is important enough to allow yourself time to prepare and eat it. 2. Like Jim says above, 'It's not just for breakfast anymore' is a slogan that works both ways: Don't limit yourself to traditional breakfast foods if they are inconvenient. Deli turkey, cheese, fruit, nuts, etc. can be eaten with your fingers in a matter of seconds. My brother grills a half dozen chicken breasts at a time and has one cold for "breakfast" with a couple apples. I know a guy who eats 4 blocks of raw brocolli with his eggs, (not necessarily a quick-- or noiseless-- breakfast idea, but you get my point).

Adam: Are YOU not allowed to eat on the bus??? hahaha...Well, I guess here in Canada the rules are different. Thanks for the feedback. I understand the whole "non-conventional" breakfast...but it's hard to get used to. Shakes are the easiest to get used to....protein powder, dairy and fruit....it's very breakfast like. thanks again.

I can't get into shakes myself. About eating on the bus, I have had the pleasure of seeing the hundreds of cockroaches that live under the engine hood, waiting to come out and clean up after us. Not very appetizing. I admit I'm very impressed with Ontario's public transportation system, though. But Cleveland buses and trains have signs posted to "Keep it in the Bag".

for adam: but isn't "keep it in the bag" just for wine? (ha ha) ...and I agree that smoothies are not yummy in winter (you didn't specify season...)

Adam: We don't have such signs! ;o) But I still wouldn't sit there and eat a regular meal. I think I may find it very difficult to stay in the zone during xmas.

I hard boil about 18 eggs and throw away the yolks. I then have a bunch handy for quich snacks and for breakfast. I will cut them in half the long was. This makes a nice little pocket for my green olives for my fat. Then I have deli sliced meat on top of the egg. I have my oatmeal for carbs. My husband thinks I'm nuts.

Cool idea for the eggs...Makes me thing about the possibility of a Zoned deviled egg with avacodo mix as the stuffing...hmmmm...I'll think about that one About shakes...I thought the good Dr did not really like them as a staple because they are absorbed too quickly.???

Depends on the person, and the situation. For me they fine, unless I have no access to a bathroom (teaching all morning){enough said.} I find them to be great in the car for car trips, though. I can drink them slowly and it keeps me from snacking. When sedentary, I can last with a shake a long time. R