How many times have you rushed out the door on your way to work with just a thermos or snack bar – if that? Or maybe you squeeze-in a drive-through stop to settle your rumbling stomach? This is super common and nothing to be embarrassed about! Our lives are busy and, sometimes, its easy to miss meals or settle for something less healthy, but quick, while rushing to work, running errands, and/or juggling family needs.

Maybe you had a New Year's resolution to eat healthier or get up earlier to have breakfast and are falling behind? Building new habits can be challenging, so it's always helpful to have a place to start. The Beacon is conveniently located within walking distance of three grocery stores (Target, Wegmans, & Safeway), which have everything you need to get started. Just a bit of planning and prep can actually save you time and money in the long-run. Check out these ideas and recipes to start everyday off right!

1) Overnight Oats – Start with oats, your favorite milk, and your favorite flavorings, such as honey, cinnamon, or vanilla. Then, you can add toppings, like fresh or dried fruit, nuts, chia seeds, jam/preserves, etc. Mix it all together and store it in the fridge for a quick and hearty breakfast.

• Blueberry Overnight Oats
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Frozen Fruit & Yogurt Overnight Oats 

2) Make-Ahead Egg Muffins – You can make a quick batch of these at the start of the week and store them in the fridge for a grab-and-go breakfast. Simply mix together eggs and your favorite fillings, such as veggies and/or your favorite protein source, then bake in a muffin tin.

• Veggie Egg Muffins 3 Ways
• Ham & Cheese Egg Muffins

3) Baked Oatmeal – Like overnight oats, baked oatmeal can easily be customized to fit your taste preferences. They're a great option for a breakfast that is pastry-like and easy to eat by hand.

• Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
• Peanut Butter & Banana Baked Oatmeal
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
• Berry Baked Oatmeal

4) Breakfast Burritos – Do you prefer a heartier, hot breakfast? Make a big batch of breakfast burritos with eggs, beans, cheese, and your favorite veggies and/or protein, then freeze them to heat up as needed. Just like the other recipes in this list, breakfast burritos are very easily customized to your taste and dietary needs.

• Souhwest Veggie Protein Breakfast Burrito
• Sausage & Cheese Freezer Breakfast Burritos

5) Smoothie Packs – Portion out your smoothie packs into bags or jars by pre-cutting your favorite fruits and veggies and including any additions your prefer, such as chia seeds, protein powder, etc. Store packs in the freezer until use. Then, all you have to do is add your preferred liquids, yogurt, milk, etc., and the smoothie pack to your blender and blend away.

• Customizable Smoothie Packs
• Green Smoothie Packs
• Toddler-Approved Make-Ahead Smoothies

6) Protein Pancakes – If you have a bit more time in the mornings, but not enough to make something from scratch, or just don't want to have to worry about cooking first thing in the morning, make-ahead pancakes might be a great option. You can make a big batch and freeze them. When you're ready to enjoy, defrost and top to your preference for a quick and fun breakfast.

• Protein Oatmeal Blender Pancakes
• Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
• Banana Pancakes with Protein

Getting into the habit of meal prepping your breakfast can help you save time in the morning and make sure you get a nutritious start to your day. Check out our Pinterest for more recipe ideas and give a few a try to see how easy and delicious breakfast meal prepping can be!
 

The post Spring Breakfast Meal Prep appeared first on The Beacon at Waugh Chapel Blog.

Sometimes, though, it’s difficult to grill outdoors. It can be too hot, raining, or perhaps you want less clean-up. This Father’s Day, maybe the father figures in your life would appreciate an easy way to prepare a delicious barbecue without leaving their own kitchen? If you’re still looking for something to treat your loved ones, an indoor grill pan is a great option for a gift. They work incredibly well on gas ranges like the ones in our kitchens.

There are several options on the market and chefs suggest a heavy, thick skillet with deep “ribs” to give you the grilled look on your burgers, vegetables, etc. Click here to check out some Food Network recommendations on the best grill pans.

Now that you have the option to grill indoor or outdoor, it’s time to cook something delicious! Check-out the recipes below to get started.

We hope you and the father figures in your life have an amazing Father’s Day!

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow squash
• 1 zucchini
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, stemmed
• 1 small red onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 ear fresh corn, cut into 1-inch rounds
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Tzatziki, pesto, or Greek dressing for drizzling/serving

Instructions:
Heat a grill to medium-high and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Cut the vegetables into similar sized chunks and thread onto 4 skewers. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the skewers for 8 minutes per side or until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred. Remove from the grill, season to taste, and serve with desired sauce or dressing.

Classic Grilled Ribs

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of pork ribs
• 1/3 cup paprika 
• 1/8 cup ground pepper
• 2 spoons of salt
• 3 spoons of sugar cane
• 1 spoon powder garlic
• 1 spoon powder onion
• 1 spoon of cayenne powder
• 1 spoon of ground cumin
• Hickory sauce or Olive oil

Instructions:
First make a bunch of little holes with the tip of your knife along the pork ribs to allow the spices to soak-in while cooking and increase the flavor. Next, in a bowl mix all the spices until well-blended, and then use the hickory sauce or olive oil to rub the seasoning into the ribs; make sure to apply the mixture to the front and back. Set it on the hot grill and cook to your preference.

The post Grilling With Dad appeared first on The Beacon at Waugh Chapel Blog.