Start Your Mornings Strong

The holiday season ends for most of us at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. This new year is different in that it marks the beginning of a new decade, so whether the goals you set for yourself center on health and fitness or not, it’s important to start your mornings with something nutritious. Skip the milk and cereal routine, and try one of these three heart-healthy, dairy-free breakfast bowls that’ll have you ready to take on any challenges that get in your way.

Sweet Potato Hash Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil, Divided
  • 4 Strips of bacon
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 Tsp. Cumin
  • 1/5 Tsp. Korean Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 Cups Packed Kale Leaves
  • 1/2 Avocado
  • Salt & Pepper

Preparation

  1. Place the sweet potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Microwave on high for about 4 minutes, mixing halfway through, until the potatoes are softened but still retain their shape.
  2. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, cook the bacon and then transfer it to a cutting board to cut into small pieces.
  3. Rinse the pan and use it to sauté the sweet potatoes, bell pepper, cumin and red pepper flakes in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for about 4 minutes.
  4. Then add in the kale. After 2 minutes, mix in the bacon and remove from the heat.
  5. Transfer the hash into two bowls and top with sliced avocado, salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Mango Smoothie Bowl

Makes 2 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Frozen Mangoes
  • 1 Frozen Banana
  • 1/2 Cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
  • 2 Tsp. Honey
  • 1/4 Cup Granola
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Barries

Preparation

  1. Allow the frozen fruit to thaw for about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the mangoes, banana, orange juice and honey to a high-speed blender; mix until smooth using a spatula to scrape down the sides at various intervals.
  3. If the blender is having a hard time mixing, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time.
  4. Then distribute the thick smoothie mixture between two bowls and top with granola and raspberries, if desired.
  5. Other good topping choices include fresh blueberries, dried cranberries, dried coconut shavings or chocolate bits. Serve cold.

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