The weather is changing, days are shorter and the cooler weather is here.  This weekend, we change the clocks.  Ok, it’s an extra hour of sleep, but still, any time change makes me tired!  So what can be done to turn all around?

I generally believe in a holistic approach to nutrition.  A single food is not going to change the way you feel.  Rather, it’s a lifestyle.  

I have always been a huge proponent for breakfast.  A healthy breakfast can make you feel better both mentally AND physically.  Make it a high protein breakfast.  Protein eaten early helps to keep you full throughout the day.  Amy Horwitz, RD , my nutrition guru, recommends high quality protein foods like eggs, Low fat cottage cheese, nonfat yogurt ( Try Greek!) , a natural nut butter or turkey bacon along with a high quality  Carbohydrate, like fruit, whole grain bread or veggies!   And you can have a cup of coffee!  Just don’t rely solely on coffee to keep you energized and focused.

• Try a Banana with a Tablespoon or two  of Almond butter
• Make your self a quick omelet with one of my favorite Pampered Chef tools, the ceramic egg cooker

Four Great foods to give you a Boost!

1.    Hemp Seeds
A complete protein, rich in fiber and omega-3s, hemp is a great low-glycemic addition to any diet. The glycemic index (GI) is a measurement of how fast the carbohydrates in food are broken down into glucose and how much it will affect your blood sugar. Look for cold-pressed hemp seed oil for salad dressing, hemp protein for smoothies and hemp seeds to toss onto salads and smoothies.

2. Soaked Almonds
Raw almonds are nutrient dense, and soaking them unlocks higher nutrition potential. Soaking increases vitamin levels and removes the enzyme inhibitors that slow down digestion. I soak my almonds in water overnight (at least eight hours) and then dehydrate them.

3. Quinoa
This fluffy pseudograin is 20-percent protein, making it a balanced source of carbohydrates. It’s gluten-free and rich in B vitamins, which help convert carbohydrates into energy in your body. Even if you feel like you’re too busy to make homemade meals, quinoa is a fast food that cooks in less than 15 minutes.

4. Green Tea
Caffeine from green tea feels steadier and less jittery than the spike and crash with caffeine from coffee. This is likely because green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea that helps promote relaxation.

Try my Favorite Breakfast Quinoa

Quinoa Fruit Salad

1 cup dry quinoa

1 pint strawberries

11 oz pkg blueberries

1 pkg raspberries

4 TB Pure Maple Syrup

2 TB fresh lime juice

Pinch of kosher salt

1 cup almonds

1)      Cook quinoa according to package directions.

2)      While quinoa is cooking, rinse strawberries in Mesh Colanders.  Remove tops with Core n More.  Place in large serving bowl.  Chop strawberries with Salad Choppers to desired consistency.

3)      Rinse blueberries and raspberries in Mesh Colanders and add to the strawberries.

4)      In Small Batter Bowl, mix together maple syrup, lime juice (juiced with Citrus Press), and salt.  Whisk together.

5)      Chop raw almonds with Food Chopper and toast in Saute Pan.

6)      Add quinoa and maple syrup mixture to fruit, and mix well.  Sprinkle with toasted almonds, and DIG IN!