Healthy Meals and Snacks During Online School

By Grace Caltabellotta

You wake up 20 minutes before first period, maybe you get dressed or just stay in your pajamas but either way, you don’t have much time to think about what to make for breakfast. Whether you wake up early or not are you putting the time into making a complete and healthy breakfast? Grabbing something quick such as cereal or a piece of fruit may seem like an easy solution; these choices aren’t terrible but they aren’t balanced. A piece of fruit or bowl of cereal will only keep you satisfied for about an hour until you start searching for more snacks. If you’re going to choose these breakfast items it’s good to keep in mind where you are getting your protein from. Protein slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, keeping you satisfied for about 3 hours. For example, just a banana only keeps you satisfied for about 30 minutes, where a banana with a tablespoon of nut butter keeps you satisfied for 3 hours. I discovered the key to eating healthy meals and snacks during a day of online school is to plan the night before. There are several recipes you can start before bed. Down below I provided some healthy and simple meal ideas.

Banana Protein Pancakes (Grain-free)

Ingredients

1 Ripe Banana

1 egg

1 tablespoon of nut butter of choice ( I like peanut butter)

1 tablespoon of chocolate chips (Optional)

Toppings: Bananas, Maple Syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat skillet to medium heat.

2. In a bowl, mash the banana with a fork.

3. Add egg, nut butter, chocolate chips and combine.

4. Add a spoonful of batter and cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

5. Serve with maple syrup and bananas. Enjoy :)

Overnight Oats

Ingredients

Rolled Oats, ⅔ Cup

Milk of your choice, ⅔ Cup

Vanilla Greek Yogurt, ½ Cup

Vanilla Extract, ½ teaspoon

Cinnamon, ½ teaspoon

Honey or maple syrup, 2 teaspoons

Blueberries (as many as you prefer) or any other topping such as peaches, strawberries or banana and chocolate chips with a spoonful of cocoa powder in the oats.

Directions:

1. In a mason jar or sealable container, add oats, milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, blueberries, and stir together.

2. Seal and place in the refrigerator overnight for up to five days.

3. Top with additional blueberries or toppings of your choice. Enjoy!

No-Bake Energy Bites

Ingredients

Rolled Oats 1 cup

Almond Butter ¼ cup

Honey ¼ cup

For Different Flavors add...

1 Mashed ripe Banana and chocolate chips ½ cup

Chocolate chips ½ cup and replace almond butter with ¼ cup of peanut butter

Raisins ¼ cup and chopped pecans ¼ cup

Dried Blueberries ½ cup

Directions:

1. Mix oats, almond butter, and honey in a large bowl.

2. Add the ingredients for your preferred flavor

3. Place Bowl in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes, or until the mixture has solidified.

4. Mold the mixture into bite-sized balls.

5. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.