Even as a self proclaimed 'morning person' I still find it hard to find the time to fit in a healthy breakfast before battling the LA traffic.  I know it is the "most important meal of the day" and I know I really do feel better and more awake once I have had it but it really is the last thing on my mind at 6 a.m. on a Monday morning.  Recently though I have found a quick, and easy, combo that makes me actually look forward to eating before noon and here it is:

Easy oatmeal with apples

1/2 cup instant oats
3/4 cup almond milk (water or regular milk is fine as well)
dash of cinnamon
dash of allspice
1 T Splenda (depending on your tastes...I like mine extra sweet!)
1 package freeze fried apples

Combine the oats and almond milk, stir, and microwave for 60 seconds.  Add spices and apples, mix, and heat again for 30 seconds.  Enjoy!

I usually eat this while I drive to class (or sit in the parking lot that is the 405 freeway during rush hour) and it really does satisfy.  Also oats are full of fiber which keeps you full longer than more processed or simple carbs! 

Oats from Ralph's grocery store (on sale for $3.99!) and freeze dried fruit from Costco (a package of 20 for $12).

So working at a college newspaper has given me a new definition of "working late" and also has forced me to learn quick and healthy meals that can double as dinner (or usually 4th meal..) when I get home and also lunch the next day when I am back on campus.  This recipe has got to be one of my favorites and my go-to meal when I get home after a long day.

Brown rice with chicken and broccoli 
Yields 2 servings
Time: 10 minutes


1 container of Uncle Ben's brand quick brown rice
4 frozen or thawed chicken tenderloins
1 cup cooked broccoli (I had leftovers from the night before but quickly microwaving up a cup of frozen works just as well)
Salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if you so dare) 

I microwaved the chicken tenderloins (since they were frozen) for 4 minutes in a tupperware container with the lid halfway on.  Then cut the chicken into bite size pieces and season with salt & pepper (just a few shakes of each is fine) before throwing it in a small skillet over medium-high heat for another 2 minutes (just until slightly browned).  While the chicken is finishing put the brown rice and broccoli in the microwave for one minute each (more time for the broccoli if it is frozen).  Separate into two servings and top with hot sauce if you like your food spicy (I prefer Sriracha brand with this particular meal) and ENJOY!