Quick & Easy RESTART Breakfast
Updated: Aug 17, 2022
You know that awkward weather where it’s freezing in the morning, so you bundle up only to be sweating and uncomfortable by midday? Well we’re there. And it means spring is coming!
In Chinese medicine, spring is considered yang within yin. Yang energy is expanding, bright, and vibrant (think summer) whereas yin energy is contracting, dark, and still (like winter). If we look at the yin yang symbol, known as the taiji, we see a white fish with a dot of black and a black fish with a dot of white. The two give into and transform into each other, one always leading to the other. The white dot of yang energy within the curve of yin energy is felt in springtime. It's an awakening from the dormancy of winter.
Energy begins to increase. The sun is up longer, there’s renewed activity in the natural world (have you noticed more birdsong? Flowers? Or maybe that it’s almost time to mow again?), and there’s a sense of movement stirring inside us. It’s time to begin the next cycle of growth.
Waking up from winter can mean a lot of things, but in terms of nutrition and vibrant health, I think it’s the perfect time for a little spring cleaning. My first RESTART class is scheduled to begin the first day of spring, Monday, March 21, and to end Monday, April 18. During that time we’ll complete a 21-day break from sugar and learn a lot about nutrition, digestion, and ourselves! It’s not easy, but it is rewarding. Trust me, I know how hard it is to give up favorite foods, even just temporarily! Ah, my precious chocolate chip cookies… kryptonite!
In an effort to start getting myself prepared for RESTART, I made this egg bake from Tasty Yummies as an easy grab-n-go breakfast for the week. It was super easy! I just used what I had on hand, and it turned out really delicious. I used hemp milk, kale, cherry tomatoes, onion, and feta cheese. In my professional opinion, feta makes everything better. ;)
After baking, I sliced mine into 4 pieces and enjoyed them over the next few days with some plain yogurt and a slice of buttered, sprouted grain toast. The toast wouldn’t be considered RESTART-friendly, so when I make this again during the sugar challenge, I’ll simply enjoy more of the egg bake. I think next time I’d like to add another protein or fiber source like sausage or beans as well. That added protein and/or fiber will make it extra filling and delicious.
Anyway
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did! Let me know what flavor combos you use! :)
Ingredients:
10-12 pasture-raised eggs (I use 10 eggs when I am adding additional meat and veggies)
3/4 cup full fat milk (cow or goat milk work great) or unsweetened non-dairy milk
sea salt and black pepper
Optional Add Ins:
cooked protein: bacon, sausage, ham, prosciutto, pancetta, smoked salmon, shredded rotisserie chicken, etc
grated or crumbled cheese: cheddar cheese, goat cheese, feta cheese, parmesan, Romano, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, etc
fresh or dried herbs and spices: chives, basil, oregano, cilantro, parsley, chili powder, etc
fresh or cooked veggies: caramelized onions, bell peppers, spinach or kale, baby greens, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, shredded butternut squash, roasted red peppers, olives, cooked shredded hash browns, etc
for serving: micro greens, additional fresh herbs, cheese, etc.
Just a Few Ingredient Combination Ideas:
asparagus, peas, pancetta, goat cheese
sausages, basil, spinach, parmesan
bacon, spinach, goat milk or sharp cheddar
smoked salmon, dill, goat cheese
zucchini, sun dried tomatoes, scallions
kale, feta cheese, caramelized onions, oregano
bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, chili powder
sliced mushrooms, spinach, romano cheese
etc etc etc – have fun and get creative!
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 300ºF. Lightly grease a ¼ metal sheet pan (9x13) with olive oil or butter.
Prepare any ingredients you want to include in your baked eggs. (chop, sauté, cook, etc)
Whisk together the eggs with milk or non-dairy milk
Add cooked protein of your choice: bacon, sausage, ham, smoked salmon or leave out
Add any fresh herbs and veggies that you’d like
Add grated cheese of your choice, if you’d like.
Whisk well to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, laying down and veggies you want at the bottom, first.
Bake until the eggs are set. About 45 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before cutting and serving.