This Valentine's Day, forget roses and candy. Instead, serve your sweetie a decadent breakfast in bed. According to the American Dietetic Association, eating breakfast improves cognitive function and memory, and increases the likelihood that you'll make healthy food choices throughout the day. To maximize benefits (and taste), try these all-natural takes on longtime favorites.
Packed with B vitamins, fiber, iron, and antioxidants, whole grains trump processed ones. For fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth waffles, try Bob's Red Mill 7-Grain Pancake and Waffle Mix and substitute cow's milk or plain soy milk for the water. Hungry now? Pop in Van's Hearty Oats natural and filling toaster-ready waffles.
Syrups derived from organic fruit juice are free of pesticides and help you cut down on refined sugar. For a splash of color and antioxidants, try Santini Organic Raspberry Syrup. When only maple syrup will satisfy, top waffles with Coombs Family Farms organic syrups.
Your valentine may love a side of bacon, but spare him the extra sodium, saturated fat, and nitrites — a common preservative used in processed meat. Beeler's bacon satisfies without harsh preservatives. Or serve up Morningstar Farms' delicious Veggie Sausage Links.
Not only do açai berries contain more antioxidants than blueberries or pomegranate seeds, they also offer protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. Try Sambazon's premade Açai Smoothies or O.N.E.'s new Amazon Açai with acerola — a rainforest cherry.
Shade-grown, organic, fair-trade coffee beans preserve the ecosystems and communities where they're grown. Get started with Spava's organic ginkgo-enhanced Clarity Coffee or Jim's organic Ethiopian coffee. (See “What's In Your Mug?” page 50 for more on coffee.)
Special occasions call for a finishing touch. This tofu and soy milk — based alternative to standard whipped cream offers protein and a dollop of sweetness atop your waffles.
1 pound silken tofu
3 tablespoons almond butter
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Plain soy milk, as needed
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add soy milk to achieve desired thickness.
— G.D.W.