Toddler Breakfast - Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Mornings can be a little rough in our house, because let's me honest there aren't really any morning people in our house, except maybe my husband. But I've found the best way to combat rough toddler mornings is with food, he's usually hungry right away. And because breakfast is at daycare, I don't like to make him a full breakfast, but this muffin recipe has saved many mornings. It is a quick & simple recipe & is healthier than other options. I love have a bag of mini muffins in the freezer, grabbing one or few & popping them in the microwave & satisfying the morning beast before we head out the door!

Oatmeal Blueberry Applesauce Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/4 cups oats
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375˚ F.
2. Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray -- we use a mini muffin pan.
3. In a large bowl combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a medium bowl, combine applesauce, yogurt, brown sugar, canola oil and egg.
4. Make a well in dry ingredients and add the applesauce mixture. Stir until just moist. Fold in blueberries.
5. Fill muffin pan about 2/3 or so full.
6. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin from the middle of the tray comes out clean.
7. If you’re freezing them, allow the muffins to cool, then pop them into a ziploc bag & freeze.
8. Microwave them for about 30 seconds out the freezer & their ready to eat.

I am Beyond Grateful

I am beyond grateful that I have 2 happy and healthy children.

I am beyond grateful we are able to support them.

I am beyond grateful I was able to spend 12 weeks home with my 2nd.

I am beyond grateful for the job I have and co-workers I have. 

I am beyond grateful for my family.

I am beyond grateful for the relationships I have with my siblings. 

------------------

This is list could continue, but that's not really information you need to know, but it does lay the groundwork for creating a positive mindset. 

I think far too often we start to focus on the negative and forget what we have. While I could be sad that other pregnancies ended in miscarriage or stressed by the poorer relationships in my life. I have chosen to find the good. 

Mental health is so vital in your life & relationships that you can't just let it go. The longer you neglect it the further you get buried and fighting out of it is hard. I have been in that low spot and I don't want to go back. There are times it rears it's ugly head and I have let it slip back in, but I don't like the feeling afterwards. Being able to see the good in the situation or looking at the other side of a situation will change your mindset. Don't just look for the negatives or what ifs. Think about the positives and look at the future. You can't change your past, you can't focus on your regrets - these do nothing for you. BE PRESENT.

I am not saying this is 100% my mindset these days, because it's not. It's a daily battle, but man, when I can embrace it, my outlook is better & mood is happier. 

If you want to work on your mental health, I will happily support you and join you on your journey. I challenge you to start small - every night before you fall asleep remind yourself of a few things you are grateful for that day.