Since my job requires me to travel in three-week increments, it is an understatement for me to say that the hotel breakfast buffet gets to be quite boring by the second week. How many omelets can one really eat? On top of that, I am also trying to lose weight and prefer to stay away from highly processed carbohydrates such as bagels and muffins, which are abundant on any hotel menu. Therefore, I have been experimenting with different breakfast ideas that are easy to prepare (even right in your hotel room) and can give you different options for your morning meal.
Before I share the recipes, there is a bit of preparation that must be done before using these ideas on your next trip. Some of the ingredients may not be readily available in your destination city, so you will need to bring them along in your luggage. I often estimate how many “in-room” breakfast meals I will have during my stay, so I can bring just enough to cover my needs. Also, some of these ideas require a refrigerator. I have found that a typical mini-bar size works just fine. Now let’s talk ingredients.
1. Chia seed and coconut milk pudding (serves 2): This is one of my favorite breakfast ideas even when I am home. I bring along a 13.5 oz can of coconut milk, ¼ cup of organic chia seeds, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (if you have it). Mix the ingredients together in a container with a lid, and refrigerate overnight. By the morning, the chia seeds will have absorbed the coconut milk and it will be a thick pudding. I take my plastic container with me to the hotel breakfast room and add in berries, half a banana, and some nuts for a delicious meal. You can substitute almond milk for the coconut milk, which may be found in local grocery stores at your destination city.
2. Rolled oats soaked in organic fruit juice (serves 2): Another tasty option is mixing one cup of old fashioned rolled oats and one cup of unsweetened organic fruit juice, such as pineapple or dark cherry, in a lidded container and refrigerating overnight. The oats will soak up the juice and will be soft and delicious. Be sure to visit the local grocery stores in your destination city to see what options are available. In some locations you may have exotic fruit juices like passion fruit or mango, which could be exciting to try as well. I don’t add any sugar, but feel free to take your container to the breakfast buffet and load up on more berries or maple syrup to please your palate.
3. Nut butter and fruit: It is always a great idea to pack along a jar of nut butter, such as almond or cashew, when traveling. You can literally have breakfast ready in three minutes by spreading these butters on locally purchased fruit. I especially enjoy apples, pears, or bananas. This can also be a very easy treat to put together as a mid-day snack.
As always, I wish you all the happiest of travels!
