January 05, 2021 5 min read
Besides changing how we work there has been a major shift in the way we are living. According to the United States Postal Service, San Francisco has lost ten percent of its population since shelter in place orders. New York has had almost a 500% increase in moves compared to 2019 numbers. When there is no pressure to work in the office, and amenities like live music venues, bars, and amazing coffee shops where people used to go to work have closed (some permanently due to COVID, and one in particular due to a car crash) many people are moving out of big expensive cities and into smaller suburban environments where buying a house is actually an affordable option.
I have learned that cooking is a skill learned through practice and patience; trial and error and have found that breakfast is one of the hardest meals to cook. Often, I am tired and sleepy, and wake up right before the first meeting of the day. The first thing we eat is what kick starts our digestive system for the day and has the biggest impact about whether we are going to feel energized and ready to take on the day, or sluggish and temperamental.
Below are some of my favorite breakfast drinks and meals – recipes included!
This is my favorite way to start the week, and my go-to meal Mondays through Fridays. Weaver’s Dragonwell Green Tea, has leaves that when brewed, open into a mellow chestnut flavor and slightly sweet finish.
Green tea is an amazing way to start your day because the main substances in tea are polyphenols, in particular catechins and epicatechins. Lab and animal studies say these molecules have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which promote heart health and metabolism. Studies of large groups by Harvard over time found that tea drinkers are at lower risk for diabetes and possibly cardiovascular disease.
I always pair this with my Perfect Oatmeal – a gentle breakfast that is easy on the stomach with no artificial sugar added.
While tea is a great way to start the day, let’s face it, sometimes we really need coffee. We have all had the Monday where you wake up and know that tea is just simply not enough caffeine to get you through the day. Black coffee is the perfect way to start the day.
Photo Vincent Distrola Weaver's Original Blend Coffee
There is a reason why coffee roasters taste test coffee black. To understand the full flavor profile of one of our single origin coffees or blended coffees we would not add milk or sugar to the taste it on the tasting table as it would negatively impact the coffee tasting and the coffee would be diluted. And unlike a cup of over-roasted and burnt coffee at my local large chain coffee company, I do not need to add milk or sugar to a cup of Weaver’s Original Blend Coffee. I drink Weaver's Coffee black.
When I need the little extra pep in my step, I pair my coffee with egg bites that I make ahead, making it an easy breakfast I can enjoy all week.
Recipe by Hannah Williams courtesy of Tasty
After working all week, what a better way to kick off your weekend than with a special treat?
Instead of a cup of tea or black coffee, I like to make my partner and I café au laits at home with blueberry waffles. While we miss going to brunch with our best friends, this homemade weekend treat is way better than any box mix, and has gotten us through until it is safe to meet with others again!
While working from home has been a nice change in pace for most people, that does not mean life has totally stopped. We still have doctor’s appointments, dentist check-ups, etc.
On busy days I simply do not have time for a full breakfast and settle for something quick that I can bring on-the-go that will still provide me with the energy I need for the day. While I used to love Starbucks Frappuccino’s when I was young, before I worked as a Barista, I have matured and understand how these drinks are packed with sugar.
The answer to my problem? A simple, yet very healthy, mocha banana smoothie!
Blend all together for the perfect on-the-go drink!