Simplifying the Morning Meal

I have partnered with belVita and Dannon to help promote the belVita and Dannon partnership.  I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program, which includes writing about the promotion and product.  However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

I don’t know about you, but breakfast is my very favorite meal of the day.  I can give or take lunch, and dinner is only special when it’s shared with good company, but breakfast is never missed and pretty much always delish.

On weekends I like to go a bit more all-out and whip up fluffy whole wheat waffles, maple syrup topped French toast or veggie filled omelets, but weekday mornings call for something a little quicker and easier.  Typically my go-to meals include oatmeal creations, smoothies, cereal, or overnight oats, but sometimes even a simple Berry Banana Green Smoothie can take a bit too much time.  Every so often the alarm may not go off or you’re simply struggling to get everything done and be out the door on time.  In these cases you need a grab-and-go option that is ready and waiting for you, not the other way around!

The partnership between Crunchy belVita Breakfast Biscuits and Dannon Oikos Greek Nonfat Yogurt provides a convenient way for eating healthy on the go or in a pinch.  Oikos yogurt has twice the amount of protein compared to regular lowfat yogurt – 12 grams of protein – while belVita provides whole grain, nutritious steady energy to last throughout even the busiest mornings.  Pair these two items together with a piece of fruit like a banana or an apple and you have a complete meal that is faster than even a bowl of oatmeal yet still healthier than most fast food breakfast sandwiches.

I chose to purchase the Café Latte  and Key Lime Oikos flavors, which are two of my very favorites, and a pack of the Golden Oat Crunchy belVita Breakfast Biscuits to try.  (belVita comes in five flavors, so if Golden Oat is not your cup of tea, try chocolate or apple cinnamon instead!)  Both my Oikos and belVita choices were good on their own, but for more nutrients and staying power, pairing them together is the best option.

Along with Dannon and belVita, Laura Stack, the Productivity Pro has joined the better morning initiative as well to provide tips on how to get the most of the mornings:

• Do as much as you can the night before to leave less preparation for the morning. (I usually pack our lunches, put all the dirty dishes into the dishwasher, and have my yoga clothes packed the night before.)
• Plan your to-do list for the next day the night before. (I need to get a little better at this…  I find that I truly am a lot more productive when I have a pre-set plan in place.)
• Start your morning with a delicious and balanced breakfast – Where Oikos and belVita comes in to play! (I literally never miss breakfast; I know if I do it will set me up for a grumpy morning since headaches and trouble focusing is no fun!)

Overall, I was a fan of both Oikos and belVita, but since I tend to make my morning meal a little more of a production, I could see myself having an Oikos with a pack of belVita for an afternoon snack instead of for breakfast.  Also, although I liked the taste of the breakfast biscuits, reminding me a bit of a heartier honey graham cracker, the 11 grams of sugar and long ingredient list did turn me off just a little bit from buying them on a regular basis.  On special occasions I could definitely see myself incorporating belVita into my meals, but as a daily thing I would probably choose something with a little less sugar and less ingredients.  I actually found myself topping a single belVita, there are four in a pack, with peanut butter for an afternoon snack and as a late night sweet treat.  In my opinion, it reminds me more of a cookie than a breakfast, but at least I know I am getting a healthier sweet option when I ‘indulge’!  The same goes with the Oikos as well; although I loved the Café Latte flavor, the sugar content was a little high so I would probably stick with plain most mornings instead.

Just like in life though, there is a place for everything in moderation and if I needed a quick breakfast on the go, Oikos and belVita would definitely be my choice over something less healthy and absolutely over nothing at all!

For more information on belVita, please visit:

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For more information on Dannon and Oikos, please visit:

• Twitter – Dannon
• Twitter – Oikos
• Facebook – Dannon
• Facebook – Oikos

Conversation Time.

• When you’re in a hurry during the morning, what is your go-to grab-and-go breakfast choice?
• Have you ever tried belVita or Oikos?  What are your thoughts?  If you could try any flavor of belVita- Blueberry, Golden Oat, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, Chocolate or Apple Cinnamon – which would you choose?
• What do you look for in choosing a breakfast?  Do you tend to focus on protein, whole grains, or a combination of both?