Breakfast: energy boost for moms and all

(NC)-For the most part, summer is a time for vacation and relaxation. But are you finding that you may have unwound a bit too much? Now that you're back to the grind, you may find it hard to keep the energy level up and the waistline down. Sample this decadent yet low calorie menu for a high energy day:

Breakfast: The most important meal of the day should be a special one with lots of variety. Squeeze some oranges for fresh, nutritious juice, top low fat yoghurt with your favourite berries, and follow the recipe below for healthy bran muffins. They're made with Splenda no calorie sweetener which is made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar yet does not contain high calories or carbohydrates.

. Combine 1 1/4 cups whole bran cereal and 1 1/4 cups skim milk; let stand 5 minutes

. Stir in 1 egg and 1/3 cup melted margarine; 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup shredded unpeeled apple, and 1/2 cup raisins

. Combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup Splenda Granular, 1 tbsp baking powder, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt in large bowl

. Stir cereal mixture into dry ingredients

. Spoon into lined muffin tins

. Bake at 400 F for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown

Lunch: Your energy level in the afternoon often depends on what you have for lunch. Taking just five minutes the night before to plan ahead can not only provide for a more nutritious lunch, it will save you money and give you a yummy lunch to look forward to all morning. Salad is very filling and can be adorned with roasted vegetables, cold meat or cottage cheese. Head back to your desk with something sweet in hand such as fresh fruit.

Afternoon Snack: To avoid that 3pm slump, treat yourself to guilt-free hot chocolate. This recipe, when compared to a full sugar, full fat version, has a 40% reduction in calories, a 37% reduction in fat, a 49% reduction in carbohydrates and a 66% reduction in sugars!

. Mix together 8 packets of Splenda Granular and 3 tbsp cocoa powder in a small saucepan. Gradually add 2 cups milk, and whisk until blended.

. Cook over medium-low heat until thoroughly heated, pack it up and reheat at work for a mid-afternoon treat

Dinner: At the end of a long day at work, the only appetite you have is for something quick and easy. To keep it low in calories and high in nutrition try grilled or broiled boneless, skinless chicken breast, whole grain rice and broccoli with a dash of parmesan cheese.

For more fall recipes or to join the Splenda Recipe Club log on to www.splenda.ca

- News Canada