Making Me Time Every Morning With Nutri-Grain #NGHarvest #Sponsored #MC

***Disclosure: “I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central for Nutri-Grain. I received product samples and promotional item to thank me for participating.”***

I'm sure many of you can relate to hectic mornings. With an often drowsy teenager to get out the door each morning, dogs to walk and cats to feed, as well as 2 preschool aged kids to care for, I often forget to take care of ME. It's not intentional, of course. I am just so busy taking care of everyone else's needs that I don't stop and think about myself. 

I have to admit, breakfast has always been a challenge for me. I am not a big "morning eater." I can't sit down to a heaping plate of pancakes and sausage, and I do not eat chewy liquid chickens. At all. (Chewy liquid chickens are eggs, for those who may be wondering.) 

So while I may not have much of an appetite in the mornings, I do understand the importance of starting off the day with a nutritious meal. Our bodies need fuel to get through the day, and without it, there can be very real consequences like binging later in the day, afternoon fatigue, and even difficulties losing weight. Yes, the human body burns calories and fat more efficiently when you EAT. Otherwise, the metabolism will become sluggish and those extra pounds won't come off nearly as easily. 

Luckily, I recently discovered a brand new product from Nutri-Grain, Fruit & Oat Harvest Cereal Bars. These are not only wonderful when you're running around like a chicken with it's head cut off in the morning, they also help keep your tummy full-feeling since they are a wonderful source of protein and whole grains.

Oh, and the fruit is pretty darn appealing, too! Currently, there are 2 delectable flavor options: Country Strawberry and Blueberry Bliss.  These bars are the perfect portion for a light breakfast on their own, but I usually have one along with a yogurt or some fresh fruit. 

The only problem I have with Nutri-Grain Fruit & Oat Harvest Cereal Bars is that they are perhaps TOO tasty. No, really. They are. What was supposed to be "Mommy's Breakfast Stash" has apparently become fair game to anyone who knows where the box is hiding. Look who I caught getting into them today! This small dude is lucky I love him and am always willing to share! 

Overall, I am definitely happy I discovered these bars. Not only do they taste great, they give me the necessary fuel to get my often busy days off to a great start. I've even noticed that I have more energy throughout the day when I've had a good morning meal. I've been less groggy come mid-afternoon, and I have even been more motivated to get on the treadmill every day. 2014 is going to be a year full of positive lifestyle changes for me, and thanks to Nutri-Grain, making time for a nutritious breakfast has never been easier. 

To learn more, please check out Nutri-Grain on Facebook! 

How do you find time for yourself in the mornings? Do you have any tips on ways to get through the day? I'd love to hear all about it!