Couch to Deer Camp: Opening day breakfast ideas

Start opening day with a high-energy, slow-burning, healthy breakfast. Choose from these hearty breakfast favorites. Each can be scaled up to feed your entire hunting party.

Slow cooker: Steel-cut Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts

Make breakfast overnight while you sleep. Put these ingredients in your slow cooker before you turn in for the night.

Start to finish: Approximately 7 hours

Servings: 7 (3/4 cup)

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, cut into ½-inch pieces (2-1/2 to 3 cups chopped)
• 1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons butter (cut into 5-6 pieces)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional garnishes: chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Coat inside of 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients (except optional toppings) to slow cooker
3. Stir, cover and cook on low for approximately 7 hours (slow cooker times can vary).
4. Spoon oatmeal into bowls; add optional toppings, if desired. Leftovers can be stored in your refrigerator or freezer.

This recipe can be doubled in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to serve 14. Increase cooking time 1 hour.

Per serving:  149 calories; 3.6g fat; 27.3g carbs; 3.9g fiber; and 4.9g protein.

Visit www.TheYummyLife.com to find other breakfast recipes.

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Sandwich

If you prefer eggs and bacon to get your opening day started, try a combo with a touch of greens.

Start to finish: 10 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 whole-wheat bagel, halved
• 1 slice low-sodium Swiss cheese
• 1 slice Canadian (or venison) bacon
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• Pinch of freshly ground pepper

Instructions:

1. Toast bagel. Place cheese and bacon on the bottom half.
2. Heat oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add egg, spinach and pepper and cook; stirring until set, about one minute.
3. Place the egg mixture on the cheese and bacon. Top with remaining bagel half. Cut in half to serve, if desired.

Add in a side of fresh fruit and you’re ready for the early morning start.

Prepare this in assembly-line fashion and keep warm in the oven to feed any size hunting party.

Per serving:  454 calories; 18g fat; 50g carbs; 8g fiber; and 26g protein.

Visit www.eatingwell.com for other healthy breakfast ideas.

Download these recipes for your recipe file.

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Here is more advice about healthy snacks that ward off hunger and keep you alert.

Are you ready?

We want to ensure your hunt is the best it can be.

This information is part of Couch to Deer Camp, a series of fitness and health tips created by Marshfield Clinic to help you get ready for the hunt.

You can do this.

Couch to Deer Camp provides health information and is not intended to be medical advice. Talk with your doctor prior to beginning a program of regular physical activity.