Hi + Happy Monday! I share bits of my morning routine often on instagram, but this is the first time I’m sharing the details here. I receive questions about it, especially when I do a Whole30 so I thought it would be helpful to put all the info in one place! I know everyone’s lives and schedules vary, but this is what I’ve found works for me, in this phase of life. And, Whole30 or not, it stays the same…
My morning routine is important to me because it helps me begin my day feeling prepared!
By nature, being organized does not come easily for me, so having a routine in place makes a huge difference. Going through these steps helps me feel less frazzled, more in control at the beginning of my day. Life is unpredictable and starting my day with structure gives me greater capacity to deal with curveballs that come my way!
I’m outlining my top three essentials and sharing the actual routine at the end of the post…Sleep/Nutrition/Movement, in that order! I’ve learned a lot about these through my Whole30/ Food Freedom lifestyle and I’m excited to share with you.
And don’t miss the coffee recipe at the end of the post…
Sleep is first and foremost when it comes to having a good morning!
When I don’t get enough sleep everything unravels. Quality and quantity matters. Health, mood, patience, ability to think clearly, skin…all of it! I struggle with this, and sometimes I have to take the necessary steps to turn my habits around.
Recently, I allowed myself to fall into a routine of going to bed later and still trying to wake early. Spoiler: It did not go well for me and resulted in feeling exhausted, foggy, and cranky. High potential for a mama meltdown! I mentioned to my husband I needed to catch up on sleep, and he replied with, “You can’t play catch up. You need to create new habits.” And he’s right 😉
I know…it really depends on phase of life, especially as a mom!
I’ve been there, when my kids were younger and waking throughout the night, I lived in survival mode getting by on naps when I could and coffee. That’s different, and I totally get it. But, the good news is, it passes and you will finally get un-interrupted sleep!
Now, the issue is my kids are older and they’re busy. Most afternoons and evenings are filled with homework and activities. High school activities tend to run later. Once they’re in bed I’m tempted to stay up for “me” time. Not necessarily being productive (although sometimes I do use the time to catch up on blog work or emails) but just to be alone in a quiet house. As an introvert, I crave this and I know I need it to feel my best/ recharge. It increases my ability to fully give my attention to family, work, etc.
I’m learning it’s better to be intentional about carving out that “me” time during the day and going to bed earlier. My goal is to get 7-8 hours of sleep. More if possible, as this is on the low end of the recommended amount! A work in progress…
Coffee, Collagen, & always a Whole30 Breakfast!
I’ve started my day with black coffee for years, but about a year ago I started incorporating Collagen Peptides in my first cup of the day. To this, I add nutpods dairy-free Whole30 Approved creamer, for a special treat I look forward to starting my day with! It’s my special coffee collagen “latte” or “cafe au lait!” (After having my first cup this way, I switch to black coffee.) Adding collagen has made a difference in my hair, skin, nails, and digestion! For more info on why I use this supplement, see this post. Recipe below…
Always a Whole30 Breakfast…
This has worked for me over the years, as I gained confidence in my Food Freedom! It sets me up for my day feeling satisfied, energized, and balanced. Even if I indulged the night before, I never, ever skip breakfast to make up for it. That’s an old habit I had to overcome! I start with a healthy breakfast that will provide me with steady energy and mood. Not a coincidence, it fits the Whole3o Meal Template!
Reader Question: Do you ever get in a rut or bored with your breakfast food choices?
I’m guessing this is in response to my daily breakfasts looking very similar! The short answer, no. Here’s why: I know what I like and I keep it pretty simple. There’s something to being a creature of habit, I believe! It prevents me from having to actually think about it…one less thing to expend mental energy on in the morning!
I’ve learned what works for ME, and that’s the key…protein + healthy fat (usually eggs), some greens, and a serving of carb dense veggies (example: sweet potato) or a piece of fruit. I make adjustments if needed and will indulge a craving for paleo pancakes or a smoothie (rarely/if I really want it), but even then, I’ll be sure it’s balanced. You guys…it’s all about living life and being relaxed around food/able to enjoy it!
Movement in the Morning!
I don’t know why, but if I don’t work out before noon, it’s probably not going to happen! I love the feeling of accomplishment and focus it brings to my day. It’s a habit that’s brought wonderful benefits to my life and well being.
Even on days I feel super overwhelmed, once I get my workout in I feel more capable to tackle the tasks on my list! On the rare occasion I work out in the evening it’s equivalent to drinking strong coffee for me…takes a while to wind down afterwards. Knowing this about myself is key so I’m intentional about movement in the morning…
Four days a week I do a strength workout, lifting weights at the gym following a program from The Move Project.
Depending on how I’m feeling, some days I do 20-30 minutes of cardio intervals after weights. Every couple months I get a new program based on my goals. (Be sure to check out my workout section for circuits you can do at home or in the gym!)
I take at least one rest day each week, although I try to be active on those days as well, walking, etc. I love group fitness classes as a way to mix it up and I try to do yoga, pilates, circuit training, or cycling classes to supplement my workout week!
So, there you have it…my morning routine explained!
Let me know if you have any questions, happy to clarify any of it…see below for the time breakdown of my routine. (Note: Ryan wakes up very early to start his day. By the time I’m starting my routine, he’s already left home for the office or coffee shop. Another reason we need to go to bed early!)
Andrea’s Morning Routine
6:00-6:15am Wake up and put on my workout clothes. Gets me in the right mindset! Head downstairs and drink 2-3 glasses of filtered water before coffee. This is a trick I learned from my friends at The Gem! Hydrates and helps get everything moving!
6:15am Coffee with Collagen Peptides and nutpods. Sip while doing my morning quiet time/reading a devotional/journaling. Starts my day positively and helps me focus on God/others and think beyond “me.” I do this in silence or with music in background. Apply light makeup/hair in ponytail. Go!
6:30am Make sure kids are awake/getting ready for school. Prepare breakfast / pack lunch. Andrew helps with his. Marisa does hers on her own. All the mom morning stuff; forms, folders, getting out the door on time.
8:00am Prepare and eat breakfast. (Note: I eat a full breakfast at this time. Because I work out mid-morning (around 10 or 11am) it has time to digest so I don’t feel too full but still tides me over until lunch. I usually eat lunch shortly after I exercise.)
8:30am Get a head start on emails or putting finishing touches/edits on a blog post if I’m publishing that day. Scheduling/planning social media posts. Sometimes they are spur of moment, sometimes not!
10 or 11am Workout/Movement (details above)
Note: Sometimes I rearrange the elements of this schedule by working out right after school drop off then coming home to shower/eat/work. It varies depending on the day, but the elements are the same!
If I have a meeting or blog photo shoot in the morning I usually take it as a rest day from working out/getting sweaty. Morning routine complete…
Creamy Collagen Coffee Recipe (Whole30 Compliant)
- Start with 8-10 oz black coffee of your choice. I love my Nespresso Vertuo machine, and use Intenso or Stormio pods. (If you purchase the machine the frother comes with it…bonus! I love this machine because you can make espresso or regular coffee with it.)
- Stir in 2 scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- Add 4-5 tbsp nutpods dairy free creamer into milk frother. My fave lately is French Vanilla! Push start and let it warm and froth!
- Pour into into your mug of hot coffee/collagen mixture.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon, stir, and enjoy!
Alternative method: Pour 4-5 tbsp nutpods into a glass mug, put into microwave for 10-20 seconds, just to warm a bit. Using a hand held frother (less than $8!), froth to your desired consistency. Then, add your black coffee/collagen mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon, stir, and enjoy! 
Note: nutpods are available on nutpods.com, Amazon, and select grocery stores. Use my code LOUBIESANDLULU when ordering on nutpods.com to save 15% off your entire purchase + free shipping.
Thanks for stopping by! Would love to know how you make your mornings productive…feel free to share your tips, too! I love hearing your feedback…Have a great day!
Photography: Mary Summers Hafner
I’ve been needing to try collagen for my keto! Thanks for the chance.
Thank you for entering, Wendy! Have a wonderful day!