Whether you’re a mom receiving that special breakfast in bed or the one who’s creating that special moment for her, here are a few ideas to keep the day light and stress free.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and I think every mom can appreciate gifts that promote health in body, mind, and spirit. Brunch is one of my favorite ways to entertain often, to keep it simple, we purchase muffins, make casseroles, pancakes, and heavier, carb-laden foods that leave us feeling weighed down and drowsy at the end of the day. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Not every healthy option has to be made from scratch. There are plenty of things that can be purchased and quickly assembled creating a stress-free day for mom and those she loves. Here are a few of my favorite brunch ideas that don’t take a lot of time while still delivering a powerful (and healthy) punch.

Over the years, I’ve learned that entertaining doesn’t have to mean complicated. Presentation is key, so grab a few pretty platters and baskets, add some colorful flowers, and break out those fluted champagne flutes and you’re ready to go.

I love the idea of creating a buffet or bar-type setting, but there’s something elegant about that pretty tablecloth and sit-down atmosphere as well. It really all depends on how much prep you want to create that stress-free feel. When it comes to keeping things healthy, both food and portions matter as well. I love the idea of serving things like salad in individual cups. Salads can usually be prepared the day before in a larger bowl and placed into individual bowls or cups right before serving. Placed on a silver tray or pretty basket adds to the presentation.

Here are a few of my favorite brunch picks. Whether you pick a few or all, prep time is minimal.

MENU

Spring Frittata

Frittatas are so easy to prepare and can be made with whatever vegetables are in season. All ingredients are combined ahead of time and can be baked 30 minutes before your event. There’s also the added option of individual muffins by placing the mixture into muffin tins and baking for 13-15 minutes. These are cute to put in a basket lined with a pretty napkin. My Spring favorite veggies are spinach, asparagus, and leeks. Click here for other healthy options. Staying away from heavier carbs and extra fat helps keeps things healthy and doesn’t take away from the flavor (think potatoes and cheese). I sprinkle a little low-fat cheddar cheese on top instead of adding to the mix and often make it with little to no meat.

Mixed Green Salad

Pre-packaged spring mix makes this quick and easy. Add a few sliced hard boiled eggs for extra protein, a few grape tomatoes and cucumbers and it’s ready to serve. Plate into plastic cups and assemble into a wicker or metal tray right before serving.

Caprese Mini Bites

Mini bites take a little time to assemble, but I love that they’re an easy way to portion control because I can overdo these! This is a great project to have the kiddos do along wide of you.

Orange Juice Spritzers

Orange juice, for me, isn’t always the best way to have my daily dose of fruit, so I like to add seltzer with a dash of orange juice and top with some raspberries and an orange slice added to the rim – great non-alcoholic option if you’re staying away from the typical champagne version.

Fruit Cups

Again, another great portion control way to serve fruit cups is in individual cups. I like the short, fat clear plastic dups for these. I always choose lower carb fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries and add little sprigs of mint on top.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

There’s nothing wrong with adding some chocolate to those strawberries if you have the extra time to make them. I like to use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a healthier option.

Yogurt & Fresh Fruit Bar

A couple large containers of plain low-fat or vanilla yogurt placed in a glass pedestal bowl with a selection of fruit and nuts surrounding it makes for a pretty way to serve yogurt parfaits. This build your own option can be plated the day before, making it another easy prep option. Again, I choose lower carb fruits such as berries, and instead of granola (which adds lots of extra calories), I have mini bowls of unsalted sunflower and pumpkin seeds and sliced almonds for that extra crunch. I also place a bowl of honey and maple syrup for drizzling on top.

I’d love to hear what you do to keep things stress-free and healthy for that special woman in your life.

Getting to the Root of Change and helping you LOVE the season of life you’re in.

I hope you enjoyed your visit here today.  If you did, please share your thoughts in the comments below. If you know someone who might enjoy it, would you consider sharing with them or on your social media accounts using the hashtag #gardenerstouch.