We admit it:
There are some (or more like, many) mornings where it's everything we can do to
will ourselves out of bed and grab a fistful of cereal or a crappy granola bar
on our way out the door. It's not like a gourmet breakfast is a realistic
everyday goal. But that doesn't mean we should settle for a sugar rush that
will leave us sad and hungry just a half hour later. You'd be surprised how
many healthy breakfast ideas require very little effort when put into practice.
We're about to blow your mind with everything from crazy-easy breakfast muffins
you can make ahead of time to healthy smoothie recipes you can whip up day-of
in just minutes. Overnight oats recipe? Oh yeah. We've got a killer one of
those. And did we mention the PB&J waffle sandwich? How had we not thought
of this genius combination already?!
There's also no
need to limit these healthy breakfast recipes to the morning hours, friends.
Expand your horizons and try these 39 healthy snack options to satisfy those
breakfast food cravings all day long.
1. Nut Butter, Banana, and Chia Seed Toast
Try this
superfood twist on classic PB and toast with 1/2 a banana (sliced) and a
sprinkle of chia, which is packed with vitamins and minerals (like six times
more calcium than milk!).
2. Berry and Yogurt Smoothie
Here’s a simple
and delicious smoothie for the morning rush. Blend frozen fruit (banana and
berries work well) with Greek yogurt and a liquid of your choice (milk, juice,
coconut water—whatever you like). Freeze overnight and thaw throughout the day
to enjoy in the afternoon or blend up in the morning.
3. Savory Oatmeal With an Egg
Take oatmeal to
a whole new level by making it savory. Prepare as usual with milk or water, but
add a pinch of salt and pepper instead of any cinnamon or sugar. Then top with
an over-easy or poached egg and sprinkle on a little cheese for an extra tasty
kick.
4. Quinoa Fruit Salad
Spice up a plain
old fruit cup with a scoop of quinoa. Toss the whole shebang around until the
quinoa is evenly distributed. Add a dressing of honey, lime, and basil for a
little extra body.
5. Tomato Toast With Macadamia Ricotta
Here’s a healthier
take on a classic breakfast sandwich: Take 2 slices of a hearty whole-grain
bread, spread each slice with 1 tablespoon of homemade macadamia ricotta
cheese, and sprinkle with shiso or basil, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper
to taste. Add 1-2 hearty slices of fresh heirloom tomatoes (blotted with paper
towel to remove excess liquid) and enjoy.
6. Quinoa and Chia Porridge
Cooking quinoa
in milk (cow, soy, or almond) and adding some sweet spices and fruit makes for
a great substitute for classic hot breakfast cereals. Plus, it’s high in
protein and essential amino acids like lysine, which is essential for tissue
growth and repair. Simply put all the ingredients into a pot and bring to a
boil. Then simmer, stir, top with your favorite add-ons, and enjoy!
7. Avocado Toast With Egg
Sometimes simple
is just better. Top two lightly toasted slices of whole-grain bread with
smashed avocado and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Layer on two sunny-side up
eggs for a healthy dose of protein, and you've got a well-rounded breakfast.
Stack 'em in a tupperware container for easy transport or cook the yolks a bit
more and make the whole thing into a sandwich.
8. Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Here’s a healthy
way to have chocolate for breakfast. A bowlful of quinoa makes for a filling,
protein-rich base, and the banana and berries add a few servings of fruit.
9. Overnight Crock-Pot Egg Casserole
Wake up to a
house smelling like sausage and effortlessly put breakfast on your plate, all
thanks to the beauty of a slow cooker. Layer the vegetables, sausage, and
cheese in the Crock-Pot, then top with a mix of eggs and cream (you'd be fine
using regular or nondairy milk too for a lighter option), and you're just one
sleep away from a delicious meal.
10. Warm Fruit Bowl
Craving dessert
for breakfast? Or breakfast for dessert? This gluten-free bowl should hit the
spot. Simply bake a berry blend in the oven, sprinkle with dark chocolate
shavings, and add a cup of milk.
11. Zucchini Bread Oatmeal
Turn a classic
baked loaf into oatmeal with this recipe. Adding shredded zucchini is a great
way to fit in an extra serving of veggies. Throw on a handful of toasted
walnuts for some added crunch.
12. Egg Breakfast Muffins
Finally, a
muffin without allllll the sugar. These guys are simple to make ahead of time,
and last all week. Blend or whisk eggs with spinach, bacon, and cheese, then
pour the mixture into muffin tins. Bake for 15-20 minutes before serving or
storing in the refrigerator for later.
13. Open-Face Breakfast Sandwich
Who doesn’t love
an egg sandwich? Simply toss arugula with olive oil and lemon juice before
frying eggs with a dash of salt and pepper. Place on top of whole-wheat toast
layered with ricotta and a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Wrap in foil
and enjoy whenever the craving hits!
14. Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie
Smoothies are a
perfect on-the-go snack any time of day. Blend frozen bananas, peanut butter,
soy milk, Greek yogurt, honey, and a few ice cubes. If this is a morning snack,
keep it in a tight-sealing container and throw it in a gym or work bag. For an
afternoon boost, prep it the night before and freeze. Remove in the morning,
and it will be thawed and ready to enjoy after lunch. Tip: Add a scoop of your
favorite chocolate or vanilla protein for an extra protein boost.
15. PB&J Waffle Sandwich
Try this sweet
take on a classic breakfast sandwich the next time you're eating on the go. Prepare
a whole-grain toaster waffle and slice in half. Spread with 2 tablespoons nut
butter and jelly of your choice, and layer sliced strawberries on top.
16. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Breakfast
Burrito
Breakfast
burritos are a great, easy snack to keep on hand. Make a bunch, wrap in foil,
and keep in the freezer for whenever the craving hits. Protein from the eggs
and black beans keeps you fuller longer, and the sweet potato keeps things
interesting.
17. Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Apple
Bites
This is a
perfect pick for apple season. Cut your favorite kind of apple into wedges and scoop
nut butter onto each slice. Sprinkle with oats or granola and cinnamon, and
drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top. Wrap up the apple slices in foil or
plastic wrap to save for later or enjoy as is.
18. Chocolate Pumpkin Oatmeal
A heaping dollop
of pumpkin puree is a great way to squeeze in an extra dose of veggies. Plus,
the super-orange superfood is packed with nutrients and a healthy dose of
fiber. This recipe pairs the pumpkin with oats, chia seeds, cocoa, and almond
milk for a quick and easy breakfast.
19. Blueberry Almond Overnight Oats
This is the
ultimate busy-bee breakfast. Combine oats, chia seeds, blueberries, vanilla,
almond milk, and maple syrup in a sealed container the night before. In the
morning, top with slivered almonds and half a sliced banana, and you're ready
for breakfast. If you're in the mood for something warm, heat in the microwave
for 1-2 minutes.
20. Coconut Yogurt Quinoa Muffins
By this point,
it's probably obvious we think quinoa makes anything better. So when it comes
to muffins? It’s a no-brainer. Try these little bites for breakfast or an
after-lunch treat.
21. Spinach and Cheddar Microwave Quiche
Yes, it’s
possible (and easy) to make a quiche in the microwave! Cover half a cup of
spinach with water in a mug, and microwave for a minute. Drain water and add an
egg, milk, cheese, and a crumbled slice of bacon. Mix thoroughly, then
microwave for three more minutes. Throw a top on the container to eat later or
enjoy right away.
22. Oatmeal Squares
Oatmeal is a
great option for a hearty snack or breakfast, but what’s the best way to make
it into a more convenient and portable snack? Bake it into squares!
23. Morning Glory Muffins
This oat-based
muffin is packed with healthy carrots and zucchini and lightly sweetened with
raisins and a pinch of sugar. Use a mini muffin tin for smaller portions, and
eliminate or cut back on the brown sugar (you can also choose a healthier
substitute).
24. Pumpkin Granola Yogurt Parfait
This one’s
perfect to try out as fall sets in. In your favorite small container (with a
reliable lid!), top plain Greek yogurt with canned pumpkin puree and a handful
of granola, then sprinkle with cinnamon. The best part? Pumpkin is a bonafide
superfood rich in beta carotene, which is essential for eye health.
25. Zucchini, Banana, and Chocolate Chip
Muffins
Any recipe that
fits a serving of veggies into a delicious baked good is a winner in our book.
These muffins are jam-packed with better-for-you ingredients—coconut oil,
zucchini, banana, whole wheat flour, and brown sugar—so add in those chocolate
chips without an ounce of guilt.
26. Berry Breakfast Parfait
One of the easiest,
healthiest, and tastiest breakfasts out there is a classic fruit and yogurt
parfait. The best part? It can be made with any toppings you like. Try choosing
fruits that are in season for the most flavorful options.
27. Ham and Cheese Quinoa Cups
Here’s a new way
to enjoy quinoa: Make mini quinoa breakfast quiches! In a medium bowl, combine
2 cups cooked quinoa, 2 eggs, 1 cup of your favorite veggies (spinach or
zucchini work well), 1 cup shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Portion into a lightly greased mini muffin tin, and bake at 350 degrees for
15-20 minutes.
28. Frozen Nutty Banana
Say banan-yeah
to this healthy snack. Cut 1 firm (but ripe) banana in half and unpeel, arrange
on a small baking sheet or freezer-safe plate, and spread each half with 1
tablespoon almond butter (on the sides not touching the plate). Here’s the fun
part: Stick whatever toppings you like on the almond butter—our favorites are
granola, chia or flaxseeds, and cinnamon. Insert a popsicle stick or skewer
into the cut end of each half and freeze until solid (at least 2-3 hours).
29. Homemade Instant Oatmeal
For anyone with
a microwave or hot water at their disposal, these customized instant oatmeal
packets are fantastic to have on hand. Instead of purchasing pre-made oatmeal
packets, assemble your own in Ziploc baggies using whole rolled oats, cinnamon,
and mix-ins, such as raisins and nuts.
30. Cheesy Spinach Baked Eggs
Fried eggs are
great, but what about baking a whole egg with veggies and cheese and skipping
the added oil? Try making a pan of these babies at the beginning of the week
and bringing one along each day. (Tip: If you use the individual silicone
muffin molds, it makes the egg cups even more convenient for on-the-go
snacking.)
31. Vegan Blueberry Flax Breakfast Muffins
These hearty,
wholesome muffins make for the perfect portable breakfast. Flax lends a healthy
dose of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Mashed bananas (one of our favorite
healthy baking substitutions) allow for a slight reduction in the added fat and
sugar too.
32. Berries and Oats Microwave Muffin
Muffins from the
microwave? Yep, it's possible! Add 1/4 cup quick oats, 1 egg, a handful of
berries, and a sprinkling of brown sugar to a mug and mix until evenly
combined. Microwave on high for 1 minute, remove to take a look, and keep
cooking for 30 seconds at a time until the muffin looks firm.
33. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Breakfast
Cookies
Cookies for
breakfast? Yes, please. While Oreos or Chips Ahoy may not make a balanced
breakfast, a cookie made of banana, peanut butter, protein powder, and oats is
a top-notch choice. Plus, you can pick and choose what you like to mix—go for
almond butter and raisins in one batch and peanut butter chocolate chip in
another.
34. Lemon Poppy Seed Protein Squares
Here's a
healthier take on the classic lemon-poppy seed muffin. Fiber-rich oat flour is
paired with vanilla protein powder for a healthy, filling base. Yogurt lends
moisture and some fat, and applesauce makes a great substitute for sugar. The
best part? One bar contains about 54 calories and six grams of protein—much
better than any muffin we've seen on the shelves lately.
35. Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Cups
Take a classic
baked loaf and make it into adorable oatmeal cups with this recipe! Adding
shredded zucchini l is a great way to fit in an extra serving of veggies. Make
these baked oatmeal cups in advance, save them in the fridge, and snack on them
later (or make them at night to grab for breakfast on your way out the door!).
36. Southwest Tofu Scramble
Stuck with last
night’s leftovers? No problem. If you have some leftover tofu and veggies (like
peppers and kale), you're good to go for this easy scramble. Combine your
ingredients in a pan, scramble in eggs, and throw some potatoes on the side for
maximum taste.
37. Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly
Compote Waffles
The compote part
might make this recipe sound complicated, but we've got your back. If it's not
a slow weekend morning when you're ready to spend some time in the kitchen, use
some substitutes (like regular jelly) to top these tasty PB waffles. Bonus
points because they're gluten free AND vegan, so no one has to miss out.
38. Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars
Oatmeal is a
great option for a hearty snack or breakfast, but what’s the best way to make
it into a more convenient and portable snack? Bake it into squares! These
tasty, easy granola bars will remind you of your morning oatmeal, but you can
eat them anywhere you like.
39. Banana Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
Try adding this
superfood twist to the classic. All you need is chia seeds, a banana, some PB,
and milk to combine all of the ingredients in overnight. With the sprinkle of
chia, which is packed with vitamins and minerals (like six times more calcium
than milk!), this is a perfectly balanced breakfast.
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