Long nights, early mornings, sleep deprived, stressed. The last thing on your mind is finding the inspiration for healthy breakfast ideas. We've all been there and we've all felt it. Getting in those 5 minutes of extra sleep sounds like pure bliss even if it means cutting down your time to get ready and prepare a nutritious breakfast. But before you know it, you're running out the door on an empty stomach, a banana in hand, a not-so-healthy protein bar, or a piece of sad looking toast to start the day.
Whether or not you eat breakfast first thing in the morning, it's always important to nourish your body and fuel it properly for the day—no matter how busy or tired you might feel. It might be tempting to depend on that protein bar or banana to pull you through the morning, but your body will feel much better overall if you make the time to eat a healthy morning meal. So whether you're Team Breakfast or not, I hope that these healthy breakfast ideas will make you love your breakfast just as much as I love mine.
Overnight Oats Are Always a Good Idea
Overnight oats are a necessity for early morning starts. When I make my overnight oats the night before, I feel less guilty about sleeping in because I know I have an easy on-the-go healthy breakfast waiting for me in the fridge. Overnight oats are effortless to make, and can be spiced up in a variety of different ways: top them with your favorite nut butter, fresh or frozen fruit, seeds, or chocolate for your sweet tooth.
The benefits of oatmeal are endless and, in addition to being a heart healthy food, it is great for your digestion, reducing blood sugar levels, and it is filled with antioxidants. Currently, my favorite overnight oatmeal combination is rolled oats, hot water, chocolate collagen, cinnamon, sea salt, all topped with berries, bananas, and peanut butter. Give overnight oats a chance, and I promise you that eating healthy in the morning will be a lot simpler than you think.
Eggs and Fruit: Easy, Lean, and Mean
Not feeling too hungry in the mornings, but still craving some morning fuel in your stomach? My go-to breakfast in times like these is fresh fruit and eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein and a great lower calorie option if you want something light on the stomach. More than half of the protein is found in the egg whites, and the egg yolks are excellent sources of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Pair your eggs with a bowl of fresh fruit for some added fiber and complex carbohydrates if you want that sweet and savory kick.
#SpoonTip: my favorite way to make a fresh fruit salad is to combine a few of my favorite fruits. I love throwing some fresh cantaloupe, bananas, berries, and oranges into my fruit bowls, but feel free to use your favorites or whatever you have on hand.
Yogurt Bowls are the Best Bowls
When in doubt, yogurt bowls are a great idea for a quick, easy, and balanced meal. Lactose intolerant? Try a plant-based yogurt alternative like oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut based yogurt. Yogurt bowls are great if you are low on time, but still want a healthy breakfast. You can always load them with fresh fruit like bananas, apples, and berries, and top them with your favorite granola for a healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
With these healthy breakfast ideas, I hope that you will feel inspired to properly fuel your body for the day, and ditch the excuses for skipping breakfast. Not only will you feel better, but this practice will support your health in a positive way: according to Harvard Medical school, a healthy breakfast benefits metabolism more so than lunch or dinner, and it is associated with maintaining a healthy body weight. Healthy eating can not only be easy, it can also be delicious and fun.