When it comes to breakfast, the options are endless. Pancakes or waffles? Bacon and eggs? Muffin, followed by a pastry?
So why limit chowing down
on delicious breakfast foods to the morning hours?
Here are 34 healthier snack options to
keep filling those breakfast food cravings all month long.
Better Breakfast Snacks
1. Avocado Toast With Egg
Sometimes, simple is just
better. In this recipe,
2 slices of whole-grain bread, lightly toasted, topped with smashed avocado and
a sprinkling of salt and pepper makes for a flavorful and rich base. Top that
with 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.
2. Peanut Butter Banana
Smoothie
Smoothies are a perfect on-the-go snack any
time of day. Blend 1 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 cup almond
milk, 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.
3. Zapped Scrambled Eggs
With Veggies
Yes, it’s possible to make really good scrambled eggs in the microwave. And it’s easy! Beat 2 eggs,
throw in a microwave-safe container, add 1 handful of your favorite veggies
(cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves work well), and a sprinkle of cheese. Zap
the mixture for 30 seconds, stir, and cook another 30 seconds, or until eggs
are solid. Throw a top on the container to eat later, or store the raw mixture
in a fridge until ready to heat and eat.
4. Fruit and Yogurt
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. (Try our stone fruit salad for
summer, and opt for apples come fall).
5. Breakfast Burrito
Who doesn’t love a
burrito? Breakfast burritos are
a great, easy snack to keep on hand. Scramble 2 egg whites, 1/4 cup black
beans, 2 tablespoons salsa, and 2 tablespoons shredded cheese, and wrap in 1
small whole-wheat tortilla. Make a bunch, wrap in foil, and keep in the freezer
for whenever the craving hits. Protein from the eggs and black beans keep you
fuller longer, and the spicy salsa keeps things interesting.
6. Healthy Morning Glory
Muffins
An oat-based muffin packed
with healthy carrots and zucchini, lightly sweetened with raisins and just a
pinch of sugar makes a perfect breakfast or snack. Use a mini-muffin tin for
smaller portions, and eliminate or cut back on the brown sugar or choose a healthier
substitute to cut back on
sugar.
7. Breakfast Quinoa Bites
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 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 F for 15-20 minutes.
These are easy to bring along and delicious to enjoy warm or cold.
8. Fruit and Yogurt
Smoothie
Here’s a simple and
delicious smoothie recipe for the morning rush. Blend 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
with 1 cup frozen fruit (banana and berries work very well) with 1/2 cup liquid
(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.
9. Leftovers n’ Egg
Stuck with last night’s
leftovers? Place a scoop of leftover roasted veggies, potatoes, or meat in a
container, top with a cracked egg, and heat in the microwave until the egg
white is cooked through, 30 to 45 seconds. (Or prep in the oven.) Feeling fancy? Sprinkle with some
freshly grated parmesan cheese.
10. Fruity Breakfast
Quinoa
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 cook quinoa according
to package instructions, but substitute milk for water, and add some cinnamon
or nutmeg instead of salt and pepper. Top with fresh berries and chopped
roasted nuts.
11. Zucchini Bread Oatmeal
Take a classic baked loaf
and make it into oatmeal with this
recipe! Adding shredded zucchini to oatmeal is a great way to fit in an
extra serving of veggies. Throw on a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans for
some added crunch.
12. 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 through the fruit. Add a scoop of plain yogurt and
a drizzle of honey for a little extra body.
13. 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!
14. Pumpkin Oatmeal Bowl
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 quick oats, pumpkin pie spice, and almond milk for a quick and
easy breakfast on-the-go.
15. Ricotta and Tomato
Breakfast Sandwich
Here’s a healthier take on
the classic breakfast sandwich: Take 2 slices of a hearty whole-grain bread,
spread each slice with 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese and sprinkle with kosher
salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Add 1-2 hearty slices of fresh
beefsteak tomato (blotted with paper towel to remove excess liquid) and enjoy.
16. Zucchini Muffins
Any way that fits a
serving of veggies into a delicious baked good is a winner in my book. These zucchini and banana muffins with flaxseed fit three healthier options into one
easy-to-tote package.
17. Peanut Butter, Banana,
and Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Cookies
for breakfast? Yes please! While Oreos or Chips Ahoy may not make a
balanced breakfast, a homemade cookie made of banana, peanut butter, protein
powder, and oats is a wholesome choice. Plus, you can pick and choose what you
like to mix—go for almond butter and raisins in one batch, or peanut butter chocolate chip in another.
18. Waffle PBJ-Wich
Try this sweet take on a
classic breakfast sandwich the next time eating on the go. Prepare 1
whole-grain toaster waffle and slice in half. Spread with 2 tablespoons nut
butter and layer 2-3 sliced strawberries on top in place of the traditional
jelly (to cut down on sugar).
19. Savory Oatmeal With an
Egg
Try taking 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, and top with
an over-easy or poached egg. Sprinkle with a little cheese for an extra yummy
kick.
20. Overnight Oats
This is the ultimate
lazy-person breakfast. The night before, combine 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup rolled
oats, 1/2 a banana (mashed), 1/4 cup chopped nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
in sealed Tupperware container. By morning, you’ll have delicious overnight
oats! These can be heated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if in the mood for
something warm.
21. Egg and Cheese Cups
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 egg and cheese cups 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 portable for
on-the-go snacking.)
22. 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 ownin Ziploc baggies using whole rolled oats,
cinnamon, and mix-ins like raisins and nuts.
23. Frozen Nutty Banana
Say banan-YEAH to this
healthy snack. Cut 1 firm (but ripe) banana in half and un-peal, arrange on a
small baking sheet or freezer-safe plate, and spread each half with 1
tablespoon almond butter evenly (on the sides not touching the plate). Here’s
the fun part: Stick whatever toppings you like on top of the almond butter—our
favorites are granola, chia seeds, or flax seeds and cinnamon. Insert a
popsicle stick or skewer into the cut end of each half, and freeze until solid
(at least 2-3 hours).
24. Egg Sandwich
Who doesn’t love a classic
egg sandwich? Simply sautée a hefty handful of spinach and fry 2 eggs with a
dash of salt and pepper. Place on top 2 whole-wheat English muffin halves (or
toast) with 1 slice of cheddar cheese. Wrap in foil so the cheese melts evenly,
and enjoy whenever the craving hits!
25. Chocolate-Banana
Breakfast Quinoa
Here’s one healthy way to
have chocolate for breakfast: a bowlful of quinoa makes for a protein-rich
filling breakfast, and the banana even adds a serving of fruit.
26. Fruit Soup
There are just two
ingredients in this tasty, cool snack: Cold fresh fruit, and cold milk. Chop 1
cup of fruit of your choosing (peaches, plums, berries, and mango are
delicious!) and combine in a container with 1 cup milk of choice. Keep chilled
until ready to enjoy.
27. Apple Surprise
This is a perfect pick for
apple season, Cut 1 apple in half and remove the core (plus a bit of the extra
flesh around the core). Drop 1 tablespoon nut butter between the two holes, and
sprinkle in 1 tablespoon granola. Wrap up the whole apple in plastic wrap or
foil to save for later, or enjoy as is bite-by-bite.
28. PBB&C
Say what? A PBB&C is a
great twist on the classic PB&J—peanut butter, banana, and chia. Try adding
this superfood twist to the classic PB sandwich 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!).
29. 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.
30. Strawberry-Banana
Quinoa Muffins
By this point, I think the
Greatist team believes quinoa makesanything better. So, muffins? It’s a no
brainer. Try these strawberry quinoa muffins for
an easily-packed snack or breakfast (or after lunch treat).
31. Pumpkin and Granola
Parfait
This one’s perfect to try
out as fall sets in. In your favorite small Tupperware 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.
32. Whole-Wheat Banana
Blueberry Flax Muffins
At 200 calories each, these hearty, wholesome muffins make for the perfect portable
breakfast. Flax lends a healthy dose of fiber andomega-3 fatty acids. Mashed bananas (one of our favorite healthy baking subsitutions) allow for a slight reduction in
the added fat and sugar in this recipe, too.
33. Egg Muffins
Finally, a muffin
without all the carbs. Plus, these guys are simple to make. Beat 10 eggs,
1/4 cup chopped onion, 3 handfuls of spinach, 1 shredded zucchini, 1/2 a bell
pepper (chopped), 4 slices cooked bacon or ham, chopped, and a sprinkle of salt
and pepper. Divide egg mixture evenly in a lightly-greased muffin tin, and bake
for 20-25 minutes at 350 F. Zap it for a few seconds in the microwave before
serving.
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. Vanilla
extract, lemon zest, and (of course) make up the rest of the fresh flavor. The
best part? One bar comes in at about 54 calories and six grams of protein—much
better than any muffin we've seen on the shelves lately.
http://greatist.com/health/healthy-fast-breakfast-recipes