They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But for most of us, our busy schedules don’t always allow for a leisurely, elaborate meal first thing in the morning.
We fantasize about waking up with all the energy in the world to whip up that perfect breakfast — the one with fresh fruits and vegetables, scrambled organic eggs, a side of freshly baked waffles and a glass of orange juice.
But instead, we end up grabbing something quick on the way to work. Usually, this means a muffin at the coffee shop or a granola bar at the grocery store. And food with such little nutritional value often means we’re starving and crashing long before lunch.
There has to be a better way, right? Of course, there is.
When you’re in a rush to leave the house and prepare for the hectic day ahead, here are some fast breakfast ideas that are flavorful and packed with healthy ingredients:
1. Homemade Muffins
While baked goods are a great way to start your day, when it comes to store-bought options, delicious muffins are hard to come by. Most are dry and crumbly and are often made with too many preservatives to be considered a good way to start your day. Not to mention, most store-bought muffins are too sweet and generously sized to be a healthy option for breakfast.
Instead, consider baking your own.
Not only are homemade muffins easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to grab and go the following day, but they’re also healthy and can be baked to your flavor profile. Make sure to use whole wheat flour to cut down on calories, and pack each muffin with lots of oats, raisins, nuts, and fruit for a truly healthy breakfast alternative.
You can even whip up a double batch to save you more time and prep. Put half of them in the freezer, and when it comes to eating them, warm them in a toaster oven the next day and enjoy.
2. Porridge
If you’re looking to fuel up and fuel right in the morning, porridge is the way to go. Porridge is high in whole-grain fiber and low in calories, making it one of the best breakfasts you can eat. With so many varieties and ways to make a porridge breakfast, it can be as versatile and lively as you want.
You can never go wrong with a classic organic porridge breakfast. Add fresh milk, honey and maybe even some compote for a great breakfast option. Or get creative and add a mix of your favorite berries and toppings. Adding a variety of nuts and fruit creates a healthier alternative you can eat on the go.
3. Pre-Made Breakfast Pots
Porridge is not the only breakfast pot you can enjoy on the go. A variety of choices include granola, muesli, and yogurt. Not only do they give you a healthy breakfast option, but they’re easy to make and can be pre-made the night before for quick and easy eating the following day.
A fantastic way to prepare a granola pot is to layer your yogurt base with your favorite fruits, whether it’s mango, mixed berries, or even dry fruits. You can also mix in a few nuts and seeds and add a dash of honey and milk for an extra morning boost.
4. Sandwiches
When it comes to a protein-packed breakfast, few choices can compare to a traditional egg and bacon sandwich (beef if you live in the UAE). It’s a flavorful breakfast meal all wonderfully wrapped in one satisfying sandwich. While you can easily pick up a breakfast sandwich in many select stores, the best ones are homemade and handcrafted.
Since there are hundreds of ways to enjoy this humble yet satisfying meal, remember that it all starts with your choice of ingredients. Turn this classic combination of runny eggs and hearty slices of bacon into a healthy one by selecting the best ingredients available.
5. Yogurt Parfait
Most people stay away from yogurt parfaits because the store-bought options are laden with added sugar. But this doesn’t have to be the case if you stick with a homemade, healthy option, especially when adding whole wheat grains, oats, and fruit.
Parfaits are best enjoyed when they’re layered with homemade yogurt and healthy grain mixes such as granola. Adding a generous helping of fruit sweetens your parfait and enriches it with more nutritional benefits and vitamins.
6. Smoothies
If your mornings are still time-crunched and you don’t have the time to prepare a proper breakfast, a healthy smoothie will do in a pinch. A morning smoothie will keep you full and satisfied while providing the essential nutrients you need to start your day. Smoothies are a good source of protein and other healthy ingredients.
Many great ingredients go well with any smoothie and deliver a powerful dose of nutrition. Fruits, berries and nuts are excellent choices for less added sugars and increased fiber content. Make sure to add low-fat, high-protein sources such as almond milk or Greek yogurt to keep you satiated for longer periods.
Get Your Food Delivered
If you’re not an early riser or simply too busy to put together a healthy meal, high-quality breakfasts are also available with a quick tap on your phone.
You have access to nutritious options anytime. So, whether you want to buy organic ready to eat meals or order a protein-packed breakfast wrap, you’ll always be able to get your hands on excellent meals to combat early morning hunger. Increased productivity and energy are a simple tap away.
Wholesome Breakfast, Productive Day
If you’re too rushed in the a.m. for a proper sit-down meal, these quick breakfast ideas are some of the best ways to fuel for the day ahead.
Remember, even if you don’t have the luxury of time, you don’t have to sacrifice healthy eating. These suggestions are sure to help you start your day off on the right foot and make sure you never have to skip breakfast again.