Quick, Easy & Healthy Breakfast Options
This post has been such a long time coming and I'm really excited for it to have a place here on the internet so that I can share it every time I get the question "What do you eat for breakfast?". I would say that, 9 times out of 10, one of the biggest concerns my health coaching clients come to me with is finding quick and easy breakfast options that are healthy, too!
I know that very aware that nobody (myself included) wants to slave away for 30 minutes every morning to make roasted potatoes and quiche, but I also think that waking up 10 minutes earlier to prepare yourself a solid, nutritious breakfast is one of the best ways to set yourself up for a day of good choices. If you rush out the door every single morning, forget to eat anything at all, find yourself starving at 10am and then end up grabbing whatever is most convenient at work or at the coffee shop, you aren't doing yourself any favors. I have a rotating list of breakfast options that I make on a consistent basis - nearly all of them take under 10 minutes and keep me full until lunch!
QUICK + EASY BREAKFAST IDEAS
Siete Tortillas with Scrambled Eggs, Avocado & Hot Sauce
this is definitely my most common breakfast go-to! I simply heat up a couple of Siete tortillas (grain-free + made with super clean ingredients) in the microwave for about 15 seconds, scramble 2 eggs, and top with 1/2 avocado and some cholula hot sauce or fresh salsa! So easy, takes just a few minutes, and has plenty of protein (eggs) and fat (avocado) to keep me full until lunch.
Coconut Yogurt, Grain-Free Granola & Berries
I don't eat a ton of dairy, but sometimes that craving for some cold, creamy yogurt is real. I've become obsessed with coconut yogurt ever since visiting Australia last year where it's on nearly every cafe menu. It's filled with super healthy fats to keep you full all morning, and when topped with grain-free granola and berries it tastes like dessert! My favorite grain free granola brands are Purely Elizabeth and Living Intentions! I also love Thrive Market's new grain-free granola.
Birchbenders Paleo Pancakes or Waffles
I know, I know! Waffles and panckes on a weekday seems like way too much work! But, here's my secret - we make a big batch of these Birchbenders waffles (or sometimes pancakes) one day each week - usually the weekend - and then just keep them in the refrigerator and heat them up in the toaster when we don't have time to do much else. I love to top these with some raw, local honey or organic maple syrup and berries or sliced banana (or both). This brand in particular is awesome because, not only is it made with super clean ingredients (grain-free, dairy-free, etc.), but all you have to do is add water and a little bit of coconut oil! It's a one-bowl kind of meal and for that I am very grateful.
Blueberry Cacao Smoothie
I'm a huge fan of smoothies, but generally can't do them every day, especially when it's colder out! I have a few go-to recipes (see more below), but this has been my tried and true go-to for a couple of years now and I never tire of it. I don't follow exact measurements per-se, but the recipe is generally as follows:
2 large handfuls of spinach
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 tbsp. cacao powder
2 tbsp. organic almond butter
1 scoop protein powder (this is my favorite brand)
1 handful of ice
1-2 cups of water to blend
optional add-ins: flax seeds, acacia fiber, chia seeds, probiotic powder, super greens powder
Tropical Green Smoothie
Now that I'm pregnant, I've been making this one a ton because I've been craving orange and pineapple like crazy! It's super refreshing and light but also jam-packed full of greens which is always a major bonus.
2 handfuls of spinach
1 cup frozen pineapple
1 whole orange
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 handful of romaine lettuce
handful of ice
1-2 cups of water to blend
I love to top this one with bee pollen!
Toast with Nut Butter & Banana
a true super easy breakfast, this one is my go-to when I'm in a major hurry! My favorite bread to keep in the freezer is Ezekiel (not gluten free, but sprouted and super high quality ingredients!), otherwise I go to my local bakery (Seylou in DC) and get a loaf of homemade sourdough every once and a while. For a grain and gluten-free option, I like Base Culture's Paleo Bread.
As far as nut butter goes, I usually stick with almond, sunflower seed or coconut (always raw + organic with no added sugar).
Cream of Buckwheat
I love oatmeal, but it doesn't sit very well with me and is tough on my digestion so when I'm craving something super warm and filling, I reach for cream of buckwheat instead. It cooks up quickly, is super thick and creamy and it is the perfect vehicle for just about any toppings you want to add. I love it with berries, banana, warm almond milk and almond butter!
DISCLAIMER: the next few breakfast ideas are using Swapples, a grain-free waffle company that I am completely and utterly obsessed with. They are currently only being distributed on the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic (you can see if they're sold near you here) - if they're not sold near you yet, you can replace these ideas with a piece of toast instead! My favorite flavors are the Tomato Pizza, Blueberry and Cinnamon but honestly every flavor is pretty dang delicious so you can't really go wrong!
Here are some of my favorite cominations:
Savory 'Swapple' with Avocado, Sea Salt + Egg
Savory 'Swapple' with Nut Cheese, Smoked Salmon + Avocado
Sweet 'Swapple' with Nut Butter & Berries
I hope that helps to spark some new ideas for you! What are your healthy breakfast go-to options?! Do share!
