Breakfast is a favorite meal for many of us, and for good reason. It can really be anything you want it to be, from hashbrowns to pancakes and everything in between. But for those of us who are trying to be more health-conscious, it can easily add up to quite a few calories if you don’t pay attention. Foods like waffles with maple syrup and donuts, though delicious, are super high in sugar, while hash browns and biscuits can add up to a lot of carbs and fats.
Though there are a whole lot of less-than-healthy choices you can make for breakfast, luckily, there are just as many healthy choices, too. Here are a few ideas for a healthy breakfast.
1. Breakfast Bar
This is a great solution for those of us who have a busy lifestyle or simply don’t have the patience to cook something. A breakfast bar made from all-natural ingredients and foods you can easily recognize like fruit, nuts, oats, and sea salt, can be a well-balanced way to start your day off right. Having no added sugars is what you’re looking for to cut as many extra calories as possible.
The addition of egg whites (as weird as it may sound) can also provide a lean, natural source of protein to a good breakfast bar.
2. Egg White Sandwiches or Omelette
Speaking of egg whites, they are a great source of protein in the morning. Leaving the yolks out cuts out some of the cholesterol, which is great for those of us trying to keep those numbers in check. Plus, to make it easier on you, you can even buy just egg whites in a carton, so all you will have to do is pour some out into a pan to cook it up.
Once cooked, take your egg whites and load them onto an English muffin, whole grain toast, or thin multigrain bagel. Then get creative and custom with the rest of your toppings. Things like turkey bacon or turkey sausage provide extra lean protein, and spinach, tomatoes or grilled bell peppers can add some veggie goodness. You can add cheese if you’d like, too, without going overboard with the calories. Avocado is a delicious addition that has all sorts of healthy fats.
Cut out the carbs by making an egg white omelet instead of a sandwich, or even have your whole wheat bread on the side for a filling breakfast. Alternatively, if you don’t eat eggs, you can still enjoy a healthy breakfast with other ingredients. You can find plenty of breakfast ideas without eggs online, and you can choose the one that best suits your taste.
3. Oatmeal
You’ve probably heard about oatmeal and all the wonders it can work as a breakfast idea, but there really cannot be enough said about adding oatmeal as a staple to your morning routine. The whole oats are a complex carb, meaning it takes your body longer to digest it than, say, white bread. They also have a ton of fiber, which regulates your digestive system That means you feel fuller, longer, and the energy is more sustainable so you don’t get burnt out.
Another awesome thing about oatmeal is how versatile it can be. You can add anything from your milk or milk alternative of choice to fresh fruits like blueberries and bananas, to nuts and nut butter (if you haven’t tried putting peanut butter in your oatmeal, just… try it, okay?).
If you’re not feeling a hot breakfast, oatmeal can also work as a cold meal. Make overnight oats by combining whole rolled oats with the dairy or dairy alternative of your choice, fruit and nuts, even chocolate chips, and let it chill overnight in the fridge. The next morning, all you have to do is enjoy. For extra protein and a creamier texture, you can add a little bit of greek yogurt to your cold oats.
These are just a few healthy breakfast ideas, but there are tons of other ones out there just waiting to be added to your diet.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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