No time for breakfast? With some thought and just a little planning, breakfast can be the first healthy decision you make every day!
Keep a few basic rules in mind:
- Think outside the box!
- Plan, shop, and prepare for success!
- Start with a good source of protein like eggs, nut butter, or Greek yogurt.
- Add in healthy whole grains and fruit or vegetables whenever possible.
Prep is the Key…
There are many prep hacks to make mornings run a little smoother.
- Go to the market with a plan in mind. Stock your refrigerator and pantry for the week with items that are quick and healthy.
- Take a minute to prep your kitchen in the evening for the morning rush. Have your plates, bowls, spoons, etc. set out and ready to use.
- Decide what you are having for breakfast before going to bed.
- Prepare one of our easy Grab & Go recipes! See links below.
Grab & Go…
- Energy Bites
Weekends were made for meal prep. Take some time on a Sunday afternoon to make the Eat Smart Energy Bites Energy Bites or Banana Raisin Oatmeal Cups. Roll the Energy Bites into balls or press into a pan and cut into squares. Have items in baggies for a quick grab on a late morning!
- Wraps
It isn’t hard to grab and go if you have just a few things in your pantry. Keep whole grain wraps on hand. Spread your favorite nut butter and then sprinkle with raisins before rolling up or slice up bananas and add a little honey to make a tasty on the go breakfast wrap.
- Whole Fruit
Bananas, apples, oranges, or grapes make a great addition to the morning rush. Keep fruit washed and ready to grab and go! If you don’t have time to eat it in the morning, save it for a mid-morning pick me up!
Ready in Minutes…
- Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and can be ready in minutes! Use the eggs to make a wrap or an easy egg sandwich to eat as you walk out the door. Place the egg on an English muffin or whole grain bread with a slice of low-fat cheese and a protein of your choice!
- Yogurt Parfaits
Choose your favorite yogurt or use plain or Vanilla Greek yogurt to create something special! You can layer the yogurt and fruit in a cup the night before. Add granola, whole grain cereal, or nuts in the morning for a little crunch. Try this recipe for a Yogurt Parfait.
- Overnight Oats
Oatmeal can be prepared in the evening and refrigerated overnight. In the morning you can eat it cold or heat in the microwave for a quick, warm, and filling breakfast option.- Add Greek yogurt, or nuts for some added protein.
- Add honey or maple syrup for some added sweetness.
- Visit this link for a wide variety of Overnight Oats.
- Smoothies
A smoothie might be just what you are looking for on those crazy-busy mornings! Keep frozen fruit in individual portions in the freezer for an easy add-in. Check out all the Eat Smart smoothie recipes and find a favorite!
