The best way to start your day and give yourself the energy to power through it is to have a healthy breakfast. And in an ideal world, you would have enough time to eat. But let’s be real: Mornings can be the most hectic part of your day.
At times, it can definitely seem unhealthy food is the only food around. If you even chose to eat a healthy breakfast, you usually eat cereal. Here are some interesting ideas that will help you make your quick and guilt-free breakfasts (that aren’t cereal!)
1. Blend a fast, healthy fruit smoothie
Simply mix a cup of strawberries and a banana in the blender, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder and a cup of crushed ice, and you’ve got a healthy, ultra-fast breakfast filled with antioxidants. Add a cup of plain yogurt, and you’ve just added a bone-strengthening dose of calcium. An even more: You’ve just crossed three of your daily fruit servings off the list.
2. Enjoy a bowl of sweetened brown rice
Brown rice contains energy-providing B vitamins, as well as a large amount of filling fiber. Cook it the night before, then in the morning, put it in a bowl with 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey, a handful of raisins, a splash of low-fat milk, a cut-up apple, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique yet delicious treat.
3. Make your own granola
Most store-bought granola bars are filled with sugar and fat. To make your own, mix 2 cups rolled oats with 1 cup of seeds, dried fruits, and a little brown sugar. Toast about 5 minutes in a warm oven and store in an airtight container. Not interested in do-it-yourself? There are some store-bought brands with reasonable sugar and fat levels.
4. Eat at least 5 grams of fiber daily
Without a good start on your daily fiber intake, you will never reach the recommended amount (20-25 g. per 1,000 calories). You can get 5 grams in just a few bites of a large raw apple, 1/2 cup of blackberries, or 2 slices of dark (whole-grain) rye bread. Fiber is quite filling with no extra cost in calories.
5. Spread apple slices with peanut butter
The fat and protein in the peanut butter provide a good start to the day, while the apple and the quercetin it has to provide fiber and protection against heart disease, some cancers, and other health problems.
6. Think lunch at breakfast
Instead of cream cheese or butter, top your morning whole-wheat toast with 2 tbsp. tuna prepared with low-fat mayonnaise if you like. The tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of energy-boosting protein. For the healthy boost with a bit of variety, try lox or smoked salmon.
7. Make a breakfast sandwich
Top a whole wheat English muffin with sliced tomato, a sliced, hard-boiled egg, and melted low-fat cheese (part-skim mozzarella is a good choice).
8. Whole-wheat tortilla
Sprinkle a whole-wheat tortilla with 2 ounces grated, low-fat cheddar cheese. Broil for 3 minutes. While it’s cooking, peel and eat the kiwifruit for valuable vitamin C. In this one small, quick meal, you’re getting vitamin C and other antioxidants, fiber, calcium, and enough appetite-satisfying protein to sustain you for hours.