10 Quick and Easy Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Mornings by Anita Fernandes

There was a time when I’d consider donuts, bagels, and anything with a side of bacon to be the perfect

breakfast, but that time has long passed. Yes, those foods may still make me salivate, but I’m older and I

like to think, a wee bit wiser. If breakfast is as important as we make it out to be, it has got to be healthy

and nutritious. This doesn’t mean it has to taste insipid or require some laborious efforts in the kitchen.

Most of us simply don’t have the time to prepare elaborate breakfasts for ourselves or our families. That

said, starting the day with a healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be some herculean task. There are plenty

of healthy breakfast ideas that are simple and often inexpensive too. Here are some ideas to help you

get started.

1. Oats & More

Yes, you know that oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option, but it’s bland and revolting by itself; hence,

the ‘more’. It doesn’t take much effort or time to toss in a few healthy ingredients to improve both the

nutrition and taste. Chia seeds are a good option for the additional fiber, as well as their antioxidants. A

spoonful of nuts like almond or pistachios will add other important nutrients including protein and

healthy omega-3 fats. You can also add chopped fruits, from apples and avocados, to bananas and

blueberries.

2. Yogurt Parfait

A yogurt parfait can be a good go-to breakfast option when you’re low on time and craving something

sweet, yet healthy. There’s literally no cooking involved - just tossing up your ingredients. You can add a

wide range of fruits, nuts, and condiments, such as apples, berries, walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, and so

on, depending on your taste and nutritional requirements. To give it some protein punch, use Greek

yogurt, but just make sure to go easy on the sugar, instead relying on the sweetness of fruits.

3. Homemade Smoothies

Store bought smoothies and shakes may not be the healthiest ideas, but it’s easy enough to make a

healthy smoothie yourself. You could use dark leafy greens like kale or spinach as the main ingredients,

while fruits like mangoes and berries will add to the taste and nutritional value. As always, throw in a

handful of nuts to make it even more wholesome.

4. Eggs & Fish

A protein rich breakfast isn’t just helpful if you’re working out. High protein intake early in the day is also

linked to weight loss, as it reduces cravings and poor food choices later in the day. This makes eggs and

fish among the healthiest breakfast options, depending on your preparation style. Fish like smoked

salmon and tuna aren’t just rich in protein but are some of the best sources of healthy fats. Besides,

there’s nothing to stop you from adding lettuce, broccoli, or tomato on the side for some additional

nutrition.

5. Quinoa Fruit Salad

If you’re tired of oats, swap it for a bowl of quinoa. Regarded as a superfood by many, quinoa has fewer

calories than most popular grains, no gluten, and it’s also packed with protein and fiber. When

combined with chopped fruits like kiwi, mango, apple, berries, and anything else you can think of it

makes for one super nutritious breakfast. You can also add herbs like mint or dill and use a lemon

vinaigrette or honey dressing.

6. Spicy Stuffed Avocado

If you’re in the mood for a spicy breakfast, but want to keep it nutritious, give this a try. All you need to

do is cut an avocado in half, scoop out the center to create a pit, fill it with diced tomato, onion, tuna, or

tofu, and garnish it with vinegar, salsa, or sriracha. Avocados are themselves rich in healthy fats, while

other ingredients like tuna or tofu will improve the meal’s nutritional value.

7. A Homemade Breakfast Sandwich

Sandwiches used to be a staple breakfast food and they’re still a convenient option for most of us. You

might not think of a sandwich as a healthy meal, but it can be if you don’t choose unhealthy sandwich

spreads and fillings. To keep it healthy, use whole grain bread, nut butters, and eggs, tuna, turkey, or

other lean meats. Avoid the processed meats and while you’re at it throw in a few leaves of lettuce and

some diced bell pepper.

8. DIY Breakfast Bars

DIY bars are not only cheaper and healthier than packaged energy bars, they can also be healthier.

Sweetened with dates and filled with a range of nuts and seeds, DIY bars are incredibly convenient and

won’t take much time to prepare. You just blend your ingredients in a food processor and make those

bite-sized bars to store for mornings when you’re too rushed to even toast a slice of bread.

9. Egg Muffins

Muffins are another convenient breakfast option that you can make en masse and grab when you’re in a

hurry. Aside from oats, you can add eggs, spinach, and some cheese to the mixture to give you protein,

fats, iron, and other nutrients in addition to fiber. After baking, simply store them in your refrigerator

and grab one or ‘a few’ before you rush off to work or to the gym.

10. Crunchy Trail Mix

Who says a healthy breakfast must be cooked or put together meticulously? It doesn’t take any effort to

make your own trail mix and the simpler you keep it the healthier it’s likely to be. While packaged

varieties often contain added flavors, sugar, and calories, you’ll do fine if you stick to a blend of nuts,

seeds, and dry fruits, minus the salt and sugar.

Anita Fernandes has been writing extensively on health and wellness for over a decade. She has expertise in nutrition, fitness, public health, and weight loss and has contributed content to a variety of leading digital health publishers. Anita has a unique perspective on healthy living and lifestyle, she has battled and overcome the triggers of irritable bowel syndrome. She shares her experiences to help others fight against the physical and mental health problems that can seem insurmountable.