Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Many believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So, how do those of us who are not morning people, or simply don’t have the time or energy to prepare a proper breakfast, find quick, nutritious and exciting options? Plan ahead! With a little organization you can have a variety of healthy, ready-to-go meals at your fingertips. 

Here are some of our favorites with quick and easy instructions, as well as variations so you can experiment on your own:

Smooth Operator

Who doesn’t love a satisfying smoothie? Create your own smoothie kit by chopping a variety of produce ahead of time and grouping ingredients together that will go in individual servings. Then, store in labeled containers in the refrigerator or freezer depending on how quickly you will eat them. Come morning, all that’s left for you to do is add your liquid of choice to the blender, along with a nut butter or protein powder (if you like). Then, dump in the contents of the smoothie kit and blend away. Here are some great combinations to try:

Super Greens - Any type of greens, chopped zucchini, ripe avocado, banana, and a pitted date. Not sweet, but healthy and delicious!

Orange Crush - Sweet orange segments with tropical mango for a dose of vitamin C, plus banana to make it creamy!

Peachy Keen  - Peaches, raspberries, and cauliflower (yes, cauliflower!) 

Go ahead!  Mix and match!

The Magic Happens While You Sleep

What a concept!  While you refresh and rejuvenate with a great night’s sleep, your breakfast is literally making itself…overnight oats!  If you are a fan of oatmeal but cringe at the idea of cooking first thing in the morning, let the oats do the work. Soaking the oats overnight will allow them to soften so you won’t even have to heat them up in the morning. Add a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits or other favorites then layer in grab and go jars and store in the refrigerator. Breakfast is ready to go when you are:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk
• 1 cup plain non-dairy yogurt
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
• ¼  teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Optional toppings: fruits, nuts, seeds, nut butter

1. Add ingredients to a large bowl
2. Stir together
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight (at this point you can divide the oats into individual jars)
4. Stir before serving.
5. Add any additional toppings

PPB Tip: Nut butter, dried and fresh fruit can be added in advance, but add crunchy toppings, such as nuts, seeds, and coconut when ready to eat. 

The Proof Is In The Pudding

Chia seed pudding that is!  Enjoy starting your morning with something sweet? Then this is for you! Fiber-filled chia seeds expand when mixed with almond milk (or any other non-dairy milk option), and when stored overnight, it creates a pudding that’s loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Switch up your puddings by adding in cocoa powder, vanilla, cinnamon or any of your favorite flavors for a versatile morning dish.  Just make sure to get the ratio of chia to liquid correct to get the desired texture: 

        ¼  cup (4 tbs) chia seeds : 1 cup non dairy milk

In the morning top with fruits or nuts of your choice or even muesli!

What Is Muesli You Ask?

Originating in Switzerland, this versatile breakfast food is a healthier, alternative to granola. Since the ingredients are not baked all together, there is no need for added sugars or oils to bind it. You can use virtually any combination of ingredients that appeal to you as long as you follow the magic formula : 

1. Place grains mixed with cinnamon on one cookie sheet; Place nut/seed combination on a separate cookie sheet and bake both at the same time for 12 minutes at 350ºF
2. Transfer to a large bowl and toss together
3. Add dried fruit
4. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one month

The beauty of muesli is how many different ways you can enjoy it. It can be eaten alone as a cereal topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey, or even as an addition to non-dairy yogurt. Anywhere you would use granola, you can substitute this healthy alternative.  

Having your favorite breakfast foods prepared in advance is a sure way you will look forward to your morning meal and never think about skipping it. Speaking of favorite foods, did you know that Protein Power Ball also makes a quick, delicious, nutritious breakfast? Packed with plant-based protein, it is the perfect grab and go meal or a delicious topping for your overnight oats or chia seed pudding! With flavors like Mocha Java Crunch that give you the nutrition your body needs as well as the motivating energy boost to get you through your morning, it is the ideal way to start your day!