Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but just as important is taking good care of your heart. Treat your ticker right with these 20 healthy breakfast ideas that are not only simple to make but quick too.
1. Almond Butter and Banana
Peanut butter with banana is the classic we all know and love, but swapping peanut for almond butter gives it a healthy spin. Spread almond butter on a slice of whole wheat toast, top with banana slices, and start the day right.
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2. Overnight Oats
We don’t always have time to make breakfast, but we should make time to eat it. Do future you a favor by combining rolled oats, almond milk, and berries of your choice the night before. Refrigerate them overnight and wake up to a simple meal rich in fiber and protein.
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3. Eggs and Spinach
Scramble an egg or two with a bit of spinach mixed in. All that’s left is to make a simple open-face sandwich by applying your eggs to a slice of whole wheat bread. The eggs are loaded with protein and leafy greens provide antioxidants and vitamins.
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4. Smoothie
Smoothies are a healthy breakfast option you can really play with. Add protein powder, an assortment of fruits and veggies, or milk of your choice to create the exact blend you want.
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5. Greek Yogurt and Nuts
Drizzle some honey into a bowl of Greek yogurt for a breakfast option packed with protein and antioxidants. You can also add almonds or chopped walnuts for an added dash of fiber and minerals.
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6. Breakfast Bowl
Breakfast bowls are one of those dishes you can add any number of things to. Often lain atop a serving of quinoa, make it your own by adding peppers, poached eggs, honey, or chopped nuts into the mix.
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7. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a classic healthy breakfast consisting of nothing more than mashed avocado, seasoning, and whole wheat toast. You can always add hardboiled egg or tomato slices, too.
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8. Classic Bagel
No one ever turned down a classic whole wheat bagel with cream cheese or layered with almond butter. Berries, honey, peanut butter, and chia seeds are also smart toppings to explore.
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9. English Muffin and Salmon
If meat in the morning is your thing, smoked salmon on an English muffin is the simplest way to get there. The grains give you a healthy dose of fiber and nutrients, while smoked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
10. Chia Seed Pudding
This overnight pudding is not only simple to make, but also packed with heart-healthy fiber and antioxidants to keep your cholesterol in check. All that's needed for this recipe is chia seeds in almond milk with a dash of honey. Refrigerate overnight and you’re ready in the morning.
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11. No-Bake Oat Bars
One of the best things about oats is just how versatile they are, and these bars are no exception. Traditional recipes typically call for three ingredients: oats, peanut butter, and honey. However, you can toss in some vanilla or dried fruit for something extra!
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12. Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie bowls kick things up a notch by often being denser and packed with more ingredients. You can also top them off with almond slices or frozen fruit for something to munch on, not just something to drink.
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13. Cottage Cheese and Berries
You don’t need anything for this recipe besides cottage cheese and fresh berries of your choice—yes, that’s it! You’re free to add nuts or seeds, but cottage cheese on its own is a great source of protein and calcium.
14. Banana Pancakes
Do you know what’s better than pancakes for breakfast? Healthy pancakes that only take two ingredients to make. Thoroughly mix a ripe banana and two eggs before making pancakes on the stovetop as usual. Drizzle with syrup or sprinkle on some raspberries and you’ve got yourself a simple breakfast!
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15. Whole Grain Breakfast Cookies
Cookies for breakfast? Yeah, we said it! You only need a few ingredients and about an hour of your time for this sweet, healthier option. Often all that’s required is oats, whole wheat flour, almond butter, and chocolate chips—of course, you’re always welcome to add in a dash of cinnamon or vanilla.
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16. Breakfast Burrito
Burritos are another option that seems too good to be true, but we promise there are healthy versions out there. Pack a whole grain tortilla with heart-smart fillings like avocado, tomato, low-fat cheese, or scrambled eggs. Pending what you put in there, you’ll have a nutritious option loaded with fiber and nutrients.
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17. Chia Seed Parfait
A chia seed parfait is a go-to staple if you’re in the mood for something light. You’ll need chia seeds, almond milk, and a sweetener of your choice for the base. While you can leave it at that, adding nuts or fresh fruit never hurts.
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18. Traditional Oatmeal
You can’t go wrong with a bowl of oatmeal. It’s simple to make, good for your health, and can easily be tailored to your needs. Sprinkle in cinnamon, add apple slices, or just eat it plain!
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19. Spinach Frittata
A spinach frittata is whatever you make it, and that’s the beauty of this dish. You’ll of course need common ingredients like eggs, milk, cheese, and spinach, but where you go from there is entirely up to you.
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20. Waffles and Fruit
Waffles already have our hearts, but topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, this simple dish only gets better. Enjoy a guilt-free breakfast of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and vitamins—all in just a few minutes.
