Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Ideas

Being pressed for time can make it hard to sit down and enjoy a healthy breakfast. Often what ends up happening is that we skip breakfast altogether or pick up a calorie-laden pastry from a nearby coffee shop. Not good since breakfast is essential for keeping metabolism consistent and energy levels stable.

Instead of skipping breakfast as you rush out the door, make one of these well-balanced, healthy meals the night before. Even if you can't sit down at the table to enjoy them, all of these meals are made to grab and go!  

Smoothies and Shakes 

One of the easiest morning meals to take on the go is a smoothie. Make one of these healthy smoothie recipes, featuring a mix of produce and protein in the form of yogurt, milk, or powder, the night before. Store it in the fridge, and grab your smoothie as you walk out the door.

Tip: Use a Blender Bottle, or something similar, to carry a smoothie during your morning commute. Each cup comes with a wire whisk-like ball that you can use to stir or shake ingredients with — perfect solution in case any ingredients have settled overnight.

Energy Bars

Save money by baking up a batch of energy bars to start your morning off with. These banana carob bars are packed with protein and whole grains — a great way to fuel the morning! If carob isn't your thing, try one of these other healthy energy bar recipes.

Frittatas

Making a frittata couldn't be simpler, especially since you can use whatever veggies or meat you have in your kitchen to do so. Here's a basic frittata recipe that will give you enough servings through the week.

Tip: Make a frittata on Sunday evening and portion it out in small plastic containers for the rest of the week. You can easily reheat a frittata in the microwave, but this dish is pretty tasty cold.

Pancakes

Pancakes are always a treat when fresh off the griddle, but if frozen correctly, they also taste good for days — even weeks — later!

First, make a batch of healthy pancakes using whole wheat flour and fresh berries; once the pancakes have cooled, they're ready to freeze. Separate individual pancakes with wax paper and store them in a large plastic container in the freezer. Reheat them later in the oven or microwave, or let them thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy at room temperature.

Looking for a healthy pancake recipe? We are partial to these pancakes made with whole wheat flour and berries. If wheat and dairy aren't your thing try or this gluten-free vegan recipe.

Muffins and Bread

Skip the empty calories from store-bought and coffee-shop muffins and make your own instead. When done right, a muffin can actually be a filling and nutritious breakfast. This recipe for oatmeal pumpkin muffins is filling with a healthy dose of protein and fiber.


This article was originally published in FitSugar.com