The common adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day has a lot of truth to it. Breakfast kickstarts your morning with the energy you need to get through work, play, and everything in between. If you don't feel like you've been starting your day off on the right foot, we're here to help you change the way you eat breakfast without feeling like you’re missing out on tastiness or convenience.

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These breakfast ideas are easy to prepare, far healthier than most drive-thru fast food options, and actually enjoyable. It’s time to take charge of what you consume for better health, starting with your next breakfast.

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Go for Whole Grains

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Swap out your white bread toast and plain pancake mix for more filling and healthier whole grain options. Carbs are OK; it all depends upon what kinds you eat. If there’s a cartoon character on your cereal box or there’s any type of icing on what you’re about to eat, chances are it’s not going to be good for you.

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Try a big bowl of steel cut oats with a touch of honey and a sprinkle of chopped nuts and raisins. Your sweet tooth will be satisfied and the energy from the oats will last longer than the spike from those dreadful donut holes. 

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If you’re in the mood for something savory, toast up a couple of slices of whole wheat bread and top with sliced avocado and poached eggs, sprinkled with a dash of salt and pepper or Tabasco. You won’t miss the cold leftover pepperoni pizza when breakfast is so rich and flavorful.

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Shake Up Your Smoothie

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Smoothies are quick and easy and perfect for on-the-go breakfasts when you’re in a pinch. But not all smoothies are created equal. Some concoctions are loaded with sugar, fat, and enough calories for two people. Sure, they’re delicious, but they wreak havoc on your diet.

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Make a smoothie that’s just as yummy without all the extras to weigh you down. Try blending a ripe banana, a cup of spinach (you won’t taste it), a tablespoon of nut butter, half a cup of blueberries, and some unsweetened almond milk with ice cubes. This healthful mix will make your morning. 

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Speaking of smoothies, if your go-to morning treat is something frozen, frothy, and fancy from the coffee shop, reconsider your order. Those blended café beverages will have you busting at the seams, not to mention the sugar “shakes.”

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Veg Out

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Add more veggies to your breakfast for a burst of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, lots of color and flavor, and a low-cal way to fill your tummy that tastes great.

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Make an egg white omelet and pile in sliced green peppers, button mushrooms, baby spinach, diced tomatoes, and chopped broccoli for a hot breakfast that’s full of long-lasting protein. You can make “mini omelets” in advance by preparing the mixture and filling muffin tins, baking until set, and freezing until you’re ready to enjoy. 

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Instead of high-sugar fruit juices, go for pressed kale or low-sodium tomato juice. Also consider raw veggies as part of a nice breakfast, such as celery stalks filled with nut butter, hummus, or low-fat cream cheese, edamame mixed into cottage cheese, or shredded carrots over your yogurt or oats. The freshness beats out frozen French toast sticks any day of the week.

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Some additional quick fixes for a better breakfast:

- Eat Greek yogurt rather than the “regular” kind. It’s higher in protein and lower in sugar. 

- Ditch the full fat dairy for low- or non-fat or try unsweetened almond, soy, or coconut milk.

- Mind the serving size of your favorite cereal. We tend to pour more in the bowl than recommended.

- Eat the whole fruit instead of the juice. A crisp apple will fill you up far longer than a glass of apple juice. 

- Swap your high-carb breakfast bar for a protein bar when you’re in a pinch.

- Your bagel could be the equivalent to 5-6 slices of bread. Go for a mini whole wheat bagel to satisfy your craving.

- Try green tea instead of caffeinated coffee for a natural, less-jarring morning boost. 

- A handful of nuts is better than whatever you’re about to get from the vending machine.

- Sweeten with agave or honey rather than granulated sugar. 

- Unless you know it’s specifically “health food” material, consider muffins cupcakes in disguise. 

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