It’s early, you’re sweating profusely and all you can think about is how to quiet your stomach that started growling as soon as you stepped out of the gym. After you pat yourself on the back for doing something for your health so early in the morning, it’s time to make some breakfast.
In order to capitalize on that morning workout, you need to make sure that your breakfast includes a good amount of protein, healthy fat and carbohydrates to fuel the rest of your day. Here are 10 healthy breakfasts to set you up for a day of success.
1. Veggie Omelette
Eggs are an excellent post-workout option due to their high protein content. The addition of some chopped veggies ups the amount of micronutrients, which aids in recovery. Add some avocado as a bonus of healthy fats to help keep you full until lunch.
2. Greek yogurt parfait
Greek yogurt has gotten a lot of hype lately, but not without reason. This tangy, creamy dairy product has an average of 12 grams of protein per serving, and is very low in sugar if you get the plain variety. Add some fruit and granola to make a simple, quick meal.
3. Hard-boiled eggs and fruit
Sometimes, simple hits the spot. For the days when you find yourself running short on time, grab a couple of pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs and any fruit you have laying around. Hard-boiled eggs provide easily-accessible and portable protein and fat, while the fruit gives you enough carbohydrates to help recover from your workout.
4. Quinoa Oatmeal
In case you haven’t heard of quinoa by now (I’m so sorry), know that this superfood seed packs in the protein. When combined with some warm milk, banana and peanut butter, quinoa turns into a high-fiber, high-protein breakfast that will rival oatmeal any day.
5. Protein smoothie
If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality protein powder, an incredibly tasty and filling breakfast is only some fruit and water away. Smoothies are so fast to make and easy to carry to class for those mornings when you have more appetite than time.
All this one takes is some protein powder, almond milk, blueberries, peanut butter and ice.
6. Sweet potato & Greek yogurt bowl
Before you hyperventilate at the thought of eating potatoes and yogurt together, take a deep breath and consider that sweet potatoes have a delicately sweet flavor and are packed with nutrients. When combined with Greek yogurt and some nut butter, sweet potatoes add important healthy carbs to a protein-packed (and easy!) breakfast.
#SpoonTip: bake or microwave a few sweet potatoes and store in the fridge to use throughout the week.
7. Protein pancakes
These pancakes are jam-packed with protein from cottage cheese, and incredibly easy to make – all you need is a blender and a pan. Top with some nut butter and sliced banana and your day is off to a great start.
8. Almond Butter Oat Bites
You’re basically eating cookies for breakfast with these joy-filled bites. These energy bites are another time-saver, especially if you make a batch on the weekend to have as a grab-and-go option on mornings when you’re short on time.
9. Leftovers
Leftovers may seem like a no-brainer, but even last night’s pizza can turn into a creative yet simple breakfast scramble. Any leftover vegetables from the week can easily spice up an omelette, and even leftover chicken breast and fruit makes a filling breakfast to-go.
#SpoonTip: since you’re choosing food to recover from a morning workout, make sure not to overdo it on less-healthy leftovers – stick to a meal high in protein, complex carbs and healthy fats.
10. Protein Frappuccino
es, even a common “guilty pleasure” can become a healthy, filling breakfast with the right tweaks. This recipe combines cold coffee, protein powder, almond milk and ice to create a tasty drink that aids in recovery from a hard workout.
#SpoonTip: swap a frozen banana for the ice cubes to make this a more filling breakfast.
Go Forth and Work Hard
With all 10 of these tasty options to choose from, a morning workout no longer seems as daunting. In truth, any combination of foods that features an ample amount of protein complemented by healthy fats and carbohydrates makes for a perfect post-workout meal – so relax, work hard and eat well.
