Hello Lovelies:
Do you ever have those mornings where you’re in a deep, beautiful sleep when suddenly the alarm starts screaming… but it’s just too soon and you aren’t ready to get up?
Does your day start with a list of a million things to do?
Are you basically a zombie that can barely function for the better part of an hour?
Where exactly does breakfast fit into those scenarios?
If you’re anything like the approximate 31 million Americans that regularly skip breakfast, breakfast probably doesn’t fit into your morning at all.
Maybe you’re not hungry yet, maybe you’re too busy or maybe your simply tired AF…
But we can absolutely make sure that you still get to enjoy breakfast, without any major effort. Promise!
Whether you just don’t do mornings (like me) or have too many things to accomplish before heading out, I’ve got you covered.
Here are 4 Easy Breakfast Ideas For Busy Mornings:
Why Breakfast Matters
Confession – I am NOT a morning person. But I NEVER skip breakfast. (Because a hungry Sara is not a happy Sara).
The good news is that I get to have my cake and eat it too, so to speak. It’s pretty easy to create a smooth morning when you have the right breakfast ideas up your sleeve.
Don’t worry, I’ll show you how. But first…
Why prioritize breakfast at all?
Breakfast is seriously an important meal. I mean, you’ve been fasting for hours after all. And running around in dream land takes a lot of energy yo! You need a pick-me-up so you can face what today has in store for you. (source)
When you skip breakfast you set yourself up for ickiness like:
- Prolonged tiredness
- Irritation
- Difficulty focusing
In other words, here come the hangries! It’s natural to crave sugary foods as well. This is simply your drained body asking you for a (delicious) boost. Why? Because typically you wake up low on the blood sugar you need to work your muscles and brain. Breakfast is the best way to refill your energy tank. (source)
Now, your body will tap into your energy stores if it needs too, including the goodness stored in those gorgeous muscles. Because it’s dang smart and good at keeping you alive! But that’s not something you want to do on the regular if you can prevent it. (source)
Related: Why a Healthy Balanced Lifestyle Matters (Interview)
What are the Benefits of a Healthy Morning Meal?
According to the smarties at Rush University Medical Center, chowing down on breakfast leads to:
- Higher fruit and vegetable intake throughout the day
- Increased fiber and calcium intake
- An overall more balanced diet
- Better memory, concentration, attention span and performance
See why it’s so important that we have some easy breakfast ideas up our sleeves?
Does That Mean That You Should Eat Immediately After Rising?
Not necessarily. We’re all different! Some of us need to wake up a bit before we can enjoy a meal. I know I need a little time before I can take on breakfast (or anything really). I’ve gotta sip on water, contemplate life and adjust to the waking world first yo! Morning Sara is a little lost for a hot minute. Getting out of bed is hard, right?
The point is, there’s no one right way – you do you love! What matters is that you treat yourself to a morning meal when you’re ready. Everyone’s routine is unique and that’s ok.
If you’re like me, the good news is that you can easily make yourself a delicious breakfast the night before. And then you have something wonderful to dive into whenever you’re up for it. So much better than waiting ’til lunch and dealing with the hangries! It’s a game changer.
Related: How to Make A Healthy Lifestyle Sustainable
What Exactly is a Balanced Breakfast?
While I’m sure this whole “breakfast is important” idea is nothing new to you, it can still be a bit complicated to pinpoint what exactly makes for a good breakfast.
So what is a healthy breakfast anyway?
A meal that includes some carbs with fiber, protein and healthy fats is the best place to start. And there are lots of ways to make that happen! (We’ll talk about a few choices in a hot minute <3.) (source)
In general, good breakfast options include:
- Whole grains: Like oats, wild rice, brown rice, teff, quinoa, barley and buckwheat (More options here)
- Lean Protein: Including nuts, nut butters, seeds, beans, peas, hummus, greens, lentils, eggs and meat (if you choose to eat animal products please buy from local, organic farms that raise happy, healthy animals if you are able to <3) (More info here)
- Fruits and vegetables: Fresh or frozen, fruits and veggies have a ton to offer. And can easily be added to so, so many different breakfasts. Plus, there’s lots of variety and so many flavour options. Yum-town, population you!
Related: 7 Powerful Fermented Foods for Better Gut Health
And there are tons and tons of options that fit the bill! Including the 4 simple breakfast ideas below. 😉
Ready to eat? Let’s talk about some quick and easy breakfast options…
4 Easy Breakfast Ideas For Busy Mornings
1. Overnight Oats
Morning haters, meet overnight oats. Overnight oats, meet mornings haters. Guys, this is a serious lifesaver! I’ve already confessed to this, but I seriously do not do mornings well. Which is why I make overnight oats ALL. THE. TIME.
So many of us are in a super hurry in the morning and may not have time to prepare a healthy breakfast. A breakfast you can make the night before is a godsend! And, not to point out the obvious, but overnight oats are all about that. It’s right there in the name, whoop whoop!
Plus it’s so hard to get bored of overnight oats because the possibilities are practically endless. It’s so easy to switch things up.
Super bonus! Oats are a great source of fiber, offering 17% of your daily value in a quarter cup. On top of that, you’ll also be enjoying 13% of your daily protein needs. Add in tons of manganese, which helps to control your blood sugar, keeping those awful energy crashes at bay. (source)
Related: Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins – Great with Breakfast or for Dessert!
Oats are so filling! And including whole grains and good sources of dietary fiber in your diet may help reduce the risk of heart disease, which is a total win! (source)
Since we want some good fats in there, I love to add coconut milk, nut butters, seeds and even cacao or dark chocolate.
Trust me – get on the Overnight Oats train and your schedule will thank you!
Overnight oats prep for you throughout the night, leaving you with more sweet, sweet sleep-in time! It’s like a near effortless cold bowl of oatmeal. Booyah!
Here’s a basic Overnight Oats Recipe that you can play with:
Basic Overnight Oats
Here is a basic overnight oats recipe with additional optional add ins. Make it your own and have fun!
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- 3/4 Cup Non-Dairy Milk of Choice
- 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1 Generous Pinch Cinnamon
Choose 2 or 3 Other Key Ingredients - Here Are Some Options
- 2 Tbsp Almond or Peanut Butter
- 2 Tsp Coconut Manna
- 2 Tsp Shredded Coconut
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 Tbsp Goji Berries
- 1 Tsp Cacao Nibs or Powder
- 1 Tbsp Hemp Seeds
- 2 Tsp Chia Seeds
Instructions
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Combine ingredients and mix well.
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In the morning you can enjoy as is or add in other goodies like fruits, puffed quinoa, granola or yogurt.
Wanna get more specific?
Blueberry Overnight Oats
You can easily play with this recipe and make it your own too! But it’s delicious as is too and perfect for those busy mornings when you don’t want to think about anything.
I use Superfruit Purée – Wild Blueberry in this recipe but you can also mash a 1/4 cup of blueberries if you’d prefer.
Let’s get our yum on:
Blueberry Overnight Oats
Super delicious and simple blueberry overnight oats. Perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Certified Gluten Free Rolled Oats
- 1 Cup Coconut Milk
- 1/4 Cup Blueberry Purée (I use Superfruit Purée – Wild Blueberry, but you can also mash a 1/4 cup of blueberries)
- 1/2 Cup Blueberries Fresh or frozen
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup Or to taste
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk Yogurt Optional
Instructions
-
Throw everything together in a Tupperware container or mason jar and stir well.
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Pop in the fridge and let sit overnight. It will be ready to enjoy in the morning.
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I love to top it off with coconut milk yogurt – it adds some awesome, fermented goodness, which is great for your gut health. And it makes it even creamier! Yum alert! You can also add any fruit you like on top. I may have a slight banana obsession, so that’s a typical go to for me.
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But, if you have zero time, blueberry overnight oats are great as is. So feel free to run out the door and enjoy them when you have the chance. Yum!
2. Chia Pudding
Much like overnight oats, chia puddings practically make themselves. Ok, you do still have to put it together. But you get to do it the night before and time does the rest. Thank you time!
Plus, chia seeds are packed full of healthy fats and dietary fiber. Basically breakfast heaven! Even better, there are lots of wonderful vitamins and minerals in there just waiting to support your well-being. Yass! (source)
Much like oats, chia pudding is going to help keep that cute tummy fuller longer, thanks to all that fiber.
Want a recipe? This one will rock your socks!
Overnight Blueberry Chia Pudding Parfaits
Overnight Blueberry Chia Pudding
Make this overnight blueberry chia pudding before bed and enjoy in the morning! This recipe keeps you fuller longer so you can take on your morning. Plus, it's blueberry heaven! Yum!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Coconut Milk Or non-dairy milk of choice
- 1/4 Cup Chia Sheeds
- 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/4 Cup Blueberry Purée I use Superfruit Purée – Wild Blueberry, you can also mash a 1/4 cup of blueberries
Instructions
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Option 1 (For a swirl of colour like you see in the photo) - Mix all of the ingredients together except for the blueberry purée and place them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, remove half of the chia pudding and add the Blueberry Fruit Purée. Mix well.
Layer the two colours together for a fun colour blend.
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Option 2 - Mix all of the ingredients together and place in the fridge overnight.
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Add some fruit on top. This recipe goes amazingly well with dragon fruit and berries. Keep those prepped in a separate container if you need to grab your breakfast and go.
3. All The Smoothies
Shock and awe, fruits and veggies are an important part of a balanced diet!
Why are fruits and veggies so important?
Fruits and veggies are densely packed with all the nutrients your fabulous human body needs.
And they keep bringing the awesome because they’re rich in the water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins. Basically, a delicious package with tons of the goodness just for you.
They’re a fantastic source of fiber, keeping that marvelous digestive tract of yours running smoothly. And fruits and veggies have a unique abundance of phytonutrients and marvelous antioxidants, further supporting that precious body of yours. (source 1, source 2)
Smoothies are a deliciously simple way to enjoy them!
They’re typically packed full of fruits and veggies. And there are so many potential combinations. Become a smoothie aficionado and youll have an endless amount of breakfast ideas.
Here’s a perfect morning pick-me-up Super Greens Smoothie
Super Greens Smoothie
This smoothie brings it in the greens department. Move over morning coffee - super greens smoothie is coming for you!
Ingredients
- 2 Frozen Bananas
- 2 Tbsp Maca Powder
- 2 Tbsp Hemp Hearts
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1 Cup Packed Arugula
- 1/2 Cup Packed Spinach
- 1/2 Cup Packed Kale
- 2.5 Cups Coconut Milk Or non-dairy milk of choice
Instructions
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Blend and chug (or, you know, drink mindfully ;))
This Super Greens Smoothie packs a huge punch in the vegetable department. But if you want tons more recipes I have an awesome 37 page recipe e-book featuring 15 delicious smoothies (Including the Super Greens Smoothie – It’s so pretty I made it the cover <3).
Did I mention that it’s only $2.50? Say what?! You can learn more and treat yourself to copy right here – Smoothie Love – How to Drink Your Fruits and Veggie and Love It.
Every copy sold helps to support this site and keep content like this coming! I’m so grateful for your love and support <3.
4. A Yummy Twist on Classic Cereal
This might not be the most creative of breakfast ideas, but cereal is a typical morning go-to for many of us. And you can easily add little extras on top to make this a more filling, yummier start to the day.
A personal favourite of mine? Organic Crispy Rice Cereal by Nature’s Path. (Not a sponsor, just a personal fave).
Awesome add ons:
- Chia Seeds
- Hemp hearts
- Whatever Nuts and Seeds your heart desires
- Cinnamon
- Your favourite fruits
- Blueberry Purée (Can you tell that I’m obsessed?!)
- Maple syrup or Maple Sugar
Sprinkle whatever you fancy on top. Drown that sucker in your favourite non-dairy milk and boom, breakfast! Quick and easy.
Related: The Perfect Breakfast – Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Porridge
Final Thoughts
Enjoy a delish breakfast and snuggle under the blankets for an extra few minutes. That’s the dream, right? Now that you’ve got some awesome, quick breakfast ideas up your sleeve the dream can easily be a reality! Are you as excited as I am?
Your turn – what are your go-to easy breakfast options? Which of these breakfast ideas are you most excited to try? Any fellow morning haters in the house? Share your lovely thoughts in the comments below.
Health and love,
Thought of the Day: I am a creator; I have the ability to add my magic to anything if only I dare.
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notquitesupermommn
I am a totally zombie in the morning before my coffee. Luckily, I realized a while back that it didn’t mater if I woke up 10 minutes earlier. I’d still be tired, but I would have an extra second to think about food before bolting out the door. Totally game changer. Skipping breakfast is not an option for me anymore. I love oats and fruit or a smootie and a quick frozen egg cup (I make them on the weekend and freeze them) with some salsa. Yum! I can’t wait to try your green smoothie recipe and chia pudding, they look delish!
Sara
I’m really happy breakfast has made a difference for your Nicole! I’m with you – skipping it isn’t an option. I just can’t function either.
Your breakfast options sound wonderful! Do I remember seeing your egg cup recipe on your website? If not, you should absolutely share it. I think that would be wonderful and help a ton of busy mamas! It sounds like a great idea :).
I hope you adore the smoothie! Let me know what you think hun. Thank you for all of your love and support <3. Sending tons of love your way!
Hedy
Wow! This was exactly what I needed, so thank you for your comprehensive post! I will definitely be trying these recipes soon 🙂
Sara
I’m so happy that this helped Hedy! That’s wonderful. A good breakfast is a serious lifesaver! (I can’t function without it haha). I hope you enjoy trying these recipes. I’d love to hear what you think :). Enjoy!
Travel With A SIlver Lining
wow great tips! I need to start prepping for breakfast 🙂
Sara
Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed these tips and recipes. I hope you have fun prepping breakfast. Anything your excited to make? Have fun and bon appétit ^^
Deborah Hunter Kells
Love my breakfast – slow on the mornings quite a bit and more a night owl since I have a hubby that stays up late – so I stayed up to talk to girls in USA – Now I’m staying up mostly since he does most nights… eek – works havoc with a lot of things but I still eat breakfast. Well in winter my go to breakfast is oats and more oats and any fruit that is going and mostly almonds and seeds. Always variety is key! Thanks for the post
Sara
I’m right with you! I LOVE breakfast but I’m not a morning person. That’s why I’m all about a breakfast that’s easy as pie (and prep-able the night before if possible). Makes a world of difference and lets me ease into the day. Glad you have that too! Oats really are a godsend xD. So many easy, delicious options. The more fruit the better! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us <3
Shirley
Oh,my, these ALL look fantastic! I think I’ll try a smoothie first. Thanks!
Sara
I’m so happy to hear that Shirley! Thank you! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it. Let me know <3. Cheers to green smoothies ^^
Allison Waken
Such great info! Overnight oats & chi pudding are favorites in our house but I’ve gotten out of the habit of having them ready. It’s time I get back into it!
Sara
Those are personal staples too Allison! I love that you can prep them. Makes for a nice, easy morning. I hope you have fun getting back into it :). Here’s so simple mornings and delicious breakfasts! ^^
Samantha Grimwood
These are awesome, I saved them for future use!
Sara
Thank you Samantha! I’m excited for you to try them :). Let me know which ones you enjoy the most <3.
TheGuiltyGreenie
I definitely need to get on the overnight oats train — thanks for the reminder!
Sara
I’m so excited for you to give them a go! There are so many different combinations and possibilities. Have fun diving in and trying different combos ^^. Let me know what you come up with!
Beginner Food
I’ve been seeing a lot of my feed showing off their overnight oats creation, and I wanted to try it out too. I saw a bulk of chia seeds in our grocery, do they have a long shelf life?
Supriya Kutty
Breakfast ideas really help me save time when I am late for work and this has also helped me and my friend save lot itme.I really appreciate your hard work thank you so much for puttign up this post.
Babett
Thanks a lot for sharing these delicious breakfast ideas. I tried the overnight chia seeds last week and it was delicious.