Healthy recipes for the most important food of the day

A healthy start to a good morning is a good, fulfilling healthy breakfast. Here are 10 recipes for experimental cooks.

 

1. Nut Butter, Banana, and Chia Seed Toast

Try this superfood twist on classic PB and toast with 1/2 a banana (sliced) and a sprinkle of chia, which is packed with vitamins and minerals (like six times more calcium than milk!).

2. Berry and Yogurt Smoothie

Here’s a simple and delicious smoothie for the morning rush. Blend frozen fruit (banana and berries work well) with Greek yogurt and a liquid of your choice (milk, juice, coconut water—whatever you like). Freeze overnight and thaw throughout the day to enjoy in the afternoon or blend up in the morning.

 

3. Savory Oatmeal With an Egg

Take oatmeal to a whole new level by making it savory. Prepare as usual with milk or water, but add a pinch of salt and pepper instead of any cinnamon or sugar. Then top with an over-easy or poached egg and sprinkle with a little cheese for an extra tasty kick.

 

4. Quinoa Fruit Salad

Spice up a plain old fruit cup with a scoop of quinoa. Toss the whole shebang around until the quinoa is evenly distributed. Add a dressing of honey, lime, and basil for a little extra body.

 

5. Tomato Toast With Macadamia Ricotta

Here’s a healthier take on a classic breakfast sandwich: Take 2 slices of a hearty whole-grain bread, spread each slice with 1 tablespoon of homemade macadamia ricotta cheese, and sprinkle with shiso or basil, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Add 1-2 hearty slices of fresh heirloom tomatoes (blotted with paper towel to remove excess liquid) and enjoy.

 

6. Quinoa and Chia Porridge

Cooking quinoa with milk (cow, soy, or almond) and adding some sweet spices and fruit makes for a great substitute for classic hot breakfast cereals. Plus, it’s high in protein and essential amino acids like lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. Simply put all the ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Then simmer, stir, top with your favorite add-ons, and enjoy!

 

7. Avocado Toast With Egg

Sometimes simple is just better. Top two lightly toasted slices of whole-grain bread with smashed avocado and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Layer on two sunny-side-up eggs for a healthy dose of protein, and you’ve got a well-rounded breakfast. Stack ’em in a Tupperware container for easy transport or cook the yolks a bit more and make the whole thing into a sandwich.

 

8. Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Here’s a healthy way to have chocolate for breakfast. A bowlful of quinoa makes for a filling, protein-rich base, and the banana and berries add a few servings of fruit.

 

9. Overnight Crock-Pot Egg Casserole

Wake up to a house smelling like a sausage and effortlessly put breakfast on your plate, all thanks to the beauty of a slow cooker. Layer the vegetables, sausage, and cheese in the Crock-Pot, then top with a mix of eggs and cream (you’d be fine using regular or nondairy milk too for a lighter option), and you’re just one sleep away from a delicious meal.

 

10. Warm Fruit Bowl

Craving dessert for breakfast? Or breakfast for dessert? This gluten-free bowl should hit the spot. Simply bake a berry blend in the oven, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings, and add a cup of milk.