Healthy, Make-Ahead Breakfasts
For many of us, there are few things more hectic than weekday mornings. With so much going on, it’s easy to skip breakfast altogether or reach for something packaged and sugar-laden. But, by prepping your breakfast ahead of time, you can have a delicious, healthy meal all ready to go in your fridge. So put down the pop-tarts; these make-ahead breakfasts are just as quick and easy, but much more wholesome:
Breakfast Burritos: Cooking a large batch of these to keep in your freezer will provide you with fabulous energy all day long, and make your morning commute a little more pleasant - since no utensil is required, you can safely eat it on the road! Just make a big batch of scrambled eggs, divide amongst whole grain tortillas, add cheese and veggies, wrap up with plastic wrap, and freeze. Try doing a Mediterranean version with spinach, mushrooms, and feta, or go tex-mex with salsa, cheddar, and black beans. Come the AM, just heat for 3 minutes in the microwave while you try to locate your keys, and you’re good to go.
Fritatta Muffins: On the easy scale, these rank right up there with toasting toast or pouring cereal. Combine scrambled eggs (or egg whites/ egg beaters) with your favorite cheese and vegetables, spray a muffin pan, add the egg mixture to muffin cups, and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. Portion them out in baggies for easier grabbing, and you’re all set.
Parfaits: Parfait means “perfect” in French, which we think is extremely fitting because these make for perfect on-the-go breakfasts. Seemingly fancy, yet simple as can be, these take 2 minutes to assemble and require zero cooking skills. Before you go to bed, just layer yogurt with fruit and granola (or cereal) in a mason jar or tupperware, and all you’ll have to do in the morning is open the fridge and grab a spoon. Top with nut butter or nuts for some satiating and heart-healthy omega-3s, and use Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Overnight Oats: Even though overnight oats originated as bircher muesli in 1900, this phenomenon has only gained mass popularity in recent years. Not only do these require no cooking whatsoever, they’re also packed with heart healthy fiber to keep you full until lunch. There are many different variations that you can create, from original with fruit, to dessert flavors like cookie dough, so you can satisfy that sweet tooth without an ounce of guilt.
Breakfast cookies: Speaking of dessert for breakfast, why not have some cookies? These healthy versions will put your cravings to rest and benefit your body. Pinterest is brimming with wonderful breakfast cookie recipes, and most include oats, some form of nut butter, fruit, and natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Try baking these banana chocolate chip breakfast cookies, pumpkin breakfast cookies, or apple pie breakfast cookies on Sunday to have a healthy indulgence readily available throughout the work week.
Assemble these healthful breakfasts ahead of time, and we promise that your mornings, and even your entire day, will become a little less chaotic…and even more delicious.