Protein Power Breakfasts

It may not be “the most important meal of the day,” but your breakfast choices, like any other dietary decision you make throughout the day, matter. Overeat and you may feel sluggish as you start your day; too much sugar and you will likely soon be hungry. A balanced breakfast with adequate protein, as well as fiber and possibly fruits or vegetables, is ideal. Morning exercisers in particular benefit from a protein-rich breakfast. There are many options to match your morning.

Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast Burrito

Wrap it up!

Sure you can have another breakfast sandwich, but keep whole grain tortillas on hand and you can wrap up your breakfast for a satisfying on-the-go option. Try this recipe for Breakfast Burritos or create your own combination of flavors using spice blends, leftover cooked vegetables and proteins such as shredded cheese, eggs, and tofu.

Eggs

One skillet, versatile frittatas come together in minutes and are perfect for any meal of the day. Or chop the vegetables the night before and assemble these protein rich Veggie Egg-White Omelet Cups easily in the morning (perfect when you need to feed a crowd).

Power Bowls

Tired of the same old breakfast? Try a power bowl. Packed with protein, power bowls combine wholesome grains with spices, fruit and more to create a convenient breakfast. Use last night’s leftover brown rice, quinoa or other protein rich grains to creates today’s power bowl.

Smoothie

Combine your favorite ingredients in a blender along with proteins such as nut butters, whey powder or silken tofu. Blend, pour and you are out the door with a protein rich, satisfying smoothie. Or take it one step further, using your blended drink to create a smoothie bowl, which allows you to top your smoothie with nuts, hemp seeds and other protein rich fix-in’s.

So it’s not really breakfast food…

Leftover chicken, hearty soup, quesadilla…not your typical breakfast choices, but full of protein, great for getting your day going and a perfect use for leftovers! Just because it isn’t typically considered “breakfast food” doesn’t mean it can’t be your breakfast.

Some other high protein recipes for you…

Quinoa Fruit Bake: make this healthful casserole the night before and enjoy “as is” for a satisfying breakfast or layer it with non-fat, plain Greek yogurt to ramp up the protein even more

Slow Cooker Apple Spice Oatmeal: set your slow cooker before going to bed and wake to a warm, protein rich bowl of oatmeal that is perfect for a busy morning.

Not in the mood to cook? Try these store bought options…

Good Food Made Simple Southwestern Veggies Breakfast in a Bowl (1 Guiding Stars)

Like the name says, this protein rich southwestern inspired breakfast bowl is good food (like egg whites, potatoes, avocado, beans, cilantro and more) prepared simply. Enjoy it straight out of your microwave on a busy morning.

3 Minute Quaker Steel Cut Oats (3 Guiding Stars)

Cut the time out of making homemade steel cut oatmeal with these quick cooking Quaker oats that offer about 7 grams of protein. Add your favorite toppings and you have a power bowl in mere minutes!

Kashi 7 Grain All Natural Waffles (2 Guiding Stars) with Sunbutter Natural Sunflower Seed Spread (3 Guiding Stars)

When nut butter isn’t an option enjoy the rich taste of dairy, gluten, soy and nut free sunflower seed butter. Pair it with Kashi waffles and you have 11 grams of satisfying protein.