Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. We're not just saying that because we love breakfast food (although we do). While you're fast asleep, your body is working hard to digest the food you ate the day before, and by the time you wake up, most of that food has been digested. This means that to remain running strong, your body needs another boost of fuel and nutrition, cue breakfast. Eating a healthy, energizing breakfast in the morning is an excellent way to give your body the nourishment it needs to tackle any task ahead. What you eat in the morning determines how the rest of your day will go, so you want to make sure it's something great tasting and great for you. Keep scrolling to discover how eating the right breakfast can add a bit of pep to your step before work.
What Makes a Good Breakfast?
Now that we've talked about the importance of breakfast, let's determine what makes a good breakfast. Earlier we mentioned two things that breakfast should be, tasty and nutritious. While this may seem easy in theory, often, we end up choosing one over the other. At Bob's Red Mill, we've made it our mission to create healthy, wholesome foods that not only feel good, they taste good too. A great breakfast should be anything but boring. When it comes to making an energy-boosting breakfast, follow the tips and recipes below.
Choose Whole Grains
Want a sure-fire way to create an energy-boosting breakfast? Choose a recipe that's loaded with whole grains. High fiber and whole-grain granola, oats, muffins and bread will help keep your blood sugar balanced to avoid a mid-morning energy crash. There are countless cereals on the market, promoting themselves as whole-grain based. We recommend purchasing grains from a brand you trust and making something homemade. To choose the healthiest option, make sure your choices are high in fiber (5 grams or more per serving), low in sodium, low in sugar and list whole grains as one of the first ingredients.
If you're having trouble finding a breakfast that meets this criteria, then we're here to help. Check out your favorite whole-grain breakfast options below. From stuffed sweet potatoes to cookies, there's bound to be one that you enjoy!
Whole Grain Breakfast Recipes
Granola Stuffed Potatoes With Maple Tahini Butter
The ideal blend of sweet and savory, this whole-grain entree is just what you need to start your morning off right. Made with tender sweet potatoes and crispy homemade granola, it's loaded with energy-boosting ingredients. Proven to keep your energy high no matter how many Skype meetings you'll be attending that day. Blanketed in a tasty tahini spread, this Granola Stuffed Potatoes With Maple Tahini Butter is a breakfast dish you'll quickly add to your weekly menu.
Maple Sea Salta Granola Parfait
While a parfait may sound fancier than your typical breakfast, it's effortless to make. Our pan baked granolas are delicious when enjoyed as cereal or as an afternoon snack straight from the bag. However, we especially loved them layered with yogurt in a parfait. An easy recipe, get creative with this Maple Sea Salt Granola Parfait by adding in your favorite fresh fruit, nuts and add-ins!
Healthy Breakfast Cookies With Oats and Peanut Butter
If you're craving a breakfast that's easy to make and delicious, you've found it. These Healthy Breakfast Cookies with Oats and Peanut Butter are the ideal whole-grain recipe to enjoy when you're in a crunch for time. Prepare these cookies ahead of time and eat them as you're walking out the door. Made with natural, wholesome ingredients like oats, chia and flax, they're a breakfast sure to keep you fueled until lunch time.
Make It Protein-Packed
Need a boost of energy? Make sure the first thing you eat when you wake up is a dish loaded with protein. Protein-based foods work hard to provide your body with the fuel it needs to repair and build tissue. Plus, because protein takes a bit longer to break down than carbs, it acts as a longer-lasting energy source. Lean meats are known to be one of the best protein sources around, but this doesn't mean that your breakfast plate has to be full of them. Several high-protein food options taste great when enjoyed as breakfast. Greek yogurt, eggs and nuts are jam-packed with protein and make for the ideal morning meal.
Protein Packed Breakfast Recipes
Not yet convinced? Try out some of these protein-packed breakfast recipes below.
Soy Protein Bars
Make these Soy Protein Bars for an easy boost of protein and energy. They're convenient to take with you whether you're heading to work or your at-home office. Once cooked, they don't require any additional preparation and can be left at your desk throughout the week to enjoy as a midday snack. Easy to make celiac friendly, make these bars with our gluten free oat flour and rolled oats.
Easy Vegan Protein Muffins
Quick to cook, this recipe is one you'll want to recreate daily! These Easy Vegan Protein Muffins can be customized to your taste preferences and will keep you satisfied until lunch by providing lots of protein. Gluten free, oil-free and vegan, these muffins can be enjoyed by nearly anyone.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
The easiest way to get your daily fill of protein is to add it to a smoothie! This Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is made with almond protein powder, milk, peanut butter and bananas to make a mouthwatering breakfast rich in protein.
Enjoy Your Breakfast at Home
While grabbing a quick breakfast from your favorite fast-food chain may sound tempting, it's likely to be full of refined carbohydrates and saturated fat. If you're craving a tasty, nutritious breakfast that you can grab on the go, try making your next breakfast recipe at home the night before. Breakfast cereal can be a quick, nutritious meal, and by making your breakfast at home, you can control the ingredients that go into it. Think back to what you love most about your favorite restaurant breakfast, and recreate it in a healthier way.
Easy-to-Make Breakfast Recipes
Check out these easy-to-make, high energy breakfast recipes that can be eaten nearly anywhere.
Banana Almond Overnight Quinoa With Chia Seeds
The perfect way to switch up your weekday breakfast routine, try this delicious Banana Almond Overnight Quinoa with Chia Seeds. Simple to make, whip up a batch the night before and enjoy the next morning. Made with good-for-you ingredients like quinoa, banana and chia seeds, it's sure to leave a smile on your face.
Chocolate Hazelnut Quinoa Bread
An excellent source of plant-based protein, this Chocolate Hazelnut Quinoa Bread is the ideal option for gluten free individuals. A breakfast that tastes more like a dessert, it's a recipe that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Parfait
Cottage cheese for breakfast never sounded so good. This flavorful Cottage Cheese Breakfast Parfait is a quick and simple breakfast to make when you're in a crunch for time. It's loaded with energy promoting nutrients like healthy fats, probiotics, protein and fiber. Just layer in the ingredients and enjoy.
Make a Smoothie
One of the easiest ways to pack a ton of nutrients into a breakfast sized meal is by blending them into breakfast smoothies. The basics of blending is really quite simple. Smoothies are a great way to start the day. They're convenient, tasty, and excellent for you. And, if you're in the mood for even more nutrients, add protein powder to your favorite smoothie recipe.
Smoothie Breakfast Recipes
For an energizing breakfast recipe that will leave you speechless, try out one of the smoothies below:
Almond Mocha Smoothie
You can't go wrong with this Almond Mocha Smoothie. Rich and creamy, it's made with our almost protein powder for an impressive boost of nutrients. Additionally, the cocoa and coffee and an energizing kick to your morning routine. This recipe is ideal for days when you're feeling a bit slow to start.
Carrot Cake Smoothie
The definition of having your cake and eating it too, this Carrot Cake Smoothie tastes more like a dessert than a breakfast. Undeniably sweet, it's packed with protein and nutrients, making it an energy powerhouse. The ideal mood booster, it's sure to satisfy your morning sweet tooth.
Breakfast is a must for most of us. While a nutritious breakfast won't solve all of our problems, it will solve quite a few. Beginning your day with a healthy meal can help boost your energy, burn fat, balance blood sugar levels, and fight off unhealthy mid-day cravings. If you're looking for ways to increase your concentration and productivity at work, start by making one of the energizing breakfast recipes on this list. We're confident you won't be disappointed. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, have a healthy and happy day!
Have an energy boosting breakfast recipe that you'd like to share? We're all ears! Let us know your favorite breakfast dishes in the comments below.
