A balanced breakfast typically includes protein, fiber, and a range of nutrients. If you’re looking for a healthy morning meal, try easy options like eggs, whole wheat toast with toppings, nuts, and green tea.
Breakfast is a great way to start your day. A nutritious breakfast can provide long-lasting energy and keep you full for hours. A good breakfast is typically high in fiber, protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
Some commercial breakfast foods can be high in sugar, refined carbs, and additives. Instead, why not try some nutrient-dense fresh options?
Here are 12 of the best foods and drinks to enjoy in the morning.
Eggs make a simple, nutritious breakfast choice.
They provide protein, which is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. It can also keep you
In a
The egg group also ate fewer calories at lunch, suggesting eggs support satiety — the feeling of being full — which can help with weight management.
Eggs also
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Eat your eggs with other nutritious foods, such as whole grain toast, whole fruit, or sautéed vegetables.
Summary
Eggs are high in protein and several important nutrients. They may promote fullness and help lower your calorie intake later in the day.
Greek yogurt is a great option for a quick breakfast.
It’s made by straining whey and other liquid from milk curds,
It’s also lower in calories than many other protein sources. A
Other nutrients in Greek yogurt include:
Certain types
If you prefer an even creamier, higher protein product, Icelandic yogurt — known as skyr — is another great option.
Eating Greek yogurt with berries and other fruits
Summary
Greek yogurt is not only high in protein and low in calories, but certain types are also high in probiotics, which support gut health.
Coffee contains caffeine, a molecule
It also may also
During pregnancy, people should consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day, as caffeine may increase the risk of complications.
Drink your coffee black or with dairy or plant-based milk. Try to avoid sugar or use it sparingly, as too much sugar is linked to health risks.
Summary
The caffeine in coffee promotes alertness and enhances physical and mental performance.
Oatmeal is made from rolled or steel-cut oats. It contains a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which
Because of the way the body processes oats, they will also
Oats also
In addition, they contain around
Alternatively, mix raw oats with dried fruit nuts, seeds, coconut, and other ingredients for a homemade muesli.
Oats are suitable for people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, but you should choose oats that have been certified gluten-free due to a risk of cross-contamination.
Summary
Oatmeal is rich in beta-glucan, a type of fiber that may lower cholesterol levels and increase feelings of fullness. It also contains many vitamins and minerals.
Chia seeds are a good source of fiber.
This fiber is also soluble, which means it absorbs water and increases the volume of food moving through your digestive tract,
The nutrients in chia seeds may also help manage glucose levels, lower cholesterol, and prevent inflammation, among other benefits.
Chia seeds aren’t high in protein, but combining them with Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or a protein shake can boost your protein intake, as in the recipe below.
High protein chia pudding recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce (28 grams) of dry chia seeds
- 1 scoop (25 grams) of whey protein powder
- 1 cup (240 mL) of coconut milk or almond milk
- 1/2 cup (74 grams) of berries
- stevia or another sweetener to taste, if desired
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Summary
Chia seeds are high in fiber, which may help promote fullness and reduce hunger levels.
Berries — including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries — are delicious and packed with antioxidants.
They provide a sweet treat that
Berries also offer antioxidants called anthocyanins, which provide the characteristic blue, purple, and red colors of berries. A diet high in anthocyanins
Add berries to Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, chia pudding, or a fruit smoothie for a tasty breakfast.
Summary
Berries are high in fiber and low in calories. They’re also rich in antioxidants that may decrease your risk of disease.
Cottage cheese is a high protein breakfast item, providing
Cottage cheese is low in calories, providing only
You can eat cottage cheese with many other nutritious foods, such as berries, peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or granola.
Summary
Cottage cheese is high in protein, which may help keep you full and reduce hunger. Common breakfast toppings include fresh fruit, veggies, seeds, and granola.
Whole grain toast is
You can pair whole wheat toast with many foods, including:
For extra fiber and protein, try sprouted grain bread, 2 slices of which provide around
Summary
Whole wheat toast is a good source of fiber. Plus, you can top it with a wide variety of nutritious spreads.
Nuts of all types
Their protein, fat, and fiber content also means they can promote fullness and may help in weight management.
A
Too many nuts could lead to weight gain, however, as they tend to be high in calories. It’s also best to use plain nuts without added salt, sugar, or oil, as these ingredients may be detrimental to health.
Topping Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or oatmeal with a spoonful or two of chopped nuts is a great way to increase your breakfast’s nutritional value.
Summary
Nuts are a filling, nutrient-dense food that may help reduce heart disease risk and promote brain health.
Green tea is a soothing drink to get you going in the morning. It contains caffeine, but only about half the amount in coffee.
It also contains L-theanine, a compound that promotes a calming effect and may reduce the “jitters” linked to caffeine intake. It may also improve mood and
Finally, green tea provides epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that
Summary
Green tea contains caffeine, as well as an antioxidant called EGCG, which is tied to a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Smoothies are another great breakfast option. Blend water, dairy or non-dairy milk with nuts, bananas, frozen berries, or other fruits or vegetables for a tasty start to the day.
Adding protein powder can boost the protein content. This smoothie-protein shake combination can promote fullness and reduce hunger while providing a tasty and nutritionally balanced breakfast.
If you work out early in the morning, this may be a better option after exercise than a heavy breakfast.
Summary
It’s easy to whip up a protein shake or smoothie in a few minutes and take it on the go. Plus, this simple breakfast makes a great post-workout option.
Fruits are a light breakfast option, and some whole fruits can make an easy snack for your commute.
All fruits are relatively low in calories and contain fiber, a range of vitamins, minerals, and simple sugars. The fiber in fruit
Other fruits — such as bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, papaya, and mango — are high in potassium.
Many fruits — including oranges, guava, kiwi, strawberries, papaya, acerola cherries, and lychee — are high in vitamin C,
Fruits also provide an array of polyphenol compounds and antioxidants, depending on their color. For instance, guava is high in lycopene, while purple plums contain anthocyanins. Eating a range of fruits of various colors can help boost your intake of a range of antioxidants.
Consuming fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, obesity, and many other health conditions.
Whole fruit is higher in fiber than fruit juice, and some commercial fruit juices have added sugar. For this reason, it’s best to eat whole fruit when possible.
For a balanced breakfast, pair fruit with high-protein foods, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese.
Summary
Eating a variety of fruits provides you with different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. What’s more, most fruits contain high amounts of fiber that may promote fullness and keep your blood sugar levels stable.
What are the healthiest breakfast foods?
Good choices for breakfast foods will be ones that fill you up, so you don’t get hungry again for a while, and they are nutrient-dense. Try whole fruits, eggs, wholemeal toast, nuts, and smoothies for a tasty and satisfying start to the day.
What’s a healthy breakfast for losing weight?
Eating foods that are high in protein, fiber, or both can leave you feeling full for longer, making you less likely to snack on unhealthy options during the morning.
High protein options include cottage cheese, yogurt, and eggs. Pair these with nutritious, high-fiber foods such as wholemeal bread, oats, and fruit.
To drink, opt for water, green tea, or coffee without added sugar or cream.
Which foods should I avoid for breakfast?
Foods to steer clear of include those that are high in calories but low in nutrients and fiber. These include cereals, pastries, and white toast that are made from white flour and have added sugar. They are high in calories and unlikely to leave you feeling full for long.
Other highly processed foods, such as sausages and bacon, are high in fat and can be hard to digest.
Commercially prepared juices often have added sugar. Instead, make your own juice or eat whole fruit.
A nutritious breakfast can give you a good start to the day and may help prevent snacking and weight gain.
The best choices to fill you up and boost your overall health will be high in fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Many nutritious, healthy foods and drinks are also easy to prepare in the morning, for instance whole grain toast, eggs, green tea, coffee, and protein shakes. If you don’t have time for breakfast, some options — such as fruit — you can eat on the go.