Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. It sets you up for the rest of your day, so you want to ensure it’s nutritious and packed with nutrients that will fuel your body. Cereal is often a go-to breakfast choice, but it can be high in sugar and low in protein, which means it won’t keep you full for long.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of healthy breakfast alternatives for you. These foods are easy to prepare, taste delicious, and keep you full until lunchtime—without any of the negative side effects associated with eating cereal daily.
Have a look at our list and see if any of these 10 suggestions appeal to you!
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to get some vitamins, minerals, and fiber into your diet. Smoothies can be made with fruit or vegetables. You can even add yogurt or milk if you want.
Its recipes are easy to make, and they taste good. They are great for breakfast, snacks, or even dinner with a healthy side dish such as grilled chicken or fish.
Here are some ideas for making smoothies:
Fruit smoothie
Add berries, bananas, pineapple, and more to your blender. You can add ice cubes to keep the drink cold. Blend until smooth. Then add some protein powder for added nutrition (protein powders usually come in vanilla or chocolate flavors). You can also use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt if you like it better.
Vegetable smoothie
Add cucumbers, celery, carrots, kale, and spinach to your blender and some fruit juice (orange juice is recommended). Add ice cubes if desired. This recipe is great because you get vitamins A, C, and K from the veggies and fruit juice fiber (which helps keep your digestive system working right).
Breakfast burrito
This breakfast alternative is packed with protein and fiber! Just wrap scrambled eggs, veggies, and cheese in a whole wheat tortilla and heat until warm. You can add salsa or hot sauce if you like a little kick!
Parfaits
A parfait is a layered dessert made of whipped cream or yogurt, fruit, and granola. It’s a good breakfast alternative to cereal because it has more whole grains than most cereals. Parfaits are also an easy way to get your daily fruit servings in one sitting.
Tropical Fruit Salad
Tropical fruit salad is a good breakfast alternative to cereal because it contains more fiber than many cereals. To make it even healthier, add some yogurt or cottage cheese to boost protein and calcium.
Muffins
Muffins are so much more than breakfast food! They’re perfect for any meal, and they can be frozen to use later. Make them in advance, freeze them, and heat them up when you’re ready to eat.
Muffins are also an easy way to get extra fiber in your diet. They’re also versatile: You can add fruit, nuts, or seeds for flavor and health benefits. And there are so many flavors of muffin mix available that you can make your own unique creations.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great breakfast option that is easy to make and can be customized in many ways. It also has a lot of health benefits, like fiber and antioxidants.
It can be eaten hot or cold, depending on your preference. You can even add fruit, nuts, or other ingredients to it for extra flavor and nutrition.
The best part about oatmeal is that it’s a whole grain that has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. It also provides energy throughout the morning because it’s high in fiber and low in fat.
Leftovers from last night’s dinner
Leftovers are the perfect breakfast food, since they’re already cooked and ready to go. You can either reheat them in the microwave or put them in the oven or toaster oven to warm them up. And if you’re really hungry, you can also add some extra toppings — like cheese, avocado or salsa — to make it even tastier.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats that keep you feeling full. They’re also cheap, easy to make, and can be used in various ways. Eggs are also high in choline, which has been linked to improved brain function.
Avocado
Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. You can add them to salads or sandwiches, but my favorite way to eat them is smashed on toast with an egg on top!
Nuts/Seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats — all nutrients that will keep you feeling full for hours. Nuts like almonds and walnuts are healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium, linked to improved heart health. Seeds like pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which helps boost immunity and fight colds and other infections.
Takeaway
There’s nothing better than kicking off your day with a healthy breakfast serving to fuel your body and brain. And there are plenty of options out there to choose from. We hope that the breakfast foods listed have encouraged you to find healthier alternatives for breakfast cereals.
Next time you get hungry in the morning, give one of these healthy alternatives a try. You might just discover a new favorite.