Start Your Day Off Right

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why start on the wrong foot? It’s one thing to be running late, but another thing entirely to continuously break your fast with sugar, oil, and refined grains. Check out this list to make sure you’re setting yourself up for success.

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1. Sugary Cereal

Unless you’re enjoying bran, cereal is usually a no-go. We know it's easy to fall into the trap of convenience, but those Honey Nut Cheerios aren’t actually going to keep you fed until lunch rolls around.

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2. Pastries

On a Sunday morning, go nuts and enjoy that overpriced croissant from your local cafe. Day-to-day, however, store-bought pastries are full of sugar, unhealthy fats, and salt. Sadly, you’ll have to start skipping your morning muffin.

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3. Processed Meats

Bacon is not good for you, no matter how hard we try to believe it is. Full of oil, saturated fat, salt, and chemical additives, you’re more likely to feel groggy than anything else if you’re eating these regularly.

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4. Pancakes/Waffles

Again, for a special occasion or a weekend get-together, load up on the pancakes of your choosing. If you’re not in the business of making a healthy, protein-rich batter, however, all you’re doing is guaranteeing a sugar crash around 11 AM.

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5. Instant Oatmeal

At first glance, instant oatmeal seems like a good idea. But they’re unfortunately full of sugar and salt. You’ll save money and make healthier choices by buying rolled oats and sweetening them with maple syrup or honey.

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6. Sweetened Yogurts

Yogurt is generally good for you, but any yogurt that’s been sweetened with vanilla, fruit, or other ingredients usually does more harm than good. Also, fat-free yogurts tend to make up for the loss of fat by adding sugar, which is something to keep in mind.

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7. Premade Smoothies

Unless you’re going to your local juicery, this one is a big no-no. Look at any label on a premade smoothie and prepare to be gobsmacked by the insane amount of sugar inside the bottle. Avoid at all costs.

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8. Fast Food

We get it — those breakfast sandwiches are a delight for the mouth. Unfortunately, they do very little for the rest of the body. If you’re craving a McGriddle, consider making one at home instead.

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9. Hash Brown Patties

This one hurts because they really are that yummy. Your standard frozen hash brown patty is just full of oil. Like mostly oil. And while that makes them so delicious, it doesn’t make them good for your body.

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10. Bagels With Cream Cheese

Sadly, store-bought bagels are full of processed grain and sugar, and neither bagels nor cream cheese has any protein. If you’re running late, it’s probably one of the healthier options you could pick from this list, but we wouldn’t recommend it every day.

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1. Eggs

Eggs are an incredibly versatile food, and you can make a healthy and satisfying breakfast with them every day for a week without ever having to repeat a recipe. Go for an egg on toast, whip up an omelet, or premake egg bites for an easy morning bite.

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2. Greek Yogurt

The best yogurt you could buy for your body is plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. It’s not very appetizing on its own, but it will give you a protein boost and some essential vitamins and minerals to boot. 

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3. Overnight Oats

This popular breakfast option allows you to prepare your breakfast a few days in advance, which is always helpful on busy mornings. The best part is you can make a few different types of oats, so you don’t have to have the same flavor three days in a row.

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4. Protein Shake

There are many protein powders that will set you up for success, and are a great option if you’re not one for breakfast. Mix up your favorite flavor with some water so you’re not starting your day on an empty stomach.

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5. Fruits

Obviously, not just fruits, but adding fruit as a side to your omelet, using them as toppings for overnight oats, or making them a main component in your smoothie will do wonders for your body. Berries are usually the best, as they contain the most antioxidants and fiber, but go with what your heart tells you.

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6. Avocado Toast

The two words every millennial wants to hear. Avocado toast is a great way to get some fats into your diet, and can serve as a delicious bae for eggs, salmon, or other protein options for your breakfast. Serve with some fruit, and you have a well-rounded meal.

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7. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is rich in protein and calcium, and can be mixed in with just about anything. Use it in pasta or in smoothies, or eat it on toast or with fruit. You’ll enjoy a great meal and stay full for longer.

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8. Homemade Breakfast Burritos

Store-bought is a no-go, but a homemade breakfast burrito can be a yummy way to get your greens. Start with a whole wheat tortilla wrap, add some potatoes, lean chicken, vegetables, and a touch of avocado for a well-rounded meal.

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9. Nuts

Similar to cottage cheese, nuts are a great way to incorporate some protein and flavor into your meals. Add them to oatmeal, yogurt, or a smoothie for heart health and good brain function. For weight loss purposes, we recommend almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or cashews.

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10. Smoothies

Of course, smoothies are possibly one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy. You can add all sorts of protein, nuts, fruits, and veggies to a smoothie to ensure you’re covering all your bases. Smoothies can also be premade, or the ingredients can be separated and stored in mason jars so they’re ready for you come the morning.

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