Good Morning, Sunshine
A great breakfast starts our day on the right foot, but the right ingredients kick things into high gear! Quit worrying about your rumbling tummy because we have 20 protein-rich options that not only taste great, but keep you full until lunch time.
1. Egg Bites
Don’t even think about Starbucks—you can make your own nutritious egg bites from the comfort of your kitchen! This recipe is packed with protein (at least 10g per serving, depending on the ingredients) and can be made with a wide variety of tasty toss-ins. To stay extra full, consider protein-rich superfoods like spinach, mushrooms, and cottage cheese.
2. Chia Pudding With Nut Butter
There’s no reason that protein can’t include plant-based options. Chia seeds are the unassuming ingredient that turns any breakfast into a filling meal. The most popular option is pudding, a simple dish put together with chia seeds, almond milk, and a sweetener of your choice. With a scoop of protein powder, you’ll nab at least 20g per serving.
3. Protein Smoothies
Protein smoothies are whatever you make them, even if you don’t have powder at home! You can use cottage cheese, dates, Greek yogurt, and even nuts to make the perfect post-workout smoothie that packs at least 10 to 20g of protein per serving. Don’t forget your seeds either—chia and flaxseed make terrific plant-based protein.
4. Cottage Cheese Pancakes
We know people aren’t crazy about cottage cheese, but there’s a way to hide the flavor and still reach your protein goals. These pancakes only need flour, sugar, cottage cheese, and eggs to give you the healthy breakfast you’re looking for. Drizzle them with honey or maple syrup for a sweet morning treat that hits the taste buds just right.
5. Omelet With Cheese and Spinach
Who said you couldn’t eat cheese in the morning? Eggs, spinach, and a pinch of cheddar cheese pack nearly 20g of protein on one little plate! Toss in some fresh herbs to get the exact flavor you want, and the rest is history.
6. Granola Bowls
Think of granola bowls like smoothies: the perfect blank canvas. Start your morning right with a little bit of Greek yogurt, rolled oats, and chia seeds. Together, they offer nearly 20g of protein per serving, but you can kick it up a notch with pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, or peanut butter. If you have protein powder at home, you can jump-start that bowl without issue!
7. Peanut Butter With Banana
Alright, so we don’t always have time to whip up an omelet or put together a hearty granola bowl. That’s okay—this classic option still has a good serving of protein, and saves you time in the morning. Banana slices on peanut butter bread has at least 10g of protein. Just make sure you stick with whole wheat.
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8. Breakfast Burrito
Hang on. A burrito? For breakfast? Yes! Burritos get a bad wrap (pun intended) for being an unhealthy breakfast option, but they’re actually loaded with fiber and protein. Peppers, eggs, and beans help to bring at least 25g of protein to your plate; lean ground beef or spinach adds even more.
9. Avocado Toast With Egg
If you’re in a hurry, look no further than this classic, protein-rich option. Perfect for people on the go, mashed avocado and egg packs nearly 20g of protein per serving. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little salt or lemon zest on top for added flavor.
10. Greek Yogurt Parfait
A lot of people groan when they see Greek yogurt. We get it, it’s an acquired taste that not everyone appreciates. The good news is that you can hide its distinctive flavor with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey! Toss in a spoonful of granola for added crunch, and you have close to 18g of protein.
11. Omelet With Mushrooms and Chives
If spinach isn’t your thing, may we direct your attention to mushrooms? Believe it or not, mushrooms are a good source of protein and amino acids, making them a great addition to your breakfast. Folded into a couple of eggs, you’ll score at least 15g of protein.
12. Smoked Salmon Bagel
Smoked salmon is delightful, and you bet we’re going to start our day with it! Don’t let the bagel scare you away—this breakfast packs at least 15g of protein, though some ingredients can kick it up to 25g. While it’s not an everyday option, it’s a hearty choice that makes our mouths water.
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13. Protein Waffles
Who doesn’t want freshly made waffles in the morning? The best part about this easy plate is that you can make it with cottage cheese or protein powder. If you go the cottage cheese route, maple syrup and fresh berries help hide the tangy taste. As for protein powder, you can add a scoopful of vanilla or berry for a burst of flavor. Either option nabs anywhere from 16g to 20g of protein.
14. Overnight Oats
Uh oh—the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet, and you’re too exhausted to make breakfast. Not to worry! Overnight oats make mornings a breeze, and bring up to 30g of protein per serving depending on your ingredients. Greek yogurt, protein powder, nut butter, and chia seeds help pack in the protein and the flavor.
15. Smoothie Bowls
We know you can drink smoothies from a cup, but there’s something about a bowl that just hits the spot. Smoothie bowls are just as versatile as their cousin, allowing you to toss in whatever feels right! You can score a mouthful of protein and a mouthful of color all with a few simple ingredients.
16. Mushroom and Spinach Quiche
Quiche seems like the kind of thing we leave to the professionals, but it’s actually pretty easy to whip up at home. With a few eggs, a handful of spinach, and some mushrooms, you’ll have a yummy breakfast option with at least 15g of protein. You can even add cottage cheese to stay extra full.
17. Scrambled Eggs With Berries
Sometimes, the best breakfasts are the simplest ones. Why spend an hour making something fancy-pants when you can scramble a few eggs and grab a bowl of fiber-rich berries? It’s an easy option that brings at least 12g of protein, and helps keep your diet healthy.
18. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Do you have vanilla protein powder sitting around at home? Put it to good use with a bowl of oatmeal! Some fresh apples and a pinch of cinnamon bring two classic comforting flavors right to your spoon, and you’ll score at least 15g of protein by the time you’re done.
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19. Turkey Bacon Sandwiches
There’s nothing better than a good BLT sandwich. But if you’re trying to stay healthy, traditional bacon isn’t the best option. Say hello to turkey bacon, the nutritious alternative that complements whole wheat bread, fresh tomatoes, and spinach! Add an egg for even more protein, and you’ll likely consume 15g.
20. Scrambled Eggs With Cottage Cheese
Like it or not, cottage cheese packs enough protein to keep us full. The taste isn’t for everyone, but freshly cracked eggs and a pinch of salt and pepper can mask the flavor. They’re ready in minutes and provide at least 15g of protein per plate!
