You can't use the excuse that you don't have time to eat breakfast. With these make-ahead recipes, you can grab a healthy brekkie-to-go in no time.
With the leisurely days of summer over, it’s time to fall back into our mealtime routines for the hectic months of work and school ahead. These more-ish, make-ahead recipes for the most important meal of the day will set the tone for an energized autumn. Whether you land in the savoury breakfast camp or prefer a sweet morning treat, you’ll find something here to suit any craving, time constraint, or occasion.
Eating the morning meal comes with numerous health benefits. Breakfast eaters are shown to have higher nutrient intakes. They are also more likely to maintain a healthy weight than those who skip breakfast. A study of working adults found eating breakfast was associated with lower stress and fewer cognitive problems and accidents at work.
To get these perks, choose a wholesome breakfast (that isn’t from a package). This doesn’t have to take hours of preparation. For the weekday rush and casual weekend entertaining, these dishes are speedily prepared the night before, doing the work for you while you sleep. Featuring whole grains, lean protein, and plenty of fresh produce, breaking the fast has never been more delicious-—or simple.
Recipes
- Overnight Yogurt and Oat Muesli with Cherry Chia Jam
- Baked Berry Banana French Toast
- Homemade Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Steel-Cut Oats
- Whole Grain Kale and Egg Strata
Breakfast and kids
Children and teens who eat a healthy breakfast are shown to have enhanced concentration and physical performance at school. For some children, consistently eating breakfast can even help with math grades! If they’re not hungry first thing, send them with a breakfast sandwich or jar of muesli to eat on their way to school.
Cravings crusher!
Enjoying a healthy, protein-rich breakfast limits overeating at the next meal, curbs cravings, and prevents unnecessary snacking, all helping to maintain energy levels and a healthy weight.
Allison Day, RHN, is a nutritionist, blogger, and cookbook author. Check out her cookbooks, Whole Bowls and Purely Pumpkin (Skyhorse Publishing, 2016).
Alexa Everett
Carime Lane
Adam Meyer
Emilie Richardson-Dupuis