3 Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas for Busy Mornings

If there were a poll about why people skip breakfast, lack of time and appetite would likely make it in the top two.  Time is a consistent barrier for many regarding the struggles of healthy eating.  And we get it because, if you’re anything like us, that first meal of the day often feels rushed after that morning routine.  But what if we told you grabbing something for breakfast could be as easy as making your cup of coffee (or tea)?  The key is really in the prep.  After all, you deserve a nourishing meal to start your day, no matter how busy you may feel. Here are three of our favorite make-ahead breakfasts to fuel your morning and boost your energy for the rest of the day.

1. Baked Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a winner for breakfast for a couple of reasons.  Oats are inexpensive and readily available in bulk, making them a good pantry staple.  They contain only one ingredient, which packs quite a bit of nutrition, including heart-healthy whole grains and cholesterol-lowering fibers while being free of sodium and fat.  If you’ve never tried baked oatmeal, its consistency resembles a mix between a granola bar and a muffin.   Like instant oats, you’ll combine oats and your preferred liquid.  Then add eggs and baking powder, followed by fruit and spices to your liking.  It bakes in a large pan, but we recommend cutting and freezing individual slices to use later on.

2. Egg Bake

If you’re following a high-protein eating plan, then eggs for breakfast are a no-brainer.  One egg contains 7 grams of protein, so hitting those morning targets seems achievable with this food’s help.  In addition to protein, eggs provide excellent nutritional value, including brain-boosting choline and the all-important vitamin D.  You can keep an egg bake as simple as you’d like.  Still, we love adding hashbrowns as our starch, a variety of vegetables, and a sprinkle of cheese to make it a well-rounded meal.  Pair it with fruit, and you’ve easily created a five-food group meal. 

3. Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to benefit from some early morning nutrition while easing into the idea of eating breakfast.  Plus, most smoothie recipes contain at least 8-10 ounces of fluid, which helps propel you even closer to those daily hydration goals.  Since smoothies are best blended right before consumption, the prep involves the ingredients.  We recommend placing the fresh or frozen ingredients into individual bags (or containers) and then freezing them all together until you’re ready.  That way, when you’re ready to make the smoothie, all you need to do is grab a bag, dump it into a blender, add your liquid, and blend until the desired consistency.

The Bottom Line

Making food in advance saves time in the long run and helps make healthy eating feel easier.  Our favorite breakfast foods to prep include oats, eggs, and smoothies.  Be sure to rotate your options and adjust your recipes to include different and nutritious ingredients. This method will help you optimize that first meal of the day.