By Kati Mora, MS, RD
In a perfect world, eating every meal at the table would be ideal. Yet in today’s busy world, that isn’t always possible. And unfortunately, breakfast is one meal that often gets left in our daily schedule’s dust.
If you have a busy morning getting yourself, your kids, and maybe even your spouse up and out of the house, don’t let breakfast pass you by! It really is the most important meal of the day and can help you feel more energized and perform your best at your day job. So instead of missing breakfast completely, choose one of these four meal ideas that will not only quench your hunger, but travel with you as you get up and go!
Four Healthy On-the-Go Breakfast Ideas
Power Up Smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to get a lot of nutrients fast! Pick out your favorite fruits, veggies, and protein sources, hit blend, and voila! You’ve got a healthy, on-the-go breakfast you can carry with you in a cup.
Need some smoothie inspiration? Check out these four phenomenal recipes from AroundthePlate.org. My favorite is the Vanilla Melon smoothie. Just mix together honeydew melon, an apple, avocado, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almonds and ice cubes for a delightful morning treat.
Trail Mix. Another great grab-and-go option is trail mix! Of course, you have to be wary of those that contain a lot of added sugars, salt, or little candy pieces. The best bet, when it comes to trail mixes, are those that are fruit and nut based. These little ingredients provide you with a good balance of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, which means it can help hold you over until a mid-morning snack.
Glorified Yogurt. Yogurt is one my favorite foods of all time. Not only is it a protein powerhouse, but its a great way to boost your calcium intake and get a little probiotic action going on. Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” that are naturally found in your digestive tract – and in your yogurt. But having this bacteria present in your digestive tract is really a good thing. In fact, some strains can help boost your immune system and may help keep your digestive tract healthy and functioning properly.
Incorporating this good-for-your-gut food in the morning can also help keep you feeling fuller longer. Plus, if you glorify it by topping it with fresh fruit, nuts, or even seeds, you can boost that fullness factor with a little dose of fiber. You’ll also amp up the overall nutritional quality of your meal.
Pita Pocket Omelette. Omelettes are not your typical travel food. Let’s face it, eating them from a plate while traveling in your car or walking down the road is just a recipe for disaster. If you have to have your omelette fix though, consider stuffing yours into a whole wheat pita pocket. Scramble up some eggs and throw in your favorite veggies and low-fat cheeses. Now you can take your gooey egg goodness with you wherever you go. No fork needed! Plus, you’ll appreciate all the protein and fiber your new-found breakfast sandwich will provide. Stay full and focused all day long.
Also Read:
The Healthy Fix for Lunch’s Middle Child Syndrome