When summer’s early morning sun rises, it's time to fuel your body with breakfasts that will not only kickstart your day on a healthy note but also keep your energy levels soaring throughout the day.
From nutrient-dense cottage cheese and berries to protein-packed breakfast cookies, these 10 delightful recipes are designed to nourish and energize you, making your mornings (and the rest of your day) simply unstoppable.
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Cottage Cheese and Berries
Start your day with a refreshing and energizing combination of cottage cheese and your favourite berries. Scoop 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese into a bowl and top it with 1 cup of mixed berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
The energizers: The cottage cheese provides a generous dose of protein—about 28 grams per cup!—to keep you full and satisfied until lunch hour, while the berries offer a burst of natural sweetness and antioxidants to help combat fatigue.
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Protein Pancakes with Greek Yogurt Dollop, Lemon Zest & Blueberries
Whip up a batch of fluffy protein pancakes by combining 1 cup of oat flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of baking soda. Top your stack with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a handful of juicy fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for an extra gourmet touch.
The energizers: The protein from the eggs and Greek yogurt will give you a steady energy boost, while the lemon zest and blueberries provide a refreshing and antioxidant-rich twist.
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Kimchi Scrambled Eggs with Avocado
For a savoury and energizing breakfast, scramble 3 eggs with 1/2 cup of kimchi and a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve the scrambled eggs with a sliced avocado on the side.
The energizers: Kimchi is a fermented vegetable that is rich in probiotics, which can aid digestion and support a healthy gut, while the avocado provides healthy fats to keep you feeling full and energized.
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Egg Bites Made in a Muffin Tin Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin. In each cup, place a slice of nitrate-free deli ham slice and crack an egg into it. Add diced bell peppers and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the eggs are set.
The energizers: These portable egg bites are packed with protein from the eggs and ham, as well as vitamin C from the bell peppers, to give you a nutrient-dense breakfast on the go.
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Breakfast Egg White Burrito in a Better-For-You Wrap of Choice
Scramble 3 egg whites and stuff them into a keto, grain-free, protein or spinach wrap. Top with avocado slices, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese for a delicious and energizing breakfast burrito. You can add in your other favourite vegetables if you wish, such as onions, green or jalapeno peppers, or mushrooms!
The energizers: The egg whites provide a lean source of protein, while the wrap offers complex carbohydrates to fuel your body throughout the day.
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Smoothie Bowls
Blend together 1 cup of frozen açai, 1 banana, 1/2 cup of almond milk, and a handful of spinach to create a nutrient-dense smoothie base. Layer the smoothie in a bowl and top it with a sprinkle of granola or grain-free granola, cacao nibs, a drizzle of peanut butter (or your favourite nut butter like almond or cashew), unsweetened shredded coconut, and your favourite fresh or frozen fruits. (Rotate them all year long with the changing seasons).
The energizers: The açai provides antioxidants, the granola offers complex carbohydrates, and the peanut butter adds healthy fats to keep you energized from the break of dawn and on.
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Chopped Egg Salad on Lettuce Boats
Prepare a chopped egg salad by mixing together 4 hard-boiled eggs, 1/4 cup of cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of fresh chives, capers, or dill. You can also add carrots, celery, or red onions if you like! Serve the egg salad on crisp lettuce boats for a light and refreshing breakfast.
The energizers: The eggs provide a protein-rich base, while the cottage cheese adds additional protein and creaminess to the dish.
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Chia Seed Pudding Breakfast Parfaits
Create a nutrient-dense chia seed pudding by mixing together 1/4 cup of chia seeds, 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Layer the chia seed pudding in a bowl or jar and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it in the morning, top it with your favourite toppings, such as fresh berries, sliced almonds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The energizers: Chia seeds are a superfood that is rich in fibre, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, providing sustained energy throughout the day.
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Cloud Eggs with a Side of Fresh Sliced Tomatoes & Avocado
Separate 3 eggs, placing the whites in one bowl and the yolks in another. Whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then gently fold in the yolks. Scoop the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes until the eggs are set. Serve the cloud eggs alongside sliced tomatoes and avocado.
The energizers: The protein-rich eggs will give you a boost of energy, while the tomatoes and avocado provide valuable vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
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High-Protein, Superfood Breakfast Cookies
For a portable and energizing breakfast, bake a batch of high-protein, superfood breakfast cookies. In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of oat flour, 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 scoops of your favourite protein powder, and a handful of your choice of superfood mix-ins, such as chia seeds, hemp seeds, or dried cranberries. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
The energizers: These cookies offer a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to keep your energy levels high throughout the day.
* Disclaimer: The photos featured in this article are for inspiration and example purposes only. The actual recipes may look different depending on how you prepare them.
About the Author
Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.