Breakfast Idea #5: Yogurt Parfaits
If you've ever found yourself salivating at those pretty pink-and-white cups of yogurt and fruit while waiting in line for your latte, you'll be happy to know that they're easy -- and way cheaper -- to make at home.
Just buy some yogurt (Greek yogurt is a great choice, since it's creamy and has plenty of protein), some granola, and whatever fruit is in season. Then, in individual cups or bowls, layer the fruit and yogurt, plus some honey or other sweetener if your yogurt is unsweetened. You can layer the granola in with the fruit and yogurt if you don't mind it getting soft, or leave some room at the top to pour in the granola later.
In the morning, just grab a container and a spoon, and you're ready to go.
Tip: If you have a favorite fruit that's not in season, buy the frozen variety at the grocery store.
Breakfast Idea # 6: Homemade Granola Bars
If you're a fan of wrapped cereal bars for their convenience but not their nutrition, try whipping up a batch of homemade granola bars. Just as with muffins, making granola bars at home means you control what goes in them.
There are tons of granola bar recipes out there -- crunchy ones, chewy ones, fruity ones, nutty ones, and even chocolaty ones. Many of them don't require baking -- just measure out ingredients, stir well, press into a pan, and chill.
Once the granola bars are ready, cut them into slices, put them in plastic bags or food storage containers, and stash in the fridge or freezer. Then pull a few out on your way out the door.
Unlike some other breakfast options, most granola bars keep just fine at room temperature -- though if you'll be keeping them for days or weeks, they'll taste better if they stay cool -- so they're good to have in your bag or car for snacks as well as breakfasts.
Tip: Granola bars make great gifts -- especially if you get creative with wrapping them.
Breakfast Idea # 7: Breakfast Sandwiches or Burritos
You don't have to limit sandwiches and burritos to lunchtime. Eggy sandwiches and wraps are super-satisfying in the morning -- especially when you can just reheat frozen ones.
Take an hour or two on a weekend to scramble or fry a bunch of eggs and add them to tortillas, English muffins, or bagels. Top with other delicious ingredients (cooked bacon or sausage, cheese, salsa, etc.), wrap tightly in saran wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. Then just pull one out in the morning, take off the wrapper, and microwave for a minute or two for a hearty, protein-packed breakfast.
Tip: If you find that your burritos get a little dry when reheated, try wrapping them in a damp paper towel before microwaving them, or plan to eat with extra salsa.
Breakfast Idea #8: Hard-Boiled Eggs
If frittatas and breakfast burritos are too fussy, how about some simple hard-boiled eggs? They're portable, nutritious, and full of protein, and they come naturally individually wrapped.
Celebrity chef Alton Brown suggests cooking hard-boiled eggs in an electric kettle. Just put the eggs in the bottom, fill with water, and turn on. When the kettle boils and turns itself off, set a timer for 12 minutes. Then pull the eggs out, cool in a bowl of ice water, and transfer to the fridge. Easy, fast, and no extra pot to wash.
Tip: Be sure not to make your coffee with the same water (and kettle) you use for your eggs -- by the time the eggs are cooked, the water will be too cold.
Breakfast Ideas #9: Banana Wraps
Still not convinced that breakfast can be easy and healthy? Try this suggestion from nutritionist Beth Reardon: Spread some almond butter on a brown rice tortilla, add a peeled banana, and roll up.
Presto: an instant, portable, nutritious breakfast, in about a minute flat.
Tip: For a touch of sweetness, add a drizzle of honey.
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