Oatmeal is a nutritious breakfast choice, but variety is important. Many delicious and healthy breakfasts can give you the energy you need to start your day right. Try these 9 oatmeal alternatives when you want something different for breakfast.
1. Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is simple to make and provides a nutritional boost in the morning. Toast a slice of whole grain bread, then mash half an avocado onto it. Top with salt, pepper, lime juice, an egg, tomato slices or whatever sounds good. The healthy fats and fiber in avocado will fill you up.
2. Smoothies
Blend your favorite fruits with yogurt or milk for a refreshing and quick breakfast smoothie. You can boost the nutritional value by adding spinach, peanut butter or chia seeds. Smoothies are versatile and you can create endless flavor combinations.
3. Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are loaded with protein to give you lasting energy. Make them fluffy scrambled, folded into an omelet or baked in a muffin tin for easy on-the-go egg bites. Add veggies like spinach or tomatoes to boost nutrition.
4. Greek Yogurt Parfaits
Layer your favorite fruits, nuts and granola in a tall glass with Greek yogurt for a delicious parfait. The probiotics and protein in yogurt paired with fiber-rich fruits and nuts make this a balanced meal.
5. Breakfast Tacos
Warm up a tortilla and fill it with scrambled eggs mixed with veggies, cheese, beans or meat for a warm and satisfying hand-held breakfast. The variations are endless, so get creative!
6. Breakfast Sandwiches
Toast an English muffin half, biscuit or bagel half and top with egg, cheese and ham or bacon for a classic hot sandwich. The whole grains give you sustained energy and the protein keeps you full.
7. Overnight Oats
While not technically cooked oatmeal, overnight oats make for an easy grab-and-go morning meal. Mix oats with milk and refrigerate overnight so you have a creamy, ready-to-eat bowl waiting in the morning. Customize with mix-ins like fruit, nut butter or protein powder.
8. Whole Grain Cereal
A bowl of whole grain cereal with low-fat milk provides fiber, protein and key nutrients. While sugary kids cereals should be avoided, healthy whole grain options can be a well-balanced choice when paired with fruit or yogurt.
9. Breakfast Salad
While salad may not be the traditional breakfast choice, starting your day with veggies and protein sets you up for success. Top greens with boiled eggs, lean protein, nuts, seeds and avocado or a vinaigrette dressing for a nourishing morning meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some healthy breakfasts besides oatmeal?
Some healthy oatmeal alternatives for breakfast include avocado toast, smoothies, scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt parfaits, breakfast tacos or sandwiches, overnight oats, whole grain cereal or even a breakfast salad.
Do you have to eat breakfast?
While eating breakfast is not required, having a balanced morning meal can benefit both your health and productivity. A mix of whole grains, protein and fruit helps start your day off right by providing sustained energy.
What breakfast has the most protein?
Breakfast foods highest in protein include Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, ham/bacon, smoked salmon and high protein whole grain cereals or bread. Getting enough protein helps you feel full and energized.
Is a smoothie enough for breakfast?
For most people, smoothies make for a tasty and nutritious breakfast if you include protein, fiber and micronutrients like vitamin C. Blend Greek yogurt and fruit like berries that also have fiber to help keep you satisfied.
What breakfast foods give you energy?
The best breakfast foods for lasting energy include high-fiber whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and fruit. Oatmeal, whole grain toast, vegetable-packed eggs or Greek yogurt with fruit cover all those bases to properly fuel your body and brain.
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