If you want to start the day off right, start with breakfast. People call it the most important meal for a reason- not only does it fuel you with energy, but it can also be a great opportunity to bond with your other team members. Unfortunately, because our agendas are so packed, we tend to skip the meal far too frequently.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to skip breakfast or resort to coffee and a donut each morning! In fact, you can eat something both easy to make and healthy before you start working in a matter of minutes. Here are a few ideas.
Hot Oatmeal with Fruits and Seeds
Oatmeal has become a staple in many breakfasts, largely because it’s quick and filling at the same time. Whether you get the instant microwavable oatmeal pouches or cook it on a stove, you can make oatmeal in just minutes. Top off your bowl with slices of banana, raisins, or cranberries, or with almonds or nuts for an added nutritional kick. If you want to make it sweeter, simply add some brown sugar or honey. Delicious, healthy, and quick.
Looking for something with more flair? Try this Pumpkin Spiced Baked Oatmeal for a seasonal twist.
Egg White Omelet
The egg white omelet is another popular favorite for quick breakfasts. Egg whites are low in calories and high in protein, so this recipe is great even if you’re on a certain diet. Omelets are also infinitely customizable: throw in meats like turkey bacon or vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, and onions as you see fit! Allrecipes has a great recipe for egg white omelets.
Black Bean Breakfast Burritos
Here’s another recipe you can use towards meal prep, and all you need are some black beans, egg whites, and tortillas. Simply cook the beans and eggs, and spread on a warmed tortilla. For more flavor, experiment with adding sour cream, basmati rice, potatoes, cilantro, peppers, and cheese. When you’re done, you can seal leftover burritos in a ziplock bag and refrigerate for later!
For two breakfast burrito variations, check out this one from Susan’s Table, and this one from the Food Network.
Granola Cluster Bowls
Cereal won’t fill you up like this treat. While the prep may take a little more time (get it done the night before work), you can easily have enough left over for the rest of the week! Like other recipes we’ve listed, this one can be modified with your own personal favorite ingredients. This recipe from Deliciously Ella calls for almonds, walnuts, oats, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, bananas, berries, and honey.
Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits
Want something cold and sweet? Breakfast parfaits don’t just taste great, they store easily for future breakfasts too. All you need is some greek yogurt, your choice of milk, and some mixed fruits like cranberries and blueberries. Layer them in a mason jar or bowl, toss in some chia seeds or oats if you like, and voila! There you have it. Save some for later, or make some for the rest of your team!
To see how these breakfast parfaits are made, check out this recipe from Yummly.
Breakfast Smoothie Bowls
Due to their health benefits and easy preparation, breakfast smoothie bowls have become quite the recent favorite for working individuals who are looking for a morning energy boost. These creations are delicious, gluten free, dairy free, and vegan! Just as the name indicates, all that is required is to blend some fruits or berries in a blender or food processor, then pour in a bowl with some mixed fruit and toppings. Need more inspiration? Here’s a Berry Coconut Breakfast Smoothie Bowl recipe from Gringalicious.
Carrot Cake Donuts
Donuts don’t have to be bad for you! Take this paleo, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar-free twist on the typical donut recipe for example. Fill that donut craving and forgo the guilt – from Thunderbird Food Bars, this Paleo Carrot Cake Baked Donuts with Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting is a great snack to bring into the office and share— just make sure to check if anyone has any nut allergies!
Fresh Fruit
Let’s say you’re really in a rush and don’t have time to bake or blend anything. That’s okay! You can still cut up some fresh fruit and mix them in a bowl. Strawberries, bananas, berries, peaches, apples, and watermelon have shown up in many mixed fruit recipes, but feel free to add your own fruits. Pack some to work, or refrigerate for a later snack. Best of all, you can use them as an ingredient in a smoothie or parfait later on!
Avocado Toast
Avocados are such a popular ingredient these days, there’s even been a nationwide shortage in recent years! Luckily, they’re still available at your local grocery store and make delicious spreads for toast. If for some reason or another you can’t eat toast bread, here’s a gluten-free recipe alternative from Lathi’s Kitchen.
Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Jerky Sticks
For those that need a protein snack to go in the morning, you can’t do much better than Chomps! Throw away those gas station beef jerky snacks and trade it for an all-natural, non-GMO, 100% grass-fed beef jerky stick. Chomps is a Novel Coworking client and they are based out of our River North building in Chicago, you can find the Chomps snack at Trader Joe’s, Amazon, Safeway, and other leading supermarkets.
You don’t have to skip breakfast or make a fast food trip before you head into the office. Some of the best treats we listed are easy to make and shareable with the whole team, so there’s no excuse not to give one of these recipes a try!
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