We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But what happens when this meal also gets in the way of your other morning essentials. Let's face it, mornings aren't the easiest when you are trying to get the kids out the door. We all attempt to fit time in for healthy meals but the next thing you know you're grabbing a sausage egg sandwich from Starbucks.
If you are like me and you know you don't have time to cook in the morning, oatmeal is your new best friend. Being able to make breakfast the night before or freeze for easy storage is a game changer! There are plenty of healthy, delicious oatmeal recipes that you can make the night before and enjoy with little effort the next morning.
Oatmeal will keep you full, your heart healthy, and your blood pressure at bay without trying to cook for the whole family before leaving for work or starting your day. Use your extra time for some much-needed coffee and relaxation or fit that extra activity in with your kiddo.
1. Frozen Single-Served Oatmeal with Almonds & Dried Cranberries
Source: The Kitchn
Keep your freezer stocked with frozen oatmeal pucks and you will always have an endless stash of what you need to eat healthy in the morning. I take 5 minutes before bed, throw some old-fashioned oats on the stove, toss it into some muffin pans, and then top with my favorite nuts and dried berries. The next morning I pop 2 pucks out of the pan and then pack in a sandwich bag to bring to work. You simply heat the pucks in the microwave, add some hot water, and you will be sitting pretty all morning long. If you don't have access to a microwave at work, simply warm it up at home.
For those of you who like variety, prep a week's worth of meals in about 10 minutes by adding different berries and nuts to each puck. Add some almond milk instead of water, heat, stir and go! Try this Almond & Dried Cherry recipe – the combo flavors are delicious and it will keep you full for hours.
#2. Berry Chia Overnight Oats
Source: Pinch of Yum
If frozen pucks aren't your style, but you still want to start your day with a healthy serving of oatmeal, consider overnight oats. This is a breakfast you don't have to overload with sugar, so skip the microwavable single pack oatmeal and dive into the health benefits of chia seeds.
Simply mix together old-fashioned rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, and milk. Puree your favorite mixed berries and let sit overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply prep your oatmeal in your favorite mason jar or glass container for an easy, healthy breakfast on the go. Enjoy warm or cold.
This Berry Chia Overnight Oats recipe is to die for and packs a ton of whole grains, fiber, and protein.
#3: Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins
Source: Gimme Delicious Food
Muffins might not seem like the healthiest breakfast on the planet, but there are ways to make healthy muffins at home for an easy grab-n-go breakfast in the morning. Look for recipes that don't rely on white flour, butter, or processed sugar. Instead find ones that include whole-wheat flour or oats.
This Healthy Banana Oatmeal Muffins recipe is made of whole-wheat flour, oats, and honey instead of processed sugars. They have the perfect amount of cinnamon, banana, and vanilla extract to really kick things up a notch!
#4: Make Ahead Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits
Source: Dashing Dish
Yogurt parfaits are a great way to get your sweet fix and still eat healthy. They are the perfect make-ahead breakfast that will be ready when you are. They have just the right amount of healthy carbs, fat, protein and whole grains. With only a few ingredients and your imagination, you could really spice up your morning routine.
Try these Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits for next healthy breakfast option. Bonus – your kids will love them too!
#5: 5-Minute Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites
Source: Ambitious Kitchen
If you are true breakfast on the go kind of mamma, make these 5-Minute Protein Peanut Butter Bites that you can pop in your mouth as you are driving to work or checking your email. These bite size snacks pack a ton of proteins, nuts, and energy that will keep you going well past lunch or your next coffee break.
These require no baking and can be conveniently stored in the fridge for a week's worth of healthy eating.
#6: Baked Blueberry Oatmeal Cups
Source: Live Well Bake Often
If you want to enjoy a warm breakfast in the morning, try these Baked Blueberry Oatmeal Cups. They have a chewy texture and come with just the right amount of flavor. The blast of fresh blueberries and sweet honey will make Monday seem a lot less drab.
Simply bake the muffins the night before, warm them up the next morning and serve with your favorite fruit and Greek yogurt.
Do you prefer baked or overnight oats?
