Breakfast ideas

25 Easy Breakfast Ideas

Note: If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, I’ve another bunch of Healthy Breakfast Ideas and an article outlining the Benefits of Eating Breakfast.

Do you wake up too bleary eyed in the morning to think about having a healthy breakfast?

Even an easy breakfast?

There’s an old saying, which says, “Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a pauper!”

The truth is however that most people don’t eat a suitable breakfast, never mind eating “like a king!”

Breakfast literally means “breaking the fast,” and it helps us to ‘restock’ or ‘refuel’ our energy stores, which have been depleting during the overnight fast, giving us energy for the day’s activities.

So, what should a healthy breakfast consist of? Here’s a guideline…

  • One serving of a whole grain carbohydrate.
  • One serving of calcium containing food.
  • One serving of fruit.
  • It’s also fine to have a protein serving, for example meat, or an egg, but it’s not necessary for most people.

When most people think of breakfast, a small handful of choices (often boring) come to mind. But, it really doesn’t have to be boring at all.

There are heaps of easy breakfast ideas that don’t take up half your morning preparing them, but it’s really important that you have something nutritious, for a number of reasons…

5 reasons it’s vital to have a healthy breakfast…

  1. It kick starts our metabolism – speeding it up, and therefore burning calories rather than storing them.
  2. It boosts our nutrient intake – breakfast eaters have a lower fat intake, a higher fibre intake, and significantly higher intakes of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, iron and magnesium.
  3. It helps prevent binge eating – hunger will be better regulated and therefore less calories are consumed from unhealthy foods.
  4. It improves our memory and concentration – people who eat a healthy breakfast concentrate better, are more efficient, and have improved mood, in comparison to those who skip breakfast.
  5. Weight maintenance – those who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.

So with that out of the way, let’s look at some ideas for breakfast you can try this week…

Visit the next page to view ALL 25 simple breakfast ideas…


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92 Comments

  1. Tom

    03.26.2008

    Reply

    I’m definitely guilty of skipping breakfast. I like the idea of a fruit smoothie though. Fruit is the only thing that I have ever really eaten for breakfast during the week. I definitely need to increase my fruit and vegetable intake, so I think I’ll give the smoothie a try. Thanks for the ideas

  2. Alex

    03.26.2008

    Reply

    Oh, nice. Really I can’t eat morning “like a king” my stomach isn’t ready for it. But I like your #3 and #6 breakfast ideas, I’d like to mix them :)

  3. Melanie

    03.27.2008

    Reply

    Hi Tom,

    Yes a smoothie is a great option if you don’t like to eat too much, and it’s a good way of getting in a couple of fruit servings.

    Hi Alex,

    I used to feel like that in the morning too, now I’ve gotten used to eating at a similar time each day, and I couldn’t go without eating.

  4. Christine

    03.27.2008

    Reply

    I am definitely guilty of skipping breakfast. Basically I live on coffee until lunch (not good!). Glad I stumbled upon you, I just got all the ingredients for a healthy fruit smoothie. I just have to get up earlier to make it!

  5. Elaine

    03.28.2008

    Reply

    Great post. Tasty, fast and easy breakfast ideas plus you’ve presented 5 compelling reasons to not forgo this important meal. Recently at a dietitians’ conference I attended the keynote speaker (himself not a dietitian) stated one of his secrets to losing weight was to add breakfast to his daily routine. The other was to increase his activity by walking more. Just these two practices made a big difference.

    I hope you don’t mind if I link back to your blog and this post in particular as part of my Nutrition Month features.

    Cheers.
    Elaine

  6. ruth

    03.28.2008

    Reply

    i LOVE breakfast, so it great to have some different ideas.

  7. Melanie

    03.28.2008

    Reply

    Hi Christine,

    Thanks for visiting! Do you find you simply can’t face eating in the morning? A smoothie would be a good option if you’re not used to eating first thing.

    Hi Elaine,

    It’s great to hear about this gentleman’s success. This is what I always say, small changes, big results!

    Of course I don’t mind, thank you very much!!

    Hi Ruth,

    I know, I love breakfast too. I do tend to stick to the same things though, I’ll have to take some of my own advice! :-)

  8. Failingmemory

    03.30.2008

    Reply

    Most of those are pretty high carb. People who are diabetic or insulin resistant could not eat most of those listed. 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 18, 23, 24 (and number 7 is my favorite breakfast.) Those who are diabetic or insulin resistant *DO* need protein in the morning. ALl the rest are much better choices than sugary cereal and such. The whole wheat bagel I doubt since most often what’s labeled as whole wheat is just white with molasses added to darken it. Opt for whole grain instead. Tastes better anyway.

    Like the site so far. Still poking around.

  9. Melanie

    04.04.2008

    Reply

    Hi Failing Memory,

    They are intended to be suggestions only, it’s not possible to suit everyone’s individual health requirements.

    It’s absolutely find for diabetics to have carbs foods, just as long as they moderate their portion size, and choose a high fibre version where possible.

    You are right about the whole wheat though, whole grain is a much better choice.

  10. diabetesman

    05.10.2009

    Reply

    i know this is very important, thank you for remmaind me

    diabetesman’s last blog post..Gestational Diabetes – Symptoms And Treatment

  11. Frankie

    05.10.2009

    Reply

    Hey-
    My mom is on WeightWatchers. We thought smoothies would be a healthy breakfast. So I started makign smoothies made of milk, frozen berries, a banana, lowfat plain yogurt, and orange juice. We had those for a week and my mom gained like 5 pounds! We found out that smoothies AREN’T as healthy as we thought. She doesn’t have smoothies anymore. I don’t know if it was the way we were making them or if it was my mom. So, I am just saying that smoothies aren’t always healthy so be careful!!

  12. Melanie

    05.12.2009

    Reply

    Hey Frankie,
    That’s right. As with all foods you need to exercise moderation, obviously all foods have calories, which can lead to weight gain if the portion is too large, or it’s eaten too frequently.

  13. may

    06.19.2009

    Reply

    hi~
    nice meet you
    i’ m south korean, call me may(it is my english name)
    I chanced upon your blog , search for ‘breakfast idea’
    i want to tell you about korean breakfast style
    many of koreans think that breakfast is very important too as of you
    but changed of life style, people used to eat a toast or just cup of coffee.
    and many old people eat still ‘hanjeongsik / Korean Table d’hote’

    i prefer hanjeongsik also, but morning is so busy to eat that.

    anyway i’m happy to wrote your bolog.^^

    bye

  14. Melanie

    06.20.2009

    Reply

    Hi May,
    I’m interested in finding out about “hanjeongsik” – what is that?? :-)

  15. may

    06.22.2009

    Reply

    hello ^^
    Do you know “South korea”?
    “hanjeongsik” is traditional menu in korea.
    It’s consist of rice and soup,add to averagely five side dishs.
    “hanjeongsik” is balanced diet in short.

  16. Melanie

    06.22.2009

    Reply

    Hi May,
    Sounds wonderful and very healthy! :-)

  17. Vanessa

    08.25.2009

    Reply

    #22 is perfect! I’ve been looking everywher for a nice breakfast recipe for vegans, and I can’t wait to try this! :)

    • Melanie

      08.25.2009

      Reply

      Hey Vanessa,
      Hope you enjoy!!

  18. Gail

    04.26.2010

    Reply

    stoneage diet- bacon and eggs for breakfast.

    • Melanie

      04.26.2010

      Reply

      Gail,
      Do you mean that’s the breakfast you enjoy?

  19. Gail

    04.27.2010

    Reply

    Hi Melanie,
    Thanks for reply
    This is a diet to help CFS.
    Dr Sarah Myhill’s website will give you the info.

  20. Zdrowie i uroda

    05.08.2010

    Reply

    I have to change my habit and start eating breakfast

    • Melanie

      05.10.2010

      Reply

      Do it… eating breakfast is a great habit to have!! :-)

  21. alli

    07.15.2010

    Reply

    very good ideas!! I was looking at all of the English muffin ideas so I toasted a English Muffin,1 slice of cheese, a a scrambeled egg w/ a glass of milk, very good!!!!! thank you for all the ideas.

    • Melanie

      07.16.2010

      Reply

      That sounds great!!

      • jemaya

        07.18.2011

        Reply

        i feel much better after ur terrific suggestions for breakfast. this had made my life easier other than coffee (my best friend)

  22. justin

    07.18.2010

    Reply

    all of these suggestions sounds great and im not a big breakfast person by the way and im pretty active on a daily basis and i was just curious how filling are these meals cause im a large guy 6 6 and 250 alotta of these kinda sound like snacks

  23. melissa

    08.16.2010

    Reply

    not that i do not want to eat breakfast, but i do not eat breakfast because i am bored with the usual food choices. thanks to this article, i would like to try these new variety for a change.

    • Melanie

      08.16.2010

      Reply

      I hope these suggestions help, Melissa.

  24. Amy

    08.17.2010

    Reply

    I’ve developed two food sensitivities in the last 5 years (gluten – which makes me break out in hives, and lactose – which causes severe gastrointestinal distress if it stays down) and none of these breakfast would do anything short of ruin my day. Guess I’ll stick with coffee and a spoonful of peanut butter.

    • Melanie

      08.17.2010

      Reply

      Hi Amy,
      Have you tried something like millet for breakfast? That’s a good alternative to the traditional options.

  25. Ashraf

    11.11.2010

    Reply

    Hi Milanie,

    Thank you very much for the tips you give for a healthy life…

    I would like to know more about how i can sustain a healthy and timely eating and the food i can try daily…

    Thanks

    • Melanie

      11.13.2010

      Reply

      Keep reading Dietriffic, Ashraf. I am always updating the site with healthy eating and lifestyle advice!!

  26. Michelle

    12.01.2010

    Reply

    I love your healthy breakfast ideas, but for someone with blood sugar issues a little more protein at breakfast is better. I know I am better off all day with protein in the morning. My kids love whole grain mix for porridge in the morning. Rolled oats, spelt and triticale flakes cooked up with a little vanilla tastes great and has more protein in it. The other thing we do is protein shakes. A good quality plant protein shake with a little fruit or banana and almond butter in it is awesome. One brand of shakes we have been using for 4 years now is the AwarenessLife Pure Trim Shakes. They are plant protein, low carb and sugar and have some beneficial herbs in them and tastes great! Smooth and creamy even just with water and ice blended with them.

    • Melanie

      12.02.2010

      Reply

      Hi Michelle,
      Thanks for sharing your higher protein breakfast ideas, that’s really helpful :-)

  27. Tiffany

    01.27.2011

    Reply

    Start your day off right with http://www.clearyourcells.com. A natural tea high in antioxidants. Better than Green tea. Try it today you’ll love it!!!

  28. Your guidelines on healthy breakfast is simply superb! Interesting information on healthy breakfast ideas. Thanks for sharing & do keep posting such wonderful articles. I do agree that taking healthy breakfast helps in maintaining a healthy weight. I have personally experienced it.

  29. carl swank

    01.27.2011

    Reply

    I enjoy eating pancakes,both buttermilk and buckwheat. I am considerable good health. I am a 67 male 5’6″. I also eat oatmeal and have a banana,along with orange juice. Sometimes I have 2 eggs. Is this an acceptable breakfast?

    I enjoy eating pancakes for breakfast,

    • Melanie

      01.28.2011

      Reply

      Hi Carl,
      I occasionally have pancakes for breakfast, too. I think this is fine as long as it’s not too often. Remember, it’s what you do consistently that matters.

      Mixing protein with carbs and a little fat is important for satiety at mealtimes. So just keep that in mind. For example, oatmeal with a little fruit and some crushed nuts and even a dollop of yoghurt would be a good option for breakfast.

  30. Alex@florist kl

    03.01.2011

    Reply

    Simply great tips! Thanks for sharing it all. I would like to add that I love taking natural yoghurt mixed with a chopped peach, a handful of berries, and whole grain cereal, served with fresh pineapple juice.
    It is really healthy and tasty too!

    • Melanie

      03.03.2011

      Reply

      Hi Alex,
      Thanks for sharing your idea, a little handful of nuts or seeds would go great with that too, no?

    • Melanie

      03.03.2011

      Reply

      Hi Alex,
      Thanks for sharing your idea, a little handful of nuts or seeds would go great with that too, no?

  31. To make my kids eat healthy breakfast is really very difficult since they always insist on burger and pizzas. I think your idea of eating whole wheat english muffin topped with melted reduced fat cheese, a sliced tomato, and a sliced hard-boiled egg simply sounds great. My kids will surely loved it.

    • Melanie

      03.03.2011

      Reply

      I hope so :-)

  32. Thor

    03.11.2011

    Reply

    Hi, Melanie. I was just wondering if you could give me a good idea on a breakfast that does not exceed 500 calories and gives me all food groups. Thanks :)

  33. Having a healthy breakfast is really essential. It should consist of protein, healthy unrefined carbs and plenty of nutrients. And those who want to get rid of their excess weight will be happy to hear that protein will really help with weight loss. Keep up the good work!

  34. misozi

    04.20.2011

    Reply

    Hi Mel
    I would like your advise on how i can loose the weight that i gained after giving birth. i must confess i do eat a little bit more because of breast feeding.Please advise on a more nutrition but less calorie diet

    • Melanie

      04.22.2011

      Reply

      Hi Misozi,
      I written about a healthy diet for breastfeeding before, which you can find here. I hope it is going well with you, and your baby is healthy and happy.

  35. hannah

    04.24.2011

    Reply

    I have to go to school at 6:30 every morning so this cite was a life saver from the all day hunger.

    • Melanie

      04.30.2011

      Reply

      Wow… that is early, Hannah. I’m glad you found this article.

  36. Melanie, when will you nutrition experts stop recommending consuming “Soy”? It is poison!! and should not be in our bodies in any but ferminted form! There are plenty of studies to prove this but soy is consistanly being promoted a good and it isn’t!!

    Also, calories that you drink should be at a minimum and anything out of a can is suspect for the dreaded BPA’s which are killing us one sip at a time from drinking out of plastic containers and eating foods out of cans lined with plastic (which most are – at least in the U.S.).

  37. Melanie

    05.10.2011

    Reply

    Hi Philip,
    I appreciate your concern. But, saying it is a poison seems at bit out there, no? I wouldn’t recommend soy morning, noon and night, but I don’t recommend anything in excess. Do you think all soy is bad? What about edamame, miso, tofu and tempeh?

  38. Abbas

    05.30.2011

    Reply

    This is a great post ! I was telling my friends couple of days ago about my problems finding good options for breakfast until I stumbled upon your article here ! This is GREAT…keep it up Melanie…by the way, how about raw meat?

  39. :)

    06.26.2011

    Reply

    hey i think u r weird

  40. :)

    06.28.2011

    Reply

    im only telling the truth

  41. Aria

    07.05.2011

    Reply

    Hi Melanie,
    Two weeks ago I’ve changed the way I eat and I started exercising everyday(half hour on the treadmill and a ten-minute dance workout) and eating less. I’ve lost a few pounds the first week and the morning I weighed the second week I lost a few too. But that same night I weighed again and it was more. Did I make a mistake about weighing twice for that day or did I not lose any weight in the first place? Please help, some advice would be very well appreciated :)

    • Melanie

      07.27.2011

      Reply

      Hi Aria,
      I don’t recommend that you weigh more than once per week. Otherwise you will be getting inaccurate readings due to water loss/retention. Try making your measurements on the same day each week, first thing in the morning only, and that will give you a truer picture of how you are doing. I also recommend that you make measurements of your waist using a tape measure once each week too, because these tend to give a good idea of how your body composition is changing overall, which sometimes isn’t reflected using weighing scales.

  42. Devi

    07.07.2011

    Reply

    Wow! Your advice is slamming! I didn’t know that these simple and easy to make foods were so easy and delicious! Thanks again….YOU ARE THE BEST BLOGGER EVER!!

    • Melanie

      07.27.2011

      Reply

      lol Devi… I wish!! But thank you.

  43. Kelsey

    07.08.2011

    Reply

    Melanie,
    I’m trying to lose a few pounds. Before, I would eat 2 or 3 of those microwave pancakes, or a pack of Poptarts. Lately, I’ve been eating things like bananas, yogurts, and whole – wheat toast, but it doesn’t fill me up, and I’m not a big fan of eggs or omelets. Any suggestions?

    • Melanie

      07.27.2011

      Reply

      Hi Kelsey,
      Have you tried adding a little natural peanut butter to your toast? You could sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top of your yogurt and fruit. An apple eaten with peanut butter is also good. The idea is to increase the protein content of your breakfast, so that you are feeling fuller without taking in too many calories.

  44. Joe

    07.14.2011

    Reply

    Hi Melanie, I’ve been having a helathy hi fibre cereal(Always different mixes) breakfast 7 days a week wih at least 2 cups of water. Even if Im late I just try and push in at least a glass nesquik but i cannot function properly without it. I got into the groove six years ago when i started weight training. I do some variety sometimes with eggs and toasted sandwiches. Ive also used my Meal Replacements shakes for breakfast once in a blue moon but i dont like to to put something so unnatural into my system 1st thing in the morning, it just dont feel right. Great blog sorry if i said too much but too many people out there underestimate the value of this meal.

  45. Elizabeth

    07.20.2011

    Reply

    Hey! I just wanted to say I really like your breakfast ideas – they’re quick, easy, and, best of all, healthy! When it comes to breakfast, I’m not like most people. I just CAN’T skip it, and I often find myself guilty of over-eating (sometimes I even have three or four bowls of cereal!). I know this is a habit I need to break, so tomorrow morning I’m going to try one of your recipes, and also try to work on my portions. My biggest problem when it comes to a healthy breakfast is that I hate peanut butter, berries, and any kind of nuts, which is usually what people suggest. Plus, I am in LOVE with CARBS! Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for the ideas and I’ll be sure to try a couple out – maybe I’ll find one I like even better than cereal! :)

  46. Neny Lily

    07.24.2011

    Reply

    My way of eating breakfast varies from my daily activities. When I have to stay home, I take light breakfast like toast bread and coffee. but if I have some schedule to attend, I make myself a heavier breakfast like fried rice and egg, and of course with coffee, and make an additional sandwich to carry along. Having read your column, I hope I can get some adjustment to my habit, if there is something that I should add or deduct.Thanks to you, I’ll keep on watch for every issue that you may have.

    • Melanie

      07.27.2011

      Reply

      Thanks for reading and commenting, Neny.

  47. Jae

    07.28.2011

    Reply

    Hey um why can’t i find the next page? :s

    • Melanie

      08.04.2011

      Reply

      Hi Jae and Supriya, thanks for pointing that out, the page is sorted now, I’m not sure what happened there.

  48. Supriya

    07.28.2011

    Reply

    where is next page

  49. Weird guy

    08.04.2011

    Reply

    Cool ideas.

    Sometimes I have weetabix and banana

    ——–
    I got twelve inch rims on my chair, that’s how I roll y’all.

    • Melanie

      08.04.2011

      Reply

      lol

  50. Giusi

    08.31.2011

    Reply

    whole grain is not a healthy choice

    • Melanie

      09.06.2011

      Reply

      If you are trying to lose weight, yes, but for others, why not?

  51. fiona

    09.08.2011

    Reply

    i m a heart patient. what type of breahfast is good. i always drink 1 glass of grapefrit juice is it good.

    • Melanie

      09.14.2011

      Reply

      Hi Fiona,
      Most of the breakfast suggestions I’ve made above are a good choice. I would recommend eating 1/2 of a whole grapefruit rather than drinking the juice, however.

  52. Twyla

    09.15.2011

    Reply

    I was looking for something different for my kids for breakfast and found your breakfast blobs. I used raisin bran instead of bran flakes because that’s what was in the pantry. :) I also used my Kitchenaid to mix everything. The cereal was finely crushed and well blended. Using my cookie scoop, the mixture was easily turned into little balls and then refrigerated. Just before serving, I sprinkled with organic cocoa powder. I called them breakfast candy and my kids ate them up! Thanks for a fresh idea for a healthy, EASY breakfast for my kids.

    • Melanie

      09.16.2011

      Reply

      Hi Twyla,
      That’s great to hear. I really love your idea of calling it breakfast candy. What a quick and easy breakfast, too :-) Thanks for your comment.

  53. Rixsey

    09.25.2011

    Reply

    Hi! I dont have a lot of time in the morning to eat breakfast. I have to eat somthing that will keep me going from 6 AM to 11 AM. I am allergic to bananas and cannot eat mangos,apples,kiwi,peaches,tomatos. I have only 15 minuets to eat. Any sugestions?

  54. Simone

    09.26.2011

    Reply

    Hi Melanie,

    Your breakfast ideas look great! I was wondering if you have any suggestions on low calorie AND low carb breakfast. The only things I can think of is eggs!? lol

    • Melanie

      10.11.2011

      Reply

      Hi Simone,
      Yes, eggs are number one!! Also, what about natural yogurt with crushed nuts and seeds on top? I know you said low calorie, but this is an excellent filling breakfast option, that will keep you going until lunch, and it’s perfect if you’re trying to lose weight.

  55. Deana

    10.13.2011

    Reply

    Hey!! Love the ideas!!! My daughter is 12 and insulin resistant. This is difficult for anyone ESP. A child…. Can u come up with some good low carb breakfst ideas and post?? Sometimes she doesn’t eat due to lack of good choice this would be appreciated!! Ty so much…

    • Melanie

      10.20.2011

      Reply

      Hi Deana,
      I will try to get that article posted at the beginning of next week. Thanks for asking. I’ll let you know when it’s up.

  56. madiha

    11.17.2011

    Reply

    there is no next page:(

  57. madiha

    11.17.2011

    Reply

    ups, sorry, i found it

    • Melanie

      12.02.2011

      Reply

      :-)

  58. Glenn Ryall

    12.21.2011

    Reply

    I suffer the same fate when i get up in the morning most of the time, what to eat thanks for making things more clearer.

    The reasons of having breakfast were well put up as well loved them as well.

    • Melanie

      12.21.2011

      Reply

      Thanks, Glenn.

  59. Steve

    01.06.2012

    Reply

    Hi Melanie,

    I try to run in the mornings early, so usually have a green tea and breakfast biscuit, run, then op up on eggs and wholemeal toast before work.

    Keeps the hunger pangs away until about 11am, when its banana time. So almost there :) I’ve tried to get some fruit in at breakfast but I am a bit fan of my protein and stodge :)

    Steve

    • Melanie

      01.10.2012

      Reply

      Hi Steve, I always find I can go so much longer without needing to eat, when I have eggs for breakfast. Sometimes I have porridge, which is also good, but it doesn’t keep hunger away for as long.

  60. Chino

    01.29.2012

    Reply

    Hi Melanie,
    I’m a self train chef. Always looking for great info, and yours is an excelent source. I’m working on a new menu for my catering business. Your healthy ideas are great since I caterer to doctors offices and they always asked for healthy choices.
    Thanks,
    Chino

    • Melanie

      01.31.2012

      Reply

      Hi Chino, Glad you found the info helpful :-)

  61. Janet

    02.01.2012

    Reply

    Hi Melanie I’m always on the go, I have a bussiness me and my husband run were always late so we grab fast food , do you have any articles on healthies fast food ?

    • Melanie

      02.02.2012

      Reply

      Hi Janet, I have this article on making healthier choices at the fast food restaurant. Also, have you tried bringing food with you, so that you don’t need to eat out so much? Is that a possibility? This article on using a snack box may be helpful.

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