Author: Maria Alfano
Who couldn’t use some breakfast ideas easy to make for when you are on the go! But, first I should ask do you actually eat breakfast? What time do you eat breakfast? Should the time of day really matter? For the traditionalists, and for the modern views on the first meal of the day, these ideas are just what you need in your very busy lives.
Life is busy especially when you reach midlife. You have a family, a job, things to do, people to see and take care of. There is no time to sit down for breakfast and have a meal first thing in the morning. Frankly, many people are skipping breakfast these days. That said, you can have breakfast at any time of the day, and these quick breakfast ideas are super helpful when you really need to have something in a pinch. The best part is they can come with you in no time with little mess.
So why have I chosen to write this post if breakfast is a thing of the past? You see whether you are a fan of breakfast or not, at some point throughout the day you will have your first meal of the day. I want to make that meal fun, exciting, nutritious but most of all easy to make. These recipes will fit right into your super busy schedule.
This post is all about what is breakfast, and 2 quick breakfast ideas easy to make for even the most time-restricted person. These recipes are sure to please any palate and work for any diet, paleo, keto, vegetarian, or vegan. There is something here for everyone.
2 Breakfast Ideas Easy And Quick For When You’re On The Go
Since I was a young child and even up to the present day in my 50s, I could not eat breakfast as soon as I got up in the morning. If I did, it would not be a pretty sight to behold. That didn’t mean that I didn’t like breakfast foods. So, I chose to eat my breakfast later in the day when I felt hungry enough to eat. To this day, I still start my day with a cold glass of water. I know this will come as a surprise to many of our readers, but I don’t drink coffee and I only drink tea when I need something to warm me up inside on a cold winter’s day.
What is Breakfast
The word “breakfast” literally means to break your fast. In other words, it is the first meal of the day since your last meal from the day prior. You had dinner at 8 pm yesterday, went to bed at 11 pm, woke up this morning at 7 am. You have breakfast at 8 am. This means you fasted (had nothing to eat) for 12 hours. This first meal is breaking that fast.
The most common types of breakfast are Continental and American meals.
Continental breakfast – this is high in carbs as most of the meal includes some type of bread, muffin, croissant, or danishes. It is also high in sugars from the sweets and preserves served alongside the bread
American breakfast – good old-fashioned bacon and eggs with toast, butter, jam, and hashbrowns.
To Skip Or Not To Skip
Personally, I am for team skip. My experience with breakfast is not pleasant so I prefer to defer this meal to later in the day. It is quickly becoming a myth that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In fact, studies are showing that delaying your first meal of the day will allow you to lose weight. Your body uses any stored fats before it needs any other kind of nourishment. This will not impact your metabolism in any way. Giving your body a rest from all the food intake will allow it to do what it was designed to do – use fat for fuel instead of storing it for a rainy day.
#1 Breakfast Easy Idea – Eggs
Another myth I would like to dispel is that eggs are high in cholesterol. It is true, they are. But, they are high in HDL cholesterol that our bodies need. Adults can consume up to 3 eggs per day.
Full disclosure, this is not my personal recipe but I have adapted it a little to meet our personal preferences. All the credit goes to Sahil Makhija from Headbanger’s Kitchen
I love this recipe because you can make them in advance. You can freeze them for up to 1 week. And, take them with you as you rush out the door to your next board meeting, school, or your golf game.
Egg Cup Recipe
Ingredients For 1 Egg Cup:
- Almond Flour – 1/4 cup
- Baking Powder – 1 tsp
- Kalamata olives – 12 – 15
- Shredded cheese – 1/4 cup
- Egg – 1
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp (optional)
- Salt and pepper – 1 pinch of each (optional)
Directions
- Pit and slice the kalamata olives. I prefer the ones with the seeds because they retain their flavor and last longer than sliced olives. But feel free to use your sliced favorite olives to save you the extra time.
- In a bowl combine all the dry ingredients – almond four, cheese, and baking powder.
- Add the sliced olives and mix again
- Beat the eggs with salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Depending on the cheese you use, you may not need salt. Whenever I use parmesan cheese, I omit the salt
- Add the eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined
- If the mixture is too dry add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. I find that I don’t always use the oil. That depends totally on which cheese I use as some have a higher fat content than others.
- Spoon into a greased 8 oz ramekin and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Or, put them in the microwave for 90 seconds.
Make this recipe your own by adding some cooked, chopped bacon, sauteed onions, or hot chili flakes.
Need a good set of ramekins. These from Amazon are perfect for the job.
There are a few variations of this recipe in his cookbook Keto Life available on Amazon:
#2 Breakfast Easy Idea – Butternut Squash Smoothie
Breakfast smoothies are not only delicious, but they are also packed with vitamins and minerals, and they give you that boost of energy when you need it the most. Best of all, they will keep you satiated until lunchtime. This is my own personal recipe that I have perfected over the years.
Butternut squash is considered a superfood rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. It may reduce cardiovascular risks, high cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity. This winter squash has more potassium than a banana and is high in fiber. Ok, who couldn’t use a little more fiber in our later years!! This is the perfect smoothie for vegetarians, vegans, and everyone in between. Even the avid veggie hater will love the silky, naturally sweet taste of this smoothie. Together with a handful of nuts, this smoothie makes a complete meal to keep you full for hours.
Butternut Squash Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butternut squash – 1 cup peeled, cubed, cooked, frozen
- Almond or coconut milk – 1 cup
- Sweetener – 1 tsp (optional)
- Cinnamon powder – 1/4 tsp
- Nutmeg – 1/4 tsp
Directions:
- Peel, cube, and blanch the butternut squash. Freeze when cool. This step is done ahead of time. I prefer to freeze my squash so I can avoid adding ice and watering down my smoothie. Hint: freeze the squash in a single layer or you will have a hard time pulling the chunks apart when you need them
- Add 1 cup of the frozen butternut squash and 1 cup of your favorite milk beverage to your blender. If you use unfrozen squash, you will need to add 4-5 large ice cubes. You can substitute the milk beverage with orange juice if you don’t mind the added sugar and calories
- Blend until smooth
- Taste for sweetness. Since butternut squash is naturally sweet you may not need additional sweeteners. I use mong fruit sugar or agave. It has a lower glycemic index than refined white sugar
- Add the cinnamon and nutmeg
- Blend one last time
- Pour into your favorite to-go mug
- Enjoy these breakfast ideas easy and simple smoothie recipe
Make this recipe your own by adding your own spices, some spinach, or a few pieces of green apple.
In Summary
Breakfast isn’t just a morning meal anymore. You can enjoy breakfast whenever you are ready. These 2 breakfast ideas easy and fast solutions for any busy day are delicious, nutritious, and light on the pocketbook. Just because you don’t like eggs, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a hearty breakfast smoothie instead.
Don’t skip breakfast because you have to, skip it because you want to but when you’re ready, have a great meal with these egg cups or butternut squash smoothies.
We would love to hear from you. Share your quick breakfast ideas with us. Let us know your thoughts on these recipes. Send us pictures of your egg cups and smoothies.