10 Healthy Alternatives to Sugary Breakfast Cereals

By: Bob's Red Mill | June 6 2016
We've all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and even still we hardly ever treat it as such. No matter what our schedule, most mornings we find ourselves in a rush, making it nearly impossible to set aside the time to make a well-balanced, healthy meal. Having little time in the morning forces us to choose a quick, easy, and often unhealthy meal like cereal, which we can consume in minutes. A healthy meal doesn't have to be complicated, though! These ten quick and healthy breakfasts can be made in no time and will leave you feeling fuller for longer. Breakfast cereals don’t have to be your only option. Beginning your day with a healthy meal like these can help curb your temptations and keep you from reaching for that emergency chocolate bar you have stashed in your purse.

Breakfast Smoothies

Smoothies can be a savior for those running short on time, especially if you plan ahead! Fruit and veggie smoothies are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your body and keep you feeling and looking your best. They can also be an excellent way to add multivitamins and supplements to your breakfast, while still maintaining the great taste and flavor. The great thing about smoothies is that they are super versatile, so whether your taste buds are craving something tropical, sweet, or savory, a smoothie will do the trick! To create the perfect breakfast smoothie start with a healthy base such as almond milk, coconut water, or apple juice, and then add in your favorite fruits and veggies!

Muesli

Muesli is packed with fiber and is perfect for those trying to stay full until lunchtime. The fiber in muesli causes the grain to absorb water and expand in your stomach, making you feel fuller faster and longer! The amount of vitamin B and energy found in muesli make it the perfect breakfast food, providing you with energy for the rest of the day and even fueling your morning workout! Much like whole grain cereals, muesli can be made quickly by combining 1/2 cup of muesli with 1/2 cup of water and frequently stirring until fully cooked. Once muesli is made, you can then add in whatever you like. Much like oats, fruit, dried fruit, coconut sugar, and honey are all great muesli toppings and make for a healthy breakfast! For those looking for a healthy gluten free breakfast alternative, try a warm bowl of gluten free cereal made with millet or rolled oats for long-lasting energy and nutrition.

Almond Butter and Banana Toast

Toast can be an excellent breakfast choice and is loaded with fiber and vitamins to keep you energized. To get the most health benefits from your toast, try sticking with 100% whole grain bread that hasn't been modified or enriched. As for the toppings? Pairing toast with protein, like almond butter, will kick start your metabolism and give you energy for the rest of the day. Adding banana to your toast will provide potassium while also helping to improve your mood and regulate stress. Toast is perfect for those busy days at work when you need to be feeling your best.

Fruit Topped Yogurt

Yogurt works wonders for your body and the high amount of protein and low amount of calories in one serving of yogurt makes it the perfect morning meal. Aside from the large amounts of vitamins, yogurt is loaded with probiotics, which work to keep your digestive tract and immune system healthy. Greek yogurt is also an excellent choice, as it contains almost double the amount of protein as other yogurts and is often lower in sugar. Adding honey to plain yogurt is a great way to sweeten it naturally and avoid all the processed sugars. Berries, mango, and granola make great toppings for yogurt especially when you're in a time crunch!

Eggs

Eggs are the ultimate breakfast food! They are loaded with antioxidants, keep you feeling fuller for longer, and are one of the most complete protein sources available. Whether they're scrambled, hard boiled, or sunny side up, eggs are the perfect breakfast food and can be combined with just about anything. Preparing a few hardboiled eggs the night before and then pair them with some fresh fruit and nuts in the morning for an excellent balanced and healthy breakfast on the go.

Quinoa

A great alternative to hot cereals is quinoa. Quinoa is known as a super grain, and with its high amounts of fiber, protein, and iron it's undoubtedly one of the healthiest foods available. However, what many don't know is that it is also a great breakfast food! The lack of flavor and super filling qualities of quinoa make it perfect to combine with just about anything. For the perfect meal, prepare quinoa with milk instead of water and add in some maple syrup to sweeten it. Once cooked, satisfy your sweet tooth by adding strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits into the mix. You'll end up with a wholesome and filling breakfast that won't leave you with that unhealthy sugar high you get from most cereals.

Egg White and Avocado Scramble

Packed with protein and low in calories, egg whites are incredibly easy to cook and take no time at all. Mixing them with some fresh avocado will load your breakfast with heart healthy fats and vitamins, which will help you absorb the nutrients from your foods better. Adding ground sea salt, pepper, and rosemary to the mix will make for a flavorful and more satisfying breakfast than unhealthier alternatives.

Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are low in calories, high in fiber, and filled with antioxidants. Their small size allows them to be added to almost anything, and when turned into a pudding their benefits are endless. Chia pudding is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared beforehand, making it the perfect morning meal. Just combine 1/4 cup of chia seeds with 1 cup of liquid such as coconut milk and a sweetener like honey (if desired). Mix all the ingredients together and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you'll have amazing tasting chia pudding that you can top with your choice of fresh fruits and nuts!

Fresh and Fruity Oatmeal

Oatmeal has always been a favorite among healthy breakfast lovers. It could be the endless combinations of sweet and savory flavors, or the fact that it's one of the most fulfilling and nutritious breakfast foods there is. Either way, oatmeal is a must when it comes to breakfast foods. To avoid oatmeal boredom, try a more refreshing approach to oatmeal by making it with rice milk and adding some lemon juice to it. Top it with flavorful citrus-y fruits like pineapple and oranges for the perfect start to your day!

Granola

Granola may be the easiest substitute for cereal ever. When choosing granola, be sure to search for organic or all natural ingredients and avoid sugar-filled and artificial ones. Once you've found the right granola you can do anything with it! Mix it in a parfait, add it to some peanut butter toast, or simply eat it like you would cereal. By substituting a healthy granola for your usual cold cereals, you'll cut out loads of artificial ingredients and sugar from your morning meal. Your taste buds will love it, and your body will be thanking you all day long.

3 Comments

  1. Alissa
    The myth of "complete protein" has been debunked. Even the woman who originally coined the term has retracted it.
    Reply
  2. Lisa
    Nice tips. Also bland beans can replace cereal: filling but with protein. Add yogurt banana slices berries and a sprinkle of gonadique. Yum. So many superlatives in your article. But I’m possibly from a more stoic background. Thanks again.
    Reply
  3. Joan Shuttleworth
    Joan Shuttleworth
    Thanks
    Reply

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