Whether you're heading out to the office or over to your desk in your spare bedroom to start your workday, you probably don't have a lot of time to cook an elaborate breakfast. People often sacrifice quality for convenience in the morning. They don't want to go hungry, but they don't want to wake up early to cook either.  

Ready-made protein drinks and breakfast bars may do in a pinch, but with added sugars and ingredients you can't pronounce, they don't represent the best choice. Not to mention, these manufactured options are often expensive and get boring pretty quickly. They may also leave you feeling hungry again after an hour or so. Fast solutions, like drive-thru meals or grab-and-go convenience store foods, are often costly and less than healthy.  

This article will give you some ideas for healthy, easy breakfasts that you can take out the door or bring to your home office to enjoy while checking emails. 

Why You Can't Skip Breakfast 

People sometimes skip breakfast to decrease their caloric intake or save a few minutes of time. Perhaps they just can't take another bowl of boring, dry cereal. Consuming that first meal to break your fast comes with an array of benefits, even if it feels inconvenient. Making a healthy breakfast part of your routine is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.  

Those early hours are the perfect time to provide your body with fuel. If you take a few minutes to enjoy a nutritious breakfast, it will set you up for a more energetic and productive day. Perhaps most importantly, if you treat your body to protein, fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients early in the morning, you're more likely to make better dietary choices throughout the day.

Easy and Healthy Breakfasts You Can Take with You 

Grabbing a donut does not count as a healthy breakfast. Below you'll find some suggestions that you can whip up in minutes, and some of them you can make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for the week ahead, 

Smoothies 

Just take some fruit or veggies, nuts, seeds, protein powder, Greek yogurt, juice, or milk product and blend it in a blender or smoothie maker. You've got a delicious breakfast you can pour right into a stainless-steel travel mug. You can also use frozen fruit. Use your imagination to discover your favorite smoothie flavors or explore the array of online smoothie recipes. 

Overnight Oats 

Packed with fiber and nutrition, rolled oats are a terrific way to start the day. However, they take a while to cook, unlike the oatmeal pouches you can just mix with water and pop in the microwave.  

Overnight oats are the solution! There are some reputable commercial brands out there, but they can get pricey. You can make all kinds of delicious, rolled oat recipes ahead of time and grab them for an easy breakfast or a healthy snack anytime. Generally, you need milk or a non-dairy alternative, a sweetener, a source of protein, like Greek yogurt, and a few more ingredients, like fresh berries, chocolate chips, and chia seeds, for flavor and fiber. Mix them up the night before, store it covered in the fridge, and you have a chilled, tasty, and healthy breakfast ready to go! 

Easy Breakfast Sandwiches 

You may not have time to fry up bacon or sausage, but if you use deli ham or turkey, you can throw together a breakfast sandwich in just a few minutes. You can also reheat breakfast meats you cooked previously or even buy pre-cooked options.  

Just toast an English muffin or bagel, scramble an egg with a slice of cheese on top, and place it on your turkey slice. You can also add sprouts and veggies for added nutrition. Try making these ahead of time and heat them in the microwave before you head out for the day. 

Make Your Own Breakfast Bars 

You can make these bars at night while you're binging your favorite TV show. There are so many baked and no-bake breakfast bar recipes that you can easily tailor one to your tastes and nutritional needs.  

Many of them use oats and peanut butter as a base. Without all the added preservatives, homemade breakfast bars are a healthy and thrifty option for that first meal or a snack that will keep you from reaching for cookies or chips at night. 

Avocado Toast 

This breakfast option is more than just a trend. Preparing this super breakfast can sometimes be a bit time-consuming, but you can speed up the process by taking a couple of steps ahead of time. 

• Mash up your avocados and store them in an airtight container in the fridge in as small of a container as possible to limit air exposure and oxidation. Add a bit of lime juice to prevent discoloration. 
• Top each slice with boiled egg slices that you can prepare the previous evening. 
• Have fresh sprouts or other veggies on hand to add to your creation. 
• Use rye crisp or Wasa bread for a crunchier version of the toast that also travels better than toasted bread. 

Doctor Up Some Plain or Low Sugar Greek Yogurt 

If you're in a super hurry, throw some Greek yogurt in a container and add fruit and granola. If you desire flavored yogurt, make sure to choose a brand with under 10 grams of sugar per serving. Typically, the low-sugar options won't have unnecessary additives, making them a much healthier choice. You will save money if you stick to larger containers of plain Greek yogurt. You can always add a touch of honey, a bit of maple syrup, or a dollop of your favorite jelly, jam, or fruit preserve if you need the added sweetness. 

Start Your Day Right at Mariposa Townhomes 

At Mariposa Townhomes, in Topeka, Kansas, we know that busy people choose the convenience of a home close to where they want to be so they can make the most of their careers and leisure time. We're here to help you do just that. Our 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes are close to major surface roads and I-470, ensuring you can get where you want to be quickly.  

With thoughtfully-designed kitchens, plenty of storage space, and a pantry, our townhomes make meal prep a breeze! When you live here, you'll also enjoy an attached garage for a seamless daily commute. A few clicks are all it takes to schedule a tour and discover the heart of home at Mariposa Townhomes.