How often do you really eat a good breakfast….really? Of all the meals, it’s probably the easiest to skip because we usually eat it on the run if at all. “Breakfast” literally “breaks the fast” from when you last ate the night before, but it also jump starts your metabolism, helps you sustain energy and concentration through the morning, and prevents you from eating too much later in the day. Many people (myself included) are not usually terribly hungry first thing in the morning. That’s okay, give yourself some time before eating, and it doesn’t have to be a huge meal. You might find you are hungrier than you realize, and that you feel better having had breakfast. Of course it’s easy to make breakfast a priority on weekends, when you have the time (and desire) to prepare it. But during the busy mornings with everyone taking off to work and school, it’s often the last thing on your list of things to do before leaving the house. I’ve listed some ideas for some breakfasts that can be easily prepared and taken on the run. You can experiment with what choices work for you. You may find your preferences change with the season or weather or mood. I try to keep my kitchen stocked with these staples so that there is a variety of low maintenance foods to choose from. For this list they had to be quick, healthy,  easy, tasty AND portable.

1. Smoothie
The possibilities are endless. A banana and just about any fruit is great with a base of juice or whatever kind of milk you drink. You could also add some nut butter, ground flax seeds, cocoa powder or yogurt. It’s hard to screw this up! Try using frozen fruit (especially bananas) to really make a delicious treat! Here’s one of my favorites:

1 frozen banana
1 tbsp raw almond butter
1 drizzle of agave nectar
1 sprinkle of cinnamon
(If I don’t have a frozen banana, I add some ice.)
16 glass of water

Blend and enjoy!

2. Toast with almond butter, banana and drizzle of agave nectar and sprinkle of cinnamon.
This is so good, it’s like dessert! Sort of like the above mentioned smoothie, but on toast. I like it on cinnamon raisin toast, but any whole grain toast would taste great. Just spread with almond butter, add thinly sliced bananas, drizzle the agave nectar on and then sprinkle the cinnamon to taste. Make it a sandwich to make it more transportable. This yummy treat is packed with protien, potassium, calcium and fiber.

3. Citrus Fruit
One great habit I have stuck with the past few years is to drink one big glass of water with 1/2 lemon pressed into it as soon as I wake up. The lemon is cleansing and alkalizing, and I also get a jump on getting my water intake for the day. After hours of sleeping the average person wakes up dehydrated and thirsty. Simply hydrating can help you wake up easier. Eating juicy, water rich fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, grapes, watermelon in the early waking hours can also help to hydrate. Ever have one of those days when you feel groggy all morning? Maybe you are dehydrated: just drinking some water in the morning helps to wake up just as much as a cup of coffee, but minus the caffeine. Try it, you might be surprised!

4. Miso soup
I love miso! It’s not only yummy, but hydrating, full of protein and beneficial cultures, and good for digestion. It has intense healing and cleansing properties as well. It’s a great alternative to the regular cup of coffee we all know too well!

5. Pear and a handful of nuts
What else can I say? Healthy, raw, low carb, easy, yummy.

6. Berries
When you can get them fresh, it’s ideal. Just a bowl full of blueberries, strawberries or raspberries provides tons of antioxidants and vitamins.

7. Cereal and Granola mix
I used to love cheerios and raisins, now my favorite is Heritage O’s and walnuts. Create your own favorite and experiment!

8. Quinoa, apple, raisins, ground flaxseed mix.
You can make the quinoa the night before, throw in the fruit and/or nuts in the am in a portable container and you’re good to go. This mixture is great heated up with a little maple syrup, too. You can (and should) experiment with other dried fruits, nuts etc.

9. Almond (or peanut) butter and Jelly on whole grain toast; everyone’s favorite.

10. Greens. I know it’s unusual and not exactly what most people would eat for breakfast, but if you have a few minutes to spare, it’s so great to get them in early in the day. They take just a few minutes to steam and then with some flax oil and lemon juice they are delicious!