10 Things Healthy People Eat for Breakfast

Posted by Allison Day. Last Updated on January 10, 2020

Beginning each morning with a nourishing breakfast sets the tone for a healthy day, helping you stay motivated and energized. But keeping things fresh to reduce dietary boredom, which can lead to less healthy eating habits (we’re looking at you, drive-thru breakfast sandwiches), can seem overwhelming and complicated. To assist, we’ve brought together a super-crew of real-food, healthy living experts to share their go-to morning meal.

thelittleblackcoffeecup.com

1 of 10

Clean Green Smoothie

Ashley Tomlinson is the creator of the website <a href="https://www.thelittleblackcoffeecup.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Little Black Coffee Cup</a>. It’s there you can find some of her work, along with good-for-you recipes, the majority being <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/plant-based-recipes-for-beginners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">plant-based</a>. In-between coffee, Ashley keeps things lean and green with nourishing, energizing foods, like this eye-catching, power-packed breakfast smoothie. “One of my go-to healthy breakfasts is a <a href="https://www.thelittleblackcoffeecup.com/journal/cleangreensmoothie" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Clean Green Smoothie</a> topped with blueberries. Packed with fresh greens, protein and a little bit of caffeine, this green drink is one of my favourite ways to kick off a busy day.”
Marie Reginato

2 of 10

Morning Glory Bowl

<a href="http://mariereginato.com" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marie Reginato</a> is the cookbook author of Alternative Vegan, and a popular food blogger. Marie creates recipes for readers of all diets and tastes using colourful produce and real food. Here, she’s sharing her Morning Glory Bowl, a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/high-protein-breakfast-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vibrant breakfast dish</a> from her cookbook. "I can’t think of a more nourishing breakfast bowl than this one. Beautiful greens are sauteed until tender and sprinkled with creamy hemp seeds, avocado slices and fresh dill. It highlights the simplicity of flavour pairings between a few fresh herbs, spices and greens."
kimdeon.com

3 of 10

Loaded Oatmeal

<a href="http://kimdeon.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kim D’Eon</a> is a Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.), health writer, broadcaster, speaker and true inspiration for those looking to eat healthy for life. Her go-to breakfast takes power-food to the next level, helping to stabilize blood sugar while giving the body what it craves, all in one beautiful bowl. “In winter, my go-to breakfast is loaded oatmeal. I say loaded because I'll add antioxidant-filled fruits like banana, dates or apples, topped with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/wholesome-recipes-healthy-fats/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy fats</a> like hemp seeds or shredded coconut. I'll also pour over a bit of coconut milk for extra creaminess. Add dash of cinnamon and a pat of organic butter and it’s a warm and nourishing breakfast bowl in just a few minutes. Oats also have lots of fibre that ‘sticks to your ribs’ and gets you through a busy morning with even blood sugar.”
fitmittenkitchen.com

4 of 10

Sweet Potato Waffle Breakfast Sandwich

The blogger behind <a href="https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Fit Mitten Kitchen</a>, Ashley Walterhouse, knows her way around mouthwatering-meets-healthy meals. Her website and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fitmittenkitchen/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Instagram feed</a> are bursting with modern and classic recipes, all with a real food twist. Here, Ashley shares her healthy breakfast of choice filled with produce and protein. “My go-to breakfast is typically a savoury combination of eggs, sauteed kale, sweet potato and avocado. It's satisfying and filling thanks to the healthy fats. You can have fun with it and make a <a href="https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/sweet-potato-waffle-breakfast-sandwich/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Sweet Potato Waffle Breakfast Sandwich!"</a>
chocolatecoveredkatie.com

5 of 10

Healthy Banana Bread

You may know Katie of <a href="https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chocolate Covered Katie</a> from her epic healthy dessert blog, but she’s also a champion for nourishing morning meals. There’s something for both savoury and sweet breakfast fans here. “I'm often more of a savoury-breakfast person and really love vegetable scrambles or stir fries. But on the days when I do crave more of a sweet breakfast, two of my favourites are <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/overnight-oatmeal-jars-with-last-minute-stir-ins/14709/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">overnight oats</a> or my <a href="https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2017/01/16/healthy-banana-bread/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Healthy Banana Bread</a> (pictured here), which basically tastes like you're eating cake for breakfast, and yet it's somehow good for you... best of both worlds!"
desireerd.com

6 of 10

Beet Raspberry Smoothie Bowl

There are few people more in love with a plant-forward lifestyle than <a href="https://desireerd.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Desiree Nielsen</a>, a Registered Dietitian, cooking show host and cookbook author. Her gorgeous, healthy breakfast idea is perfect for those with kids and no time to spare in the morning. “With two littles, I’ve got all of about five minutes to get something healthy in my belly. So I typically do <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/fall-chia-puddings-3-ways/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">overnight chia</a> or oats, or a smoothie. Smoothies make it so easy to get quick protein and produce, my fave combination for energy. This <a href="https://desireerd.com/blushing-beet-smoothie-bowl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beet Raspberry Smoothie Bowl</a> is a sweet-tart treat that really helps me feel like I’m getting a solid start to the day.”
instagram.com/josiane.marquis

7 of 10

Caribbean Plantain Pancakes

Josiane Marquis is best known for her bright and sunny, food-filled <a href="https://www.instagram.com/josiane.marquis/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram account</a>. Josiane is based in Cost Rica, where local fruits feature prominently in the meals. Here, she shares her healthy breakfast, alive with all of that dreamy tropical produce, Caribbean Plantain Pancakes. “This jungle-to-table breakfast will bring calor to any cold winter morning. Gluten-free and very tasty, they are made with only five ingredients: green plantain, baking soda, egg, coconut oil and sea salt. Serve them with tropical fruits like banana, passion fruit, golden berries or papaya. Then add toppings for texture: a drizzle of honey, pollen, oats, chopped almonds and raw cacao nibs. Pura vida!”
Colin Erricson

8 of 10

Chocolate Hazelnut Waffles

Vegan chef, restaurant owner and cookbook author <a href="http://dougmcnish.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Doug McNish</a> crafts innovative, plant-focused, organic cuisine that all eaters, regardless of dietary preference, can’t resist. Doug’s food and recipes are approachable, fun and celebrated. He serves up elevated brunch and dinner items with a vegan spin at <a href="https://www.mythologytoronto.com/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mythology</a> in Toronto, and when at home, enjoys a stack of gluten-free Chocolate Hazelnut Waffles, a recipe from his Vegan Everyday cookbook. See here for more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/vegan-breakfast-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">satisfying vegan breakfasts</a>.
9 of 10

Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Porridge

Mairlyn Smith, PHEc, star of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbtiurlLA3de4KFDwvPFhTg" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">My Left Frying Pan</a> YouTube channel, cookbook author and healthy living champion shares two healthy breakfast ideas, one for cold mornings and another for warm ones. “On a cold morning: steel-cut oats with dried cranberries and chopped apple. After it's cooked, I'll add ground flaxseed, walnuts and a generous pour of a warm, unsweetened soy beverage or skim milk. That’s a whole lot of fibre, healthy fats and protein." "On a warm day: Greek yogurt, seasonal fresh or frozen berries, ground flaxseed, walnuts and it’s ready. Once again – fibre, healthy fats and protein.” Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-healthy-cranberry-pecan-oatmeal-porridge/19057/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooker Healthy Cranberry Pecan Oatmeal Porridge</a>
kaynutrition.com

10 of 10

Kale & Egg Breakfast Skillet

Stephanie Kay is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist bringing healthy living inspiration to kitchens everywhere, with approachable recipes and a motivational <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stephaniekaynutrition/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram feed</a> chock-full of nourishing recipes. Here, she shares a beautiful way to enjoy veggies and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/high-protein-breakfast-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">protein in the morning</a>, all in under 10 minutes. “Eggs are my go-to healthy breakfast option because they're filling and so easy to prepare. This <a href="https://kaynutrition.com/2017/05/kale-eggs-breakfast-skillet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kale & Egg Breakfast Skillet</a> is my favourite combination, but the recipe is so versatile you can essentially include any veggies you have in the fridge. Topped with fresh pesto and a sprinkle of goat cheese, this dish goes from fridge to plate in no time.”
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