Hi, friends! Today I’m updating an old post from 2013! This post was written back in the day when I used to commute downtown every single day while working at WIC. This semester I took on a couple of extra classes I’m teaching, so I’ve been commuting every day again. Thankfully next semester will only be two days of the week commuting because I sincerely hate driving.
I leave my house at 6:30 on most days, which in my opinion is too early for breakfast. I don’t want to eat that early because I’m not hungry. So, I pack my breakfast and bring it with me 99% of the time. That means I need breakfast options that won’t get soggy overnight or taste gross after commuting with them. Of the over 90+ Healthy Breakfast options at HH, these are the ones I think are the most portable and easy to make ahead!
PS I know it’s the holidays and maybe you aren’t thinking about healthy eating. HOWEVER, if you can just commit to a solid healthy breakfast every morning, I think you’ll find you feel a ton more balanced this holiday season. I hope these ideas help!
1. Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are rolled oats or steel-cut oats left to soak overnight with any yummy add-ins and flavorings you want. In the morning, heat for 60-90 seconds and enjoy, like an instant oatmeal pack, but more nutritious and satisfying!
- 4 Ways To Make High-Protein Overnight Oats
- Maple Pancake Overnight Oats
- Anti-Inflammatory Instant Oats
2. Eggs
Whether its a leftover quiche dish from dinner, plain scrambled eggs, or my beloved Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Scramble. Eggs are quick to make the night before and easy to reheat in the morning at the office.
- Meal Prep Healthy 5 Ingredient Egg Muffins
- Meal Prep Bacon Zucchini Egg Muffins
- Freezer Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap Copycat
PS I know that eggs aren’t the most portable thing, for example, if you are going to hit the gym before work and your meal might not be kept cold for a long time. I use this lunch bag to keep things cold when I don’t have access to a fridge. See below:
3. Quinoa Oat Breakfast Bars
Man, I love quinoa, its a healthy whole grain alternative to bread or rice and its so versatile, you can eat it for any meal of the day. I especially love it for breakfast in these portable breakfast bars. They are great hot or cold!
*For added protein in the last three ideas, I would add collagen in my coffee, have a protein shake, or add a side of hard-boiled eggs. Protein helps stabilize energy levels and keep you full. It’s a must at breakfast!
4. Protein Pancakes
Pancakes are freezer friendly and easy to meal prep Sunday morning for your breakfast the whole week. I have over 10 healthy pancake recipes here at HH, including vegan and paleo-friendly versions!
Portable No-Heat/Cold Items
5. Greek Yogurt + Trail Mix/Granola
The high protein gives it the filling factor, and the trail mix/granola gives it a satisfying factor. A definite win for sure. I either bring a pre-packaged one or make my own from plain nonfat greek yogurt, and I sweeten it myself with a little honey and fruit (less sugar than the prepackaged ones, more nutrients).
6. Breakfast PB & J Sandwich
I’ve long been a fan of PB and Bananas for breakfast, but ever since I discovered healthy Cinnamon Raisin Bread options like Eziekel or DKB, this breakfast choice has been elevated to a whole new level. You can also use a healthy whole-grain wrap, which is super easy to eat one-handed while driving to work!
(click here for a yummy grilled sandwich recipe).
Don’t think PB & J is a healthy breakfast? Read this post!
7. Protein Or Granola Bars
Mr. Hungry likes to take protein bars or snack bars to work for breakfast every morning. I use this option when I’m super short on time or need to eat something one-handed while taking care of the baby!
Here are a few of my favorite homemade breakfast bars:
My favorite store-bought snacks bars I sometimes use for an easy breakfast are:
I’ll often pair the bars with a banana or protein shake depending on what they need to round out the meal.
8. Chia Protein Pudding
Chia gels overnight to make a yummy pudding that is a nice change of pace from your typical breakfast options. Added protein powder gives a little extra staying power.
- Chocolate Coconut Chia Pudding
- Dark Chocolate Sunbutter Chia Pudding
- Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chia Pudding
9. Smoothies
Smoothies are a super easy and very portable way to get a ton of nutrients into breakfast. You may think they aren’t “make-ahead” but, you totally can meal prep your smoothies by combining the ingredients in plastic bags ahead of time. Then, all you have to do is dump in the ingredients like in my meal prep smoothie packs.
Lately, I’ve been drinking a smoothie box smoothie every single morning, because it’s easy to make and drink in the car, plus it’s easy to add seeds to for seed cycling.
- How to Build A Healthy & Actually Filling Smoothie
- 18 Unique & Delicious High Protein Smoothie Recipes
10. Bonus Veggie Packed Ideas
These two below are delicious make-ahead vegan breakfast options that I used to eat on the regular and need to bring back! The photos are old and not great, but I couldn’t include them because I used to eat these so frequently and they are so delicious!
Acorn Squash + Nut Butter
A new favorite of mine, very easy to prepare ahead of time and heat quickly. The combination might seem a little weird to you, but don’t knock it till you try it because it’s fantastic!
To make it: cut in half bake cut side down on 350F for 25 minutes, then once it was cooled top with 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar, sprinkled some cinnamon, a spoonful of pumpkin butter and a spoonful of almond butter.
It was DELICIOUS! Give this one a whirl for an easy make-ahead, semi-portable breakfast.
Sweet Potato + Nut Butter
An old favorite of mine, especially with sun butter. Easy to microwave/boil/roast the night before and stick in the fridge for the next day.
Again, nowadays, I would make sure I had some protein with these above!
i really love all the breakfast ideas that you have shared in this article