We have all heard the old saying: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But oftentimes, we skip breakfast because we're on the go, or we end up eating a super carb-heavy breakfast (chocolate croissant anyone?) which doesn't keep us full for very long.
Packing your mornings with with 25-30g of protein is great for a few reasons:
1) It will keep you fuller much longer and will help fuel you through the morning.
2) Protein is super important for the body: it is one of the building blocks of hair, bones, teeth, and of course - muscles!
3) The latest research suggests that it's not just about how much protein you need, but also about when you get your protein. Since our bodies can only use so much protein at a time, making the effort to spread your protein intake throughout the day can optimize how your body uses it.
Since I'm vegetarian, I rely on dairy a lot in order to get all of the protein I need each day. When it comes to dairy, I always always stick to organic dairy (milk, eggs, cheese) because of the stricter standards enforced by the USDA (no growth hormones, no pesticides, etc.)
Here are five of my go-to protein-packed breakfast recipes: guaranteed to keep you satisfied through the entire morning, and each contains at least 25g of protein!
#1 | Giant Oatmeal Bowl with Milk (26g Protein)
The Ingredients (In parentheses I've included the approximate amount of protein when applicable)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (6g)
- dash of cinnamon
- dash of nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- ½ tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (3g)
- 2 cups nonfat or 1% milk (16g)
- 1 cup blueberries (1g)
Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl, cook on high in the microwave for 3 minutes (checking to make sure it doesn't boil over). Let stand for 15 minutes before eating. Enjoy!
#2 | Ricotta Toast with a Decaf Latte (29.5g Protein)
The Ingredients (In parentheses I've included the approximate amount of protein when applicable)
- 2 slices Ezekiel sprouted flax bread (10g)
- 1/8 cup Ricotta cheese (3.5g)
- 1 roma tomato, sliced
- ½ English cucumber, sliced (optional)
- Fresh herbs of choice
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 16oz decaf latte (made with 16oz nonfat or 1% milk) (16g protein)
Spread Ezekiel bread with ricotta cheese, top with tomato and cucumber slices and season with salt & pepper. Serve with 1 decaf latte.
#3 | Green Monster Smoothie (31g Protein)
The Ingredients (In parentheses I've included the approximate amount of protein when applicable)
- 2 cups nonfat or 1% milk (16g)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed (3g)
- 4.5oz 1% Greek Yogurt (~12g)
Mix all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
#4 | Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bowl with a Decaf Latte (31g Protein)
The Ingredients (In parentheses I've included the approximate amount of protein when applicable)
- 8oz 1% Greek Yogurt (23g)
- 1 cup berries
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ cup high fiber cereal
- 1 decaf latte made with 8oz nonfat or 1% milk (8g)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl, serve with a decaf latte.
#5 | PB&B Breakfast (25g Protein)
The Ingredients (In parentheses I've included the approximate amount of protein when applicable)
- 2 slices Ezekiel sprouted flax bread (10g)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (7g)
- 1 banana
- 1 8oz glass nonfat or 1% milk (8g)
Spread peanut butter on bread, top with banana slices. Serve with a cold glass of milk.
This post was sponsored by MilkLife.com.
