Importance of a protein-packed breakfast

The most important reason to eat breakfast is that it kick-starts your metabolism. It’s called break-fast for a reason; you’re breaking a fast from not eating all night long and you need to refuel. Your blood sugar is typically low when you first wake up so you need a healthy breakfast too for fuel throughout the day. If you eat protein; there’s a good chance you will eat less for the rest of the day.

A combination of carbs, fiber, and protein will give you a good boost of energy and keep you full.

Here are some of my favorite protein-packed breakfast options that are easy, healthy, and delicious.

Kodiak Cake Protein-Packed Breakfast Pancakes

Kodiak cakes are my absolute favorite protein pancake “flapjack” mix. All you have to do is add water and they are so delicious. These are all-natural, protein-filled buttermilk pancakes with whole wheat and oat flowers. They pack 14 grams of protein per serving and are less than 200 calories. Kodiak Cakes is the best tasting pancake mix on the market that I’ve tried and I highly recommend.

I’ve always loved pancakes but rarely ate because they lack nutritional value. Then, I discovered Kodiak cakes. They aren’t too sweet and definitely have the right combination of wheat and oats. The flapjacks definitely aren’t bland (especially if you add berries or bananas.) Kodiak Cakes have a lifelong customer with me; these are the pancakes I’ve been searching for.

I slice bananas and add to them for Harper, my one and a half-year-old and she loves them. I like mine flap jacks best with blueberries (I just add frozen) and low sugar syrup.

Kodiak Cakes have endless recipes on their site. I plan to try them out and post about it in the future.

I love Kodiak Cakes because they are family-owned and every year they donate a portion of proceeds to conservation efforts. They are non-GMO, kosher, and now offer gluten-free options.

“Bears are recognized by conservationists as a keystone species. 
When bears settle into a habitat, it is a sign of a healthy, vibrant ecosystem with plenty of food to forage and space to wander.

We feel a kinship with these bears because, to us, a pantry stocked with real, nourishing food is the sign of a healthy family leading an active life. It’s part of the reason we’re called Kodiak Cakes. 

The Clark Family

Click here to read about all of their fresh recipes. You’ll be surprised by how much variety of Kodiak Cakes has to offer.

Oatmeal with an egg over easy

Oatmeal is almost always made sweet, but why? It’s a grain, just like quinoa or rice so there’s no reason not to use savory mix-ins like cheese, veggies, and eggs. My friends at work this I’m crazy, but savory oatmeal is so delicious. Oatmeal packs a lot of fiber that keeps you fuller longer. Eggs are protein-packed, inexpensive, and versatile.

Cook a half cup of oatmeal while simultaneously cooking a free-range egg on low heat. While the oatmeal is hot, add the egg over easy and gently cut with a spoon. I definitely add salt and pepper to the oatmeal and like topping with sriracha and cheese.

Oatmeal Banana Cookies

These cookies are special to me. When I am breastfeeding, I simply add brewers yeast and flax seeds to help with milk production. But for every day. simply oatmeal, banana and either peanut butter or chocolate chips. These 3-ingredient cookies may be the healthiest and easiest “cookies” you will ever make. Banana, oatmeal and peanut butter are basic, moist, and chewy but you can mix in so much more.

These breakfast cookies are hearty, great for people with food allergies or sensitivities. You can add dried fruit, chia seeds, flax seeds nuts, Reese’s pieces, etc.

The ratio is 2 bananas to 1 cup of oatmeal. Use as much peanut butter and toppings as you desire. I get my hands in there and mash the bananas and oatmeal together. Scoop into heaps with a spoon and lay on parchment paper or foil. Definitely use one or the other or your pan will hate you later. Bake on 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Egg, Sweet Potato, and Soy Chorizo Hash

This breakfast is great for a Saturday morning while sipping on your large cup of coffee. Steam your sweet potatoes until they are easy to slice but not thoroughly cooked. Dice and add to a saute pan with olive oil. Add red onion and jalapeno.

I buy our Soy Chorizo at Trader Joes. It tastes like the real thing. Brown the chorizo in a different pan. Set aside.

Add back the chorizo. Form four little holes in the hash and crack four eggs into them. Season again with more salt & pepper to taste. Pop the skillet in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the eggs are cooked to medium.

Remove from the oven and top with avocado and fresh cilantro.

Protein-Packed Greek Yogurt with Almond Butter and Berries

A couple of big scoops of light greek yogurt or an individual cup, a spoonful of almond butter and fresh or frozen berries. This is a protein-packed breakfast and so delicious with hot coffee.

Greek yogurt helps you feel fuller longer. Greek yogurt helps with digestion, boosts immunity, and muscle growth. Thanks to the probiotics found in Greek yogurt, it is one of the best foods to keep your gut bacteria in check. Daily consumption of Greek yogurt keeps your stomach and digestive system healthy.

Cottage Cheese, Toast, and Avocado with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

I’ve had a regular stash of low-fat cottage cheese in my fridge for as long as I can remember. Ready in 5 minutes, satisfying, no-cook, protein-packed breakfast. You can get creative with this breakfast. Start with an everything bagel thin, a nice hearty piece of bread or an English muffin. Add a slice of tomato, sprinkle with sesame seeds, douse in sriracha, red pepper flakes, drizzle with flaxseed oil or crumble bacon over the top.

Let me know what you think about these breakfast options in the comments below.

XOXO
Mackenzie

If you liked this post, you will love The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup in Under 30 Minutes.