Is your breakfast menu due for an update? If you’re getting tired of your normal breakfast options or need some healthy inspiration, this is the perfect time to do a reset and form a new morning routine. And whether or not you’re a morning person, we want to make sure your day is supported from the start to feel ready for anything or any workout that’s ahead. We talked with Peloton yoga instructor Kristin McGee to understand her favorite healthy breakfast options that set her up for success throughout the day, whether on-the-go or right at home.
Why Breakfast?
Let’s start with the why. Mornings may not be your favorite time of day, but Kristin encourages you to carve out some time and dig into a healthy breakfast option to start off strong. “It literally ‘breaks the fast’,” says Kristin. “Your body usually hasn't had anything for a good 8-12 hours, so it's a good idea to jumpstart your metabolism and fuel your body for the day.” Making time for breakfast will not only support a strong morning but can have an effect on your entire day. “I feel less hungry overall and don't feel as fatigued,” she says. Kristin also uses a helpful way to look at how to structure her meals throughout the day. “I kind of like the old idea of eating breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper--fuel early and go to bed with a lighter feeling.”
Kristin’s Go-Tos At Home
Setting aside some extra time in the morning can allow for creating so many different healthy breakfast options. Kristin dishes on a variety of her top menu spreads below.
“One that I love is scrambled eggs and spinach with a side of avocado toast and blueberries,” says Kristin. With multiple nutritional perks, this is a favorite to take the time to make at home. “The eggs give me a good dose of long lasting protein, the toast is good carbs that fuel my yoga sessions, the avocado provides good fat and the blueberries are awesome antioxidants--I always have one cup of black coffee too!”
An option that could be good for both at home or on-the-go is Kristin’s make-your-own yogurt. “I use greek or plain Siggi’s yogurt topped with walnuts, blueberries, strawberries, flax seed, cinnamon and a little Fiber One,” says Kristin. “Plain greek or icelandic yogurt is high in protein and calcium, the berries provide antioxidants and the Fiber One gives a nice crunch and dose of fiber and the walnuts and flax contain healthy fats.” A fun fact that Kristin notes is that cinnamon is great for helping to stabilize blood sugar.
If morning pastries are a weakness, Kristin developed her own healthy version that won’t even make you miss the real thing.“Toast two slices of sprouted Ezekiel bread with 1/2 cup of cottage cheese,” says Kristin. “I spread the cottage cheese on top of each piece of bread, sprinkle with cinnamon and broil for a few more seconds to melt it so it almost tastes like a cinnamon cheese danish--cottage cheese is high in protein and the sprouted bread is high in fiber.”
When Kristin is feeling a little more indulgent, she breaks out one of her favorite healthy breakfast creations. “I toast two Van's whole grain waffles and smear natural peanut butter on top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of manuka honey and sprinkle with cinnamon,” she says.”It's so yummy--the waffles provide whole grains, peanut butter has some protein and fat and the honey is a great antioxidant.”
Kristin’s On-The-Go Options
Even if you’re pressed for time in the morning, Kristin has options that have you covered. When her morning is busier than normal, she switches to healthy breakfast options that are still a strong way to start her day even on-the-go.
A quick healthy breakfast option that Kristin loves is overnight oats. “I add 1/2 cup organic oats to a mug, top it with half a banana, scoop of collagen powder, cinnamon, 1/2 cup blueberries, and unsweetened almond milk,” she says. “I put a lid on it and keep it in the fridge overnight so first thing in the morning, I can grab it and go!”
And if time is not on your side (we’ve all been there), Kristin always has super easy grab and go options on deck. “You can also premake shakes the night before and prep all your favorite ingredients in the blender or just grab a shaker and add your choice of protein and almond milk to it and run out the door,” says Kristin.
Let's refresh what's in your cup. Here are three healthy hot drinks that Peloton instructors love.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute individualized advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician for questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. If you are having a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.