Nature's Path Love Crunch Premium Organic Granola Espresso Vanilla Cream -- 11.5 oz

What does your morning routine look like? Are you likely to hit the snooze button until it's so late that you run out of the house without breakfast? If you answered yes, you've probably noticed that a rushed start can make the entire day feel like a struggle. If you want to stay at the top of your game, it's vital to take some time every morning to reset. Starting the day with a workout works for some, while reciting positive affirmations in the mirror works for others. These practices are great for a refreshed morning. But, one of the simplest ways to get a healthy jumpstart to the day is to incorporate a healthy breakfast into your routine. Consuming a nutritious meal will ensure productivity all day long. It’s easier than you think. So simple, in fact, that you can start tomorrow. Here’s how.

The benefits of eating breakfast

If we give our bodies quality fuel in the morning, it improves both our physical and mental health. We'll have more energy and feel more motivated to tackle stressful assignments. Sure, skipping breakfast may free up some time, but at what expense? To risk feeling sluggish throughout that day? No thanks! If you want consistent energy levels and to stay focused and alert, preparing healthy breakfast dishes is a great place to start.

1. Go for granola

A diet fueled by healthy breakfast foods should include plenty of whole grains, protein and vitamins in every meal (a well-rounded meal also keeps you from making impulsive eating decisions). Combining granola with protein-rich Greek yogurt and some jam gives you all the nutrition you need for a busy day. To make this meal even healthier, you can try preparing granola yourself. In a bowl, combine oats, seeds and nuts. Toss ingredients with coconut oil or olive oil and pure maple syrup and bake in the oven until golden. Toward the end of the baking time, sprinkle your favorite dried fruit on top (doing this toward the end prevents fruit from burning). Store granola in glass jars on a shelf.

2. Check out chia seeds

These low-calorie seeds are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Mix them into yogurt or a bowl of fresh fruit. Or, better yet, prepare a batch of chia pudding. This is a simple overnight dish that takes minutes to make and seconds to “grab and go” in the morning. In a jar or bowl with lid, combine chia seeds with almond milk. Feel free to add fresh or frozen fruit as well, such as berries or mango. Let the mixture soak overnight. The chia seeds will expand and you’ll be left with a delicious puddling-like texture.

3. Try Turkish cuisine 

The Mediterranean diet is highly regarded for its many health benefits. A traditional Turkish breakfast of hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, almonds, olives and cucumbers is a prime example of what a balanced Mediterranean meal looks like. Enjoy these foods with fresh bread (preferably bread encrusted with various seeds) and apricots. What’s fun about this breakfast is that you can change up the toppings to keep things interesting. Fresh cucumbers might not be available all year long, but you can replace them with pickled ones.

4. Bake bread for breakfast

Baking fresh sourdough in the early hours is a great way to start your day (but, we totally understand if your schedule doesn’t allow it!). If you do have sourdough on hand, whether you baked it the day before or purchased it from a store, you can warm up a slice and enjoy it with salty butter. If you’re working on a loaf made (or purchased) earlier in the week, spread on a layer of Greek Yogurt or cream cheese to soften the bread. This morning snack yields a good dose of carbohydrates and protein. We suggest baking a fresh loaf of sourdough on Mondays to enjoy throughout the week – same goes for chia pudding. Preparing these simple recipes beforehand will allow you more time in the mornings enjoy a wholesome meal.