Readers Respond:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet many people choose to skip breakfast because they’re in too much of a hurry.

So what can you do to have a quick and healthy breakfast? Have some foods ready to go. You can prepare some hard-boiled eggs and whole grain muffins, then store them in the refrigerator. Perfect for a grab ‘n go breakfast. Keep cold cereals on hand. If you choose healthy breakfast cereals, you’ll start the day with good nutrition.

Share your tips for eating a quick and healthy breakfast.

So many options

A banana, spinach, blueberry smoothie with vanilla soy milk. Or a piece of fruit, boiled egg, and toast spread with nut butter. Granola, with fresh fruit on yogurt works great too!—Guest Amber

Breakfast Conventions

Breakfast is a modern convention. Three meals a day is a modern convention. In ancient times we ate when we could. In mediaeval times one broke one’s fast (= breakfast) at about noon then had another meal later in the day or evening. That too was a convention, none of those is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ – just a sign of the times. We don’t eat a ‘cooked’ breakfast unless it’s toast, which we have on Sundays. Otherwise I have pineapple or melon, Spouse has the same and a bowl of muesli. I prefer mine, he prefers his. Neither of us enjoys food if it’s eaten quickly, we like to relish and enjoy every (small) mouthful. The same applies to all meals, I put a lot of thought and effort into making everything, bolting it would be insulting to me and the producers of the raw ingredients – and animals if they’re involved. Although we have hens we rarely eat eggs and only at Easter for breakfast. Coffee is a ritual, once a day and looked forward to. Very weak China tea is our usual drink. —Guest Oldhenwife

Oatmeal For A Early Riser

For years, I usually get up around 6:00am and to last until lunchtime, I always eat a big bowl of oatmeal. I mix a cup of oatmeal with either water, soy milk, non-fat milk, or orange juice. I also add 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder and 2 teaspoons of sugar when mixed with water. It takes 5-7 minutes in the microwave to prepare. I then cut up a banana and then add 4 tablespoons of either blueberries or cut up mangos (Trader Joes sells these). I then mix everything. This good tasting healthy breakfast lasts 5-6 hours before I get hungry again.—healthymidager

It’s So Simple

Smoothies, they are delicious and nutritious. Go ahead and put some fruit in, or even vegetables. Whatever you want.—hscof00

Healthy Food Defeats Diabetes

Since being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I have begun to eat much better. My numbers are now into the normal range. For breakfast, I usually have two fried eggs on a slice of high-fiber whole grain bread, plus 1/2 cup berries and a cup of coffee rounds it out. The weight drops off effortlessly when carbs are severely restricted!—Guest Mary

Typical Pseudo-Science

Saying people “need” to eat breakfast is like saying people “need” to drink coffee in the morning. When you use stimulants all the time, then your body “needs” stimulants, and when you eat meals all the time your body “needs” meals all the time, including breakfast. However, once you stop eating breakfast and lunch your body stops being depending on food in your stomach and learns to use fat stores. I eat less than once a day, fasting on some days, and I feel great, weight loss is effortless, and I set PRs in the gym all the time, even when my last meal was 48 hours prior. Eating frequently is a waste of time an create an unhealthy dependence on having food in your stomach all the time.—Guest Fasted

Not For Everybody

This does not apply to everybody. Some people have a constitution where the diegestive juices are very weak in the mornings (“Kapha” constitution according to Ayurveda.) If such people eat breakfast the food will ferment in the stomach causing bloating and accumulation of toxins as no digestion is taking place due to weak digestive enzymes. Such people should skip breakfast and ensure lunch is their most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast can be quite detrimental for some constitutions. —Guest Hasanthi

Replace Milk with Yogurt

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day – and the most important. I do sometimes struggle though as I’m not a huge fan of milk on cereal. However there is a brilliant substitute in the form of Activia Pouring Yogurt. It comes in 3 flavours and contains only 2% fat. It’s super-tasty and great on any cereal, porridge or as part of a smoothie or fruit salad. It’s completely transformed breakfast for me and my family. —ActiviaUK

Traditional Breakfast

I have a healthy breakfast actually, beans and bread or omelet. A mug of tea with milk this really gives me energy the whole day long, makes me feel fresh. Try it! —Guest Asmaa

Breakfast Ideas

I add canned pumpkin and cinnamon to my oatmeal, so with some sweetener it tastes like pumpkin pie!—Guest Lisa

Come On, People

There is no being in hurry. I am student and my school day starts at 8 AM and I have to use trolleybus and go by 40 minutes – but still I could eat normally. I make a sandwich on the previous day ready to be warmed and I also make some cucumber salad and put it in sandwich . I am energized the whole day.—Guest egert

A Good Investment

Breakfast is a good investment. By recharging your brain and your body, you’ll be more efficient in just about everything you do. Interestingly, studies show that kids who skip breakfast are tardy and absent from school more often than children who eat breakfast on a regular basis. Try also organic food breakfast.—Guest Oragnic Food

Bread for Breakfast

I have to have bread for breakfast otherwise I won’t feel satisfied. I should just try eating healthier breads maybe…Of course with a good cup of coffee (with or without milk)and voila, simple and perfect!—Guest Ines

Gayle’s Greatest Breakfast

One bowl of rice krispy treats, one banana, and a packet of Sweet and Low with decaffeinated coffee. Please try – it its a great way to start your day!—Guest gayle

Lovely Breakfast

Sometimes I surprise my mum with a delicious cup of coffee, Nutella and cheese on toasted bread with some fruit and a napkin.—Guest courtney

Yummy Breakfast for Your Tummy

First you’ll need toasted bread, then spread butter all over it. Then put white sugar on it. You can make a delicous coffee drink to go with it and have some fruit. Wouldn’t that be delicious? Just try it and you will see.—Guest courtney

Fastest Breakfasts

A cheese roll is always good! Or a big bowl of cereal! Or a bannana! Or a glass of milk & a chocolate (chocolate is good for you too remember – just not too much!) Or (this takes longer) some pancakes with maple syrup & vanilla ice-cream!! —Guest Ja§mine ♥

Breakfast Yum!

Half a cup of cottage cheese is key. Add either diced cucumber and dill or fruit and Splenda or any other sweetener. It has tons of protein and it’s easy and fast.—Guest masha

Yummy Yummy Yogurt

For a quick breakfast (or mid morning snack) I combine one cup of non-fat, plain yogurt, a quick swirl of honey, a few shakes of granola, fresh fruit with a piece of whole wheat toast with one tablespoon of natural peanut butter. I prefer Greek yogurt because of it’s high protein content. Sometimes I substitute the toast with an apple or banana and add another tbsp of peanut butter. This will give you about 350 calories of energy to start your day. All this with a hot cup of decaffeinated Green Tea gets my body and mind started for the day.—Guest Diane

Overnight Muesli

I soak muesli overnight in kefir or yogurt (which I sweeten with Stevia). If I use 1/3 cup muesli, I use about 2/3 cup kefir or yogurt. I add fruit (berries, banana slices, etc.) as well. You can also add flax meal, chia seeds and/or wheat germ. Since I mix it the night before it’s ready to grab and go in the morning. This is especially good in the summer when you may not feel like eating hot oatmeal. You can buy sugar-free muesli, or make your own out of rolled oats, rolled wheat (if desired), nuts of choice (almond slices, etc.) and dried fruit it desired (dates, raisins, etc.)—Guest Kelcey

Satisfying Cereal To Stay or Go

Each night I prepare a small bowl with a handful of rough cut oats, topped with a splash of sunflower seeds, tablespoon of ground flax, teaspoon ground cinnamon, a few raisins or a cut up date and cover with a plastic bag. In the morning I eat with milk or yogurt at home or at work depending on time available. This is delicious, nourishing and takes maximum 30 seconds to put together!—Guest ellie

Blueberry Breakfast Pita

I toast a multi-grain breakfast pita in the toaster oven. When it’s warm and poofy, cut open the top, toss in about a cup of blueberries (fresh or just thawed) and then drizzle a tablespoon of pure maple syrup over the blueberries.—Guest Kathy

A Breakfast Fav

I love a breakfast burrito! Let the egg scramble in the microwave while the tortilla’s warming on the stove. Add salsa & sour cream. Yum! (In a super hurry? A spoonful of peanut butter hits the spot!) —Guest Deanne

Fast and Healthy

Here’s my recipe for the fastest and healthiest breakfast imaginable! Super Green Smoothie, 12 oz. almond milk, one frozen banana, one tablespoon coconut oil, two raw eggs or hemp protein powder, one tablespoon spirulina, one teaspoon cinnamon. Blend for 30 seconds. —stanmrak

Fresh Fruit with Sugar Cane Juice

I think breakfast should never be an all-kitchen affair. No need for cereals, boiled eggs etc.The most simplest breakfast is to eat four to five apples with either orange or sugar cane or carrot juice. —Guest Shahid Ali Qureshi

Easiest/Fastest Breakfast Ever!

1/2 (or 1 cup) instant Quaker oats; 1/4 cup almonds; 1/2 – 1 cup of favorite fresh fruit (grapes, strawberries); 1 – 2 tsp honey; 1 – 2 cups of Silk Vanilla Soy milk; Boil water, then combine oats, almonds, & honey in big enough bowl Add boiling water to oatmeal mix and place fruit on top. total prep time: 5 minutes—johntgrace

Oatmeal

I work at home -breakfast is a bowl of quick oatmeal (1 min in microwave) with 1% milk and a banana. If I need to go out I substitute a sandwich, thin slices with peanut butter instead of the oatmeal.—Susan_Oregon

Breakfast Couscous

I LOVE making couscous for breakfast like this Breakfast Couscous ! I toss in whatever fruits are in season, sweeten it with agave or maple, throw in a few nuts I have on hand if I feel like it, and add some fresh herbs like mint to finish it off. It’s super easy, healthy and it’s not quite as heavy as oatmeal, so it’s great for the warm weather months. —Guest dairyfreecooking

Danilo’s Breakfast

A bowl of raisin bran with rice milk and one of those Naked strawberry banana smoothies.—Guest Danilo

Breakfast Idea

I love weetabix with honey and milk heated in the microwave and then add chopped banana – yum yum :)—Guest slowjo

Make It Special Time

My husband gets up before I do…I’m NOT a morning person. He makes breakfast for both of us which includes fresh ground coffee (yes from fresh beans), cut up fresh fruit and either bran flakes or whole wheat toast with raw tehini (which I love)…the main thing? I know I have to get up at 7 am when I hear the coffee grinder and that we’ll have special time together before starting our busy days. —Guest Alissa

Quick Breakfast Treat

Make a double batch of my favorite multigrain pancakes. Separate each with wax paper & freeze in a Zip-lock bag. When the day is right, puree a small ripe banana & cinnamon, heat 3 pancakes in the microwave. Warm up the banana slightly too. Pour over pancakes, top with ground flax seeds for a nutty taste. Mmmmm!—jeannez

Breakfast Idea

My Monday to Friday breakfast : 250ml Soy + 100ml water+ 5 spoons oat+about 60g whole grains cereal with raisins + 2 bananas.—Guest mary

Fast Protein Omlette at Work

I liked the omlette idea above, but I make it even faster! I microwave two eggs in the microwave at work (30 seconds just eggs, then add the chopped veggies (I use green peppers/tomatoes & skip the cheese). Then microwave again for about 45 seconds.—Guest HealthyJen

The Quickest Breakfast

Get a protein shake with already cooked oatmeal added in it. You can find it at your local nutrition store. Being already cooked, it won’t expand in your stomach. Add 2% low-fat milk and you have a perfect meal. If you want to step it up add a healthy fat like fish oil or flax seed oil and use 1% fat milk because saturated fat is still good for the body in moderation. Hope this helps!—Guest C-Muscles

Breakfast Idea

Quick omlette that only takes five minutes. I spray canola oil spray on a non-stick pan and pour in two beaten eggs. While those are cooking, I put frozen veggies in the microwave for two minutes. Flip the egg, spread a bit of pre-shredded cheese onto the top cover for a minute and add the veggies on top. It’s a five minute healthy breakfast!—Guest Desiree

Protein Breakfast

I get low fat cottage cheese and make up a week’s worth of breakfasts on Sunday. One cup of cottage cheese with a piece of fruit cut up in it, does me well. I also drink eight ounces of vegetable juice. I eat at work while I’m starting my day.—aik184

Pancake Idea

Sprinkle wheat germ in pancake batter for extra fiber and prepare on griddle. Top with peanut butter and applesauce.—nassaugirl

Breakfast Idea

On Sunday evening I make smoothie out of whatever fruits I happen to have at home, enough for Monday through Friday, and so I don’t have to worry about getting too little fruit in the mornings. A recipe I especially like to use includes apricots, strawberries, raspberries and orange in my smoothies. I always add some natural yoghurt and sometimes honey to add a nice flavour. With my smoothie I usually eat toasted rye bread with low-fat margarine.—Guest pink_fuzz

My Favourite Breakfast

I make organic oats, like this – 1/4 of a cup soaked in boiling water for five minutes, with three tablespoons low fat vanilla yoghurt, 100 grams frozen raspberries, thawed. I mush it all up and it is heaven. I have it every morning and have done so for a years and believe it or not I am not sick of it.—19slh61

Fast and Easy Breakfast

Shredded wheat with banana, blueberries, sprinkle walnuts and 2% milk. Wheat germ, when I have it, makes me good for the day; my nerves are steady and I feel like I can handle anything!—delta.girl

Breakfast Ideas

My boyfriend likes honey on his oatmeal. I like toast, pancakes, and waffles topped with peanut butter, and drizzled with honey. I also like them topped with butter or margarine and fruit.—fluffyracoon

Breakfast Idea

When I go to the supermarket over the weekend, I stock up on very ripe bananas. I buy five of them so I have for Monday through Friday. I bring one to work a day so I don’t have an excuse for not having a dash of health in my morning!—Guest aboutstacey