17 Healthy Whole Food Breakfast Recipes
Start your day with one of these healthy whole food breakfast ideas. The recipes are all gluten free, dairy free, and free from refined sugar.
With all the end of year traveling, meals out and holiday parties, my diet has officially become a bit too merry. I got more offers for gym memberships than mail when I returned home from the holidays, but the start of a new year feels like a chance to re-set and begin anew.
In addition to returning to more consistent exercise beyond multiple trips to the egg nog bowl, I'm also focusing again on eating whole food in its most natural state. And there's no better way to get back on track than with a healthy, whole food breakfast to start the day.
Over the last year, I've been focusing on consuming unprocessed foods that grow from the ground, and I have to say, I've never felt better.
If you ever get confused on what to eat to keep a healthy diet, I like these 5 fundamentals for healthy eating that most experts can agree on.
I have more energy, sleep better, have better focus, and have even found that a long time injury is finally healing, which I also attribute to special attention on anti-inflammatory foods.
Once I started really paying attention to what ingredients made me feel good and which made me want to curl up in the fetal position (I'm looking at you cheesy artichoke dip), the rest was just up to a well-stocked fridge and some smart decisions.
With that, I thought I'd start the year with a collection of healthy, whole food recipes. Breakfast sets the tone for the day. I like a balance of ingredients to get me moving, but also want it to taste good and not take hours to prepare so here are lots of ideas to get your day started on the right foot.
Healthy Whole Food Breakfasts
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Quinoa isn't just for lunch and dinner. Get your day going by hitting all the food groups in one bowl, complete with egg on top.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
When I have a busy week ahead, I make several bowls of these overnight oats on Sunday so I can eat them the rest of the week by simply pulling them from the fridge and inserting a spoon.
Rainbow Chard Ginger Fruit Smoothie
There's no better way to ensure you're getting enough greens in your diet than to blend them into your morning smoothie. Ginger helps with digestion and fruit does wonders inside and out, and of course just takes good!
Asparagus and Goat Cheese Frittata
I love the ease with which a frittata comes together. There's no turning and flipping. You just warm your favorite seasonal ingredients in a pan with some eggs and then throw it in the oven for all over browning.
Sweet Potato Celeriac Hash Browns
You know what would taste really good with that frittata above? These sweet potato hash browns. Celery root adds a nice sweetness.
Healthy Banana Cookies
Cookies for breakfast? With these ingredients, I say yes. These healthy bites are great when you're on the go and will help you from reaching for one of those naughty scones at Starbucks.
Granola Cups with Banana Cream (Gluten Free, Vegan)
These granola cups are fancy enough to serve to company, but easy enough to prep in advance and eat for breakfast all week long.
Healthy Cacao Banana Blueberry Smoothie
Not only can you have cookies for breakfast, I say you can have chocolate as well, or at least cacao. Raw cacao is loaded with antioxidants and minerals and a great addition to your morning smoothie.
Gluten Free Cauliflower Pancake
Get more vegetables in your life by including cauliflower in your pancakes - your kids will never notice, but everyone will reap the rewards.
Chia Seed Pudding
Chia Seed Pudding is another great healthy whole food breakfast idea to have at the ready. Make a big batch on the weekend, and then pluck from the fridge with some nuts and berries, and you're good to go.
Paleo Cashew Vanilla Energy Bites
No fuss energy bites can be made ahead of time and enjoyed all week long for a power protein bite to keep you going.
Fresh Fig Power Smoothie
Figs are a great source of potassium, calcium, and fiber. Combined with strawberries, bananas and chia seeds, this drink is a great way to start your day.
Eggs in Sweet Potato Apple Nests
When you want to impress your overnight guests with a beautiful brunch, try making these sweet potato nests with a pretty egg baked right inside.
Zesty Avocado-Lime Deviled Eggs
These are a great pre and post-workout pick-me-up, packed with protein and healthy fat to quickly restore your muscles after hitting the gym.
Gluten Free Banana Peanut Butter Pancakes
Breakfast doesn't get much easier than mixing together some banana and eggs for these gluten free and tasty pancakes.
Artichoke with Poached Egg and Tomato Salsa
I got to prance through the fields of an artichoke farm, which was almost as much fun as pulling together this more upscale breakfast dish with a steamed artichoke and poached egg.
Almond Butter
Make your own almond butter with a few simple ingredients. All of these ingredients are also pronounceable. Throw it in a smoothie or dip celery or other vegetables in it for a great breakfast or power snack.
Blueberry Oat Bars
Blueberries are full of great antioxidants, not to mention great taste. Combine them into these healthy bars for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Morning Millet Porridge
Millet makes a great gluten free porridge to have in the morning to start your day. I like topping mine with berries and nuts.