A balanced breakfast is a great starting point to kickstart weight loss. It is important to include adequate protein at breakfast to help balance your blood sugar, boost your metabolism and ensure you are getting enough protein in your diet. Here are our top 5 breakfast recipes for adequate nutrition and weight loss to start your day off on the right foot!

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Toasted Coconut Chia Pudding

Recipe makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond (or oat milk)
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp hemp hearts
• 2 tbsp berries (strawberries, raspberries or blueberries)
• 1 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes (toasted)

Directions:

1. Combine the nut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir until combined. Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
2. Remove from fridge, top with hemp hearts, berries and coconut. Enjoy!

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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Recipe makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup steel cut oats
• 1 apple (cubed)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp hemp hearts
• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional sweetener)

Directions:

1. In a small pot, boil water and add oats. Simmer for 15 minutes or until partially cooked.
2. Add apples and cinnamon and simmer for 8-10 minutes longer.
3. Remove from stove, put into a bowl, add sweetener and sprinkle with hemp hearts. Enjoy!

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Blueberry Crunch Yogurt Parfait

Recipe makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup organic frozen wild blueberries
• 1/4 cup SmartBran cereal (or other high fibre cereal)
• 1 tbsp natural almond butter
• Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Add yogurt to a bowl and top with frozen wild blueberries.
2. Top with crunchy cereal, almond butter and cinnamon. Enjoy!

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Banana Protein Pancakes

Recipe makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 banana (mashed)
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1-2 tsp coconut oil

Directions:

1. Add coconut oil to a medium pan over medium heat.
2. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour batter into pan to form 4 small-medium pancakes.
4. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Remove from pan, transfer to a plate and enjoy!

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Vegetable Egg Bake

Recipe makes 3 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup mushrooms (thinly sliced)
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat’s feta cheese
• Sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 8 to 10 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add garlic, broccoli and mushrooms to skillet and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, until broccoli softens slightly (it does not need to be fully cooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven). 
3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, cheese and salt to taste. Stir in the sautéed vegetables, then pour mixture into an oiled pie plate. 
4. Bake for 30 to 35 mintues, until browned around the edges and cooked through. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Anytime egg bakes can be frozen and popped into the microwave at a later date for quick breakfast options.

Did you like these breakfast recipes to make your mornings even easier? Check out my article on the importance of a morning routine here.