Easy and healthy summer breakfast ideas

When I got home for the summer, I was overjoyed to be back in my house with my kitchen and full-size fridge. I’m not a big chef by any means, but I strongly prefer making my own meals instead of going to the Berkeley dining hall. This happiness at having a kitchen again made me excited to try out new recipes that are healthy but high in protein and filling. Below are a few of the breakfast recipes I have been making over and over again this summer.

Omelet

Ingredients: eggs, bell peppers, mushrooms, baby spinach, turkey slices

The great thing about an omelet is that you can customize it to exactly what you want. For example, I sometimes add tomatoes, or sausage instead of turkey. Also, on days that I want a little more protein, I will make it with only egg whites so that I can add more eggs without making it too filling.

Yogurt with granola and toppings

Ingredients: Greek yogurt, granola, berries, honey, cinnamon

Greek yogurt is high in protein while still delicious (in my opinion, the Fage brand is the best one out there), and pairs nicely with any berries or fruit of your choosing. I usually opt for my favorites — raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. However, I often add strawberries or bananas as well. I top it off with Nature’s Path granola in the pumpkin seed and flax flavor for some sweet crunchiness. Then, I usually add cinnamon or honey, if I want some extra sweetness.

Smoothie

Ingredients: oat milk, Greek yogurt, frozen berries, vanilla extract

A high protein smoothie is great if you’re on the go, or if you don’t feel like sitting down to eat your breakfast. I love the nuttiness that oat milk adds, but I’m very particular about the brand. Oatly is the only oat milk I’ll use in my coffee, smoothies or in any other recipe. Trust me — try it and you’ll understand. Something I will compromise on are the frozen berries, as they can be any variety, including other frozen fruits if you’d like. However, I particularly like the fruits and greens smoothie blend from Trader Joe’s, which includes blueberries, bananas, strawberries, dragon fruit, spinach and kale. Don’t worry about tasting the vegetables — the berries and oat milk completely mask it. Lastly, top your smoothie with some vanilla extract for a final hint of sweetness — I swear by the Trader Joe’s Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract.

Acai bowl

Ingredients: oat milk, Greek yogurt, acai, frozen berries, ice, granola, berries

This one is essentially the same as the smoothie, but with a slightly more frozen consistency from the ice. The toppings are what set it apart. Add some granola and fresh berries, and then you can experiment with all kinds of toppings. I love adding honey for sweetness or peanut butter for a more savory take. Coconut flakes are also delicious. The possibilities are endless!

I have loved rotating through these breakfast recipes this summer, and I hope you’ll try them out! I find that because of the customization and variety that these options offer, I never feel like I’m constantly eating the same thing. We at the Clog wish you many more happy and delicious summer mornings!