We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast kick starts your metabolism, provides you with energy for the day, and helps regulate your appetite. In order to maximize the benefits of breakfast, getting in extra protein during the morning is a great idea.
Finding ways to incorporate more protein during breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Here is a list of 8 ways you can sneak in extra protein to your morning meal:
- Add protein powder
Protein powder is one of the most simple and easy ways to sneak in your protein because 1 serving of protein powder typically contains around 20g of protein. Mix in a scoop of protein powder to your oatmeal, smoothies, and yogurt. Additionally, you can mix protein powder with milk and pour it on top of your morning cereal, or make a protein shake using coffee. You can find some of my dietitian-approved staples here.
- Elevate your smoothies
Smoothies are a great vessel for sneaking in protein. You can create many different flavor combinations depending on the ingredients you have on hand. Try adding in nut butters, protein powder, greek yogurt, and seeds. This is also a great way to make your smoothie more creamy.
- Mix in nuts and seeds
Sprinkle nuts and seeds into your oatmeal and yogurt for a great crunch or spread nut butter on your toast for added creaminess. Chia seeds are a great source of protein and fiber. Pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sliced almonds, and nut butters are also great options.
- Try out nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that not only contains all nine essential amino acids but also is a great source of protein. It has a cheesy flavor that can be a great addition to your morning scrambled eggs. Just 2 tbsp of nutritional yeast adds 6 grams of protein!
- Experiment with cottage cheese
Cottage cheese provides 14 grams of protein in just half a cup and is super versatile. You can eat it plain with fruit or try adding it to your scrambled eggs to make them more fluffy. Another great option is adding cottage cheese to toast and drizzling it with honey.
- Mix up the way you cook your eggs
If you’re sick of eating eggs the same way, try switching things up. You can eat eggs hard boiled for a perfect on-the-go option, or meal prep egg muffins for your week. Additionally, you can add liquid egg whites to your oatmeal to add in protein without changing the flavor of your oats.
- Try out smoked salmon
Smoked salmon is a great protein source and also packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Try adding it on top of your avocado toast or pairing it with eggs. If you love eating savory breakfasts, this is a great way to spice things up!
- Try out protein waffles/pancakes
If you’re looking for simple and convenient breakfast options, frozen waffles like Kodiak Cakes and Vans Power Waffles are a game changer. Two Kodiak waffles contain 12 grams of protein and you can even add nut butter and seeds on top for an extra boost.
Incorporating more protein into your breakfast is the perfect way to boost your metabolism and regulate your appetite throughout the day. Plus, you’ll feel so much more energized! For specific breakfast recipes, you can find some great options on our website here.
Hi lady! I’m a registered dietitian and metabolism expert with over 7 years experience helping women fix their metabolism, feel more confident in their body, and feel better than ever. I’ve worked with 100s of women to help them to make reaching their nutrition goals doable and simple using my unique 3-phased approach that focuses on mindset, mindfulness, and metabolism.
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Article written by Ava Stover, nutrition intern. Fat checked by Allison Tallman RD.