Part two of my summer series (under the umbrella of fitness): breakfast recipes. Breakfast can often times be an easy opportunity to put our health aside to indulge in delicious pastries, pancakes, cinnamon rolls, buttery and flaky croissants, sugar-loaded cereal, granola bars, or thick bagels and cream cheese. Because the society we live in is a fast-paced and steadily moving one, it can sometimes be difficult to prepare easy, quick, and healthy breakfast meals that fill us up, while still satisfying our morning sweet tooth. Breakfast is an important meal for a multitude of reasons. Not only does this early meal provide nutrients and fuel to kick start our day, but it also gives us lasting energy throughout the morning and into the afternoon, brain power, and muscle function. Contrary to popular belief, eating a balanced and appropriate breakfast meal is not as bland as the average oatmeal package used to be. To help you attain your health and fitness goals, begin your day on the right foot, and add some pep into your morning step, here are 15 breakfast recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds, while still sticking to your time constraints. And always remember, healthy is the new skinny- it is all about being comfy with the skin you are in! I am simply here to help you accomplish just that. Bon appetit and happy cooking!

1. Scrambled eggs and spinach.

Sick of the same old plate of goopy scrambled eggs? Try cooking your eggs a little bit browner and adding a dose of spinach on top. The spinach adds some great color, nutrients, and vitamins, along with a new texture and fun taste.

2. Overnight oats.

In a morning scramble? (Pun intended.) Put your choice of whole rolled oats, almond milk, fruit, cinnamon, your choice of protein power (optional), and agave/honey into a mason jar and then place it into your fridge. The next morning you will have a jar of yummy oats and can top your masterpiece with a dollop of your choice of yogurt, peanut/almond butter, or fruit. My favorite is vanilla protein overnight oats with apples, peanut/almond butter, and cinnamon.

3. Overnight chia seed pudding.

Still in a rush but not a fan of oats? Try adding chia seeds, almond milk, fruit, cinnamon, your choice of protein powder (optional), and agave/honey into a mason jar and then place it into your fridge. The next morning you will have a pudding jar straight from Jell-O. My favorite is chocolate protein chia seed pudding with dark chocolate chips, bananas, and peanutalmond butter.

4. Two (or three) ingredient pancakes.

If you have some time in the morning and want to make a sunrise treat you don’t have to feel guilty about, mix together two eggs and a ripe banana (and your choice of protein powder, if desired) into a bowl and then place the mix onto a hot griddle for pancakes. Feel free to top your hot cakes with agave, honey, cinnamon, fruit, or peanut/almond butter. My favorite is chocolate protein pancakes with bananas and peanut/almond butter on top.

5. Energy bites.

If you are looking for a quick to grab and easy to eat meal on the way to the gym, school, or work, energy bites are your go-to. In a large bowl, mix ripe bananas, your choice of whole rolled oats, agave/honey, peanut/almond butter, dark chocolate chips, and your choice of protein powder (if desired). Roll the mixture into balls and bake at 350 degrees for 7-12 minutes.

6. Energy bites 2.0.

For an alternative energy bite, mix pitted dates, agave/honey, chia seeds, hemp seeds, crushed nuts of your choice, dark chocolate chips, peanut/almond butter, cinnamon, protein powder (if desired), and your choice of whole rolled oats into a bowl. Roll into balls and bake the mixture for 7-12 minutes.

7. Protein oatmeal of champions.

If you’re like me and are easily bored with the same old same old oatmeal, try a peanut/almond butter chocolate banana protein oatmeal. Into a microwave safe bowl, add your choice of whole rolled oats, chocolate protein powder, and water. Microwave the substance for your desired amount of time and then top the protein oatmeal with peanut/almond butter, crushed nuts, and a banana.

8. Protein smoothie.

Smoothies are an excellent opportunity to add veggies into your daily dose of health foods, but if you crave chocolately goodness in the morning, try a chocolate protein shake. Add almond milk, ice, chocolate protein powder, and other optional add-ins (such as a banana and peanut/almond butter) into your blender and mix until smooth.

9. Protein coffee smoothie.

Blend coffee, your choice of protein powder, a banana, and almond milk (or creamer) until smooth.

10. Upgraded parfait.

To upgrade the average fruit and yogurt parfait, try mixing up your yogurt flavors, topping your parfait with peanut/almond butter, honey, and nuts, or making a protein “mud pie” parfait by layering your choice of vanilla yogurt, honey, and various pieces of a chocolate protein bar.

11. Acai bowl.

Into a blender, mix almond milk, and acai packet (or some frozen mixed berries), and agave/honey. Once smooth, add a dollop of your choice of yogurt to the bottom of a bowl, an assortment of fruit, your smoothie mixture, and then top with berries, agave/honey, granola, crushed nuts, chia/hemp seeds or peanut/almond butter.

12. Melted protein bar sundae.

Although this may seem a bit odd, microwave your favorite protein bar for 15-30 seconds and then top with peanut/almond butter and a sliced banana. Easy peasy lemon squeezy, yet delicious and filling.

13. Banana burrito/sushi.

Take a soft tortilla of your choice, spread peanut/almond butter and honey on it, and roll a banana into the corn platform (burrito). Cut into slices and enjoy your own little banana sushi rolls.

14. Egg and spinach burrito.

Scramble some eggs, heat your choice of a tortilla, and roll the eggs and spinach up into the tortilla.

15. Toast 2.0.

Toast your choice of bread and top with peanut/almond butter, crushed nuts, banana slices, chia/hemp seeds, and agave/honey.