Healthy Breakfast Swaps You Can Make Right Now For More Energy Later

Starting your day off right with a nutritious breakfast is a surefire way to promote healthy eating and productivity for the rest of the day.

With that said, you don’t have to completely change what you eat in the morning to make healthier choices.

Just a few simple changes can have a huge impact on the way you look and feel for the rest of the day.

Before you start your next big diet, here are a few easy healthy swaps you can make for an energy-packed breakfast every morning:

1. Swap cereal for oatmeal: If you love the convenience of eating a bowl of cereal when you’re on the go, then look no further than oatmeal. Packed with soluble fiber and healthy carbs, oatmeal can help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you feeling full in a way that even the healthiest looking cereals just can’t match. If you need something a little sweeter or crunchier, try adding a small handful of fruit or nuts to your oatmeal!
2. Swap a bagel with cream cheese for peanut butter: Grabbing a bagel on your way out the door is perfect for busy commuters. But, seriously, skip the cream cheese! Although cream cheese has more protein than, say, butter, it offers very little nutritional value—plus it’s loaded with saturated fat. Instead, spread a little protein-packed peanut butter on your morning bagel. All-natural peanut butter is delicious and nutritious!

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3. Swap fruit-flavored yogurt for plain yogurt with fruit: It’s no secret that the “strawberry” in your strawberry-flavored yogurt isn’t exactly made with 100% real fruit. So, why eat all that extra sugar when you can have the real thing instead? Next time you’re craving yogurt for breakfast, opt for some low-fat plain yogurt and top it with real fruit. Your breakfast will taste fresher and healthier!
4. Swap orange juice for an actual orange: No matter which brand you buy, almost every kind of orange juice is stripped of most of its nutritional value when made. On top of that, almost every brand packs its orange juice with added sugars. Forget that unhealthy juice and eat an actually orange instead. Loaded with fiber and essential vitamins, you can’t go wrong with an orange for breakfast!

Do you have any other healthy swaps to add to the list? Tell us in the comments!

Photo Copyright © 2012 Jessie Jacobson/Flickr