With the start of a new year, brings resolutions. It brings a conscious decision to make a change, to do something more, or to eliminate something from a daily routine. As we have always been told, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Especially for those leading a busy lifestyle, starting off the day on the right foot with breakfast is essential. But for many, those grab and go breakfast alternatives, the quick coffee and pastry picked up on the way to the office, do not fit the mold of eating a healthier diet.
Healthy baked goods is not a term heard often. The typical baker focuses on moist cakes with plenty of sugar in the icing or a flaky pastry crust with butter folded in. Rarely does the idea of healthy, nutritious baked goods cross our mind, but it can be done.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a few new breakfast ideas, we have just the thing for you. The following recipes have been developed to offer a delicious grab-and-go breakfast option, packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients, but still incredibly satisfying. A Sunday afternoon prepping one of these options will serve you for the whole week.
Giant Granola Breakfast Cookies
These giant cookies are egg-free and made with whole wheat flour. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and wrap them individually for a hearty breakfast cookie that will stick with you all morning.
Makes 6
10 G Protein, 9 G Fiber, 390 Calories
Ingredients
- ¼ C Butter, softened
- ¼ C Brown Sugar
- ¼ C Honey
- ¼ C Unsweetened Applesauce
- 2 C Whole Wheat Flour
- ½ Tsp Baking Powder
- ½ Tsp Baking Soda
- 1 C Granola, any flavor
- 4 Tbsp Flax Seeds
- ¼ C Craisins, if desired
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F. Beat the butter, brown sugar, honey, and applesauce until combined. Mix together whole wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add the flour mixture to the liquid mixture until a soft dough begins to form. Mix in granola and flax seeds and Craisins, if desired. Form 6 large balls of dough. Flatten on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges begin to golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a soft cookie.
Honey Banana Flax Muffins
These simple muffins are a great grab-and-go option for the morning riser who needs something a little bit sweeter. Grab two of these low calorie, high fiber treats as you jet out the door.
Makes 18
3 G Protein, 3 G Fiber, 135 Calories
Ingredients
- ½ C Brown Sugar
- ¼ C Honey
- ¼ C Canola Oil
- 2 Eggs
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ C Whole Wheat Flour
- 1 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon
- 5 Tbsp Flax Seeds
- ½ C Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F. Beat together brown sugar, honey, canola oil, and eggs. Mix in mashed bananas. In a separate bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gradually add the flour mixture to the liquid mixture. Mix until a batter begins to form. Mix in flax seeds and shredded coconut. Scoop 1/3 C of batter into lined muffin tins. Top with slivered almonds, if desired. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.
Quick-Bake Energy Bites
These can serve you for breakfast or any snack in between. Pack up a few in a plastic bag and snack on them throughout the morning.
Makes 24
3 G Protein, 2 G Fiber, 90 Calories
Ingredients
- 2/3 C Slivered Almonds
- 1 C Oats
- 3 Tbsp Flax Seeds
- 1/3 C Honey
- ¼ C Natural Peanut Butter
- 1 Tbsp Almond Milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8X8 square baking pan. Pour in almonds, oats, and flax seeds. In a small pot, melt the honey and peanut butter on low heat. Add in almond milk and stir. Once melted, pour the liquid mixture over the dry mixture in the square baking pan and mix well until completely combined. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and place in freezer for 10 minutes. Once cooled, form tablespoon sized balls with the mixture. Squeeze the mixture together to compact and roll into a ball. Once formed, energy bites are ready to eat, or place in the fridge over night for better hold.
*Originally published in Ellensburg Daily Record’s Kittitas Living Magazine
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