Breakfast is often referred to as “the most important meal of the day,” especially if you’re looking to lose weight and maintain steady energy levels. Studies correlate that those who eat breakfast eat fewer calories throughout the day. What’s the best breakfast to eat? Aim to consume protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. The right combination of nutrients can help you feel full longer, curb cravings, and keep you from crashing mid-morning. Here are some guidelines, our favorite healthy breakfasts, and some suggestions on how to grab a good breakfast even on your busiest mornings.
1. Rethink That Morning Caffeine
Many of us rely on a cup of coffee or strong tea to jump-start our mornings. However, drinking caffeine first thing—especially on an empty stomach—can lead to brain fog and energy crashes soon after. Caffeine may initially provide a boost, but it also stimulates a quick release of adrenaline and cortisol, potentially causing jitteriness, irritability, and a sudden energy dip a few hours later.
Instead:
- Wait until after breakfast to have your coffee or tea.
- If you still need a warm beverage first thing, try decaffeinated coffee or tea.
2. Prioritize Protein
Having protein first thing in the morning helps stabilize your blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling satisfied. It also prevents overeating and cravings later. Protein takes longer to digest than simple carbohydrates, which reduces the likelihood of a rapid spike—and subsequent crash—in energy.
Good Protein Options:
- Eggs (scrambled, poached, or boiled)
- Greek yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese
- Lean turkey or chicken sausage
- Protein shakes (low in sugar)
- Tofu scramble (for a plant-based alternative)
Aim to include 15–20 grams of protein in your breakfast. This can be as simple as two eggs paired with a slice of lean meat or half a cup of cottage cheese.
3. Choose Carbs Wisely
Carbohydrates that quickly metabolize into sugar—such as white bread, sugary cereals, and pastries—are a leading culprit behind mid-morning crashes. They cause your blood sugar to spike, giving you a burst of energy, but then plummet soon after, leaving you tired and hungry.
Instead:
- Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, oats, or sprouted grain bread.
- Look for low-sugar, high-fiber cereals or old-fashioned oats you can dress up with berries and nuts.
- Add vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes) into an omelet or scrambled eggs, giving you vitamins, minerals, and fiber while keeping the meal balanced.
4. Save Fruit for After the Meal
Fruit is a fantastic source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, but it can also contain a fair amount of natural sugar (fructose). While these sugars are healthier than refined sugars, they can still cause a spike in blood glucose when consumed on an empty stomach or alongside other high-sugar foods.
Tip:
- Enjoy fruit after your main meal. This can help spread out your sugar intake, reducing the likelihood of a blood sugar spike.
- Focus on whole fruits rather than fruit juices to benefit from their natural fiber and avoid concentrated sugars.
5. Incorporate Healthy Fats
Including healthy fats in your breakfast helps you stay full and nourishes your brain. Fats also slow digestion slightly, which prevents the rapid spike in blood sugar that leads to crashes.
Sources of Healthy Fats:
- Avocado on whole grain toast or in an omelet
- Nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
- Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter) without added sugars or hydrogenated oils
- Olive oil or coconut oil for cooking eggs or vegetables
A Convenient Meal Replacement: The Hollywood Cookie Diet®
For busy mornings or when you need a simple way to manage calories, consider The Hollywood Cookie Diet® [1]. Each cookie is individually wrapped and formulated with protein and fiber to help curb hunger; by replacing breakfast (and potentially lunch) with one or two of these cookies, you can better control portion sizes and avoid the sugary foods that often lead to crashes.
[1]
Sample Breakfast Ideas
1) Veggie Omelet with Avocado
- Two eggs or egg whites, spinach, mushrooms, onions, and a side of avocado slices
- Wait until after your meal to have a piece of low-glycemic fruit like berries
2) Greek Yogurt Parfait
- Plain Greek yogurt topped with a small handful of nuts or seeds
- Add fresh fruit like sliced strawberries after you’ve had some protein and healthy fats
- Drizzle with a bit of honey if needed
3) Whole Grain Toast with Nut Butter & Eggs
- One slice of sprouted grain bread, spread with almond butter
- Pair it with a boiled or poached egg for additional protein
- Enjoy fruit on the side or afterward
4) Tofu Scramble with Veggies (Plant-Based Option)
- Sauté tofu with spinach, bell peppers, onions, and a pinch of turmeric
- Serve with avocado or a sprinkle of nuts for healthy fats
- Have a small piece of fruit afterward
5) Seed Cereal
Our favorite do-it-yourself cereal combines several powerhouse foods into one crunchy bowl of goodness. Mix equal parts chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds and top with almond milk. Add dried fruit or nuts for a treat.
6) The Hollywood Cookie Diet®
- When you’re pressed for time, enjoy a Hollywood Cookie Diet® cookie for breakfast.
- Pair with a second cookie or a protein source mid-morning if you need additional energy, then continue the rest of your day with a balanced diet.
A well-balanced breakfast that includes protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense foods can help you lose weight, keep cravings at bay, and avoid the dreaded mid-morning crash. By making a few strategic choices—like delaying caffeine, prioritizing protein, and timing your fruit intake—you’ll set yourself up for sustained energy and success throughout the day.