Healthy Breakfast Recipes for Summer
Breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day, but I often find it hard to eat healthy if I don’t have good “go-to breakfast” recipes. I enjoy cereal, but quite frankly, the nutritional aspect of it is not very good. However, with each of these three recipes, I stay full longer and I am energized throughout the day. They also taste great, while still being great for you.
Summer Whole Wheat Waffles with Sliced Strawberries and Cherry Syrup
I always make waffles in the summer because they are light and easy to make. Generally, waffles aren’t healthy for you, but this whole-wheat waffle recipe of my dad’s is a healthy version of the treat we all love to have in the morning. I usually eat these waffles with some of this homemade cherry syrup or peanut butter syrup. Or, if you are just craving a waffle with strawberries, this recipe is the perfect treat for you.
Ingredients:
Waffles:
3 egg whites
2 cups whole-wheat all-purpose flour
2 cups of low-fat buttermilk
1 tablespoon of sugar (OR for healthier option use 2 tablespoons of honey)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup nuts (I like sliced almonds and pecans)
2 cups of sliced strawberries
Cherry Sauce:
2 bags (8-10 ounces each) frozen, pitted cherries
¼ cup honey
2/3 cup water
3 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cherry sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook over the heat for a few minutes, or until thickened.
Peanut Butter Syrup (All Natural)
1 cup all natural organic honey
½ cup all natural peanut butter (I usually use the peanut butter machine from whole foods for mine)
For the peanut butter syrup: In a small bowl, mix honey and peanut butter. Microwave 40-60 seconds, or until warm.
Directions for Waffles:
- Heat the waffle iron and spray with pam.
- Combine the egg whites until foamy. Beat in the remaining waffle ingredients until smooth.
- Pour about ¾ cup of batter onto the waffle iron. Bake for about 5 minutes.
- Slice up the strawberries and set aside.
- Serve the waffles with the strawberries and cherry syrup (or peanut butter syrup) on the top.
Serves: 12
Summer Banana, Strawberry, Blueberry Parfait:
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Summer is the perfect time for cold fruit and yogurt. With the heat rising, this breakfast treat will cool you off in a heartbeat. I absolutely love parfaits, but most of the time they are pretty unhealthy. The granola is often times loaded with sugar and the yogurt used contains tons of sugar and fat. But, this decadent summer parfait has almost no fat and is easy to make.
Ingredients:
1 small banana, sliced
8 ounces of non-fat Greek vanilla yogurt (or whatever type of yogurt you want)
½ cup sliced strawberries
½ cup blueberries
½ cup low-fat granola
¼ cup sliced almonds
Honey for garnish
Directions:
- In an ice cream dish (or bowl), place the banana slices at the bottom.
- Place the yogurt on top of the bananas.
- Sprinkle half the strawberries and blueberries on top of the yogurt.
- Sprinkle half the granola and then half the nuts on top of the strawberries and blueberries. Add another layer of fruit and finish off with another layer of granola and nuts. Drizzle the top with honey for garnish. Serve when yogurt is still cold.
Serves: 2
Summer Veggie Frittata:
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Frittatas are essentially baked eggs and are a little bit lighter than omelets. This frittata is healthy and contains vegetables that are in season. You can’t go wrong with eggs in the morning, but the added veggies make this recipe even more appealing. Try out this easy summer frittata for yourself.
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup of diced zucchini
1 cup red pepper
½ cup chopped yellow onion
¼ cup chopped green onion
1 tablespoon oregano
1/8 cup fresh basil
¼ tsp salt
8 eggs
¾ cup feta cheese
Directions:
- Heat half of the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini, red pepper, green onion, and onion to skillet. Cover and cook until the zucchini and pepper are tender.
- Add the oregano, basil, and salt. Cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
- Whisk the eggs together and turn on broiler to medium.
- Combine the egg mixture, cheese and the zucchini mixture together.
- Transfer back into the sauté pan, with the other half of the oil, and cook until the bottom is golden, for about 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the top is golden. Serve when warm.
I hope some of these summer breakfast recipes can serve as a healthy option for you. Eating healthy is as easy as you want it to be, and with these recipes you can get your nutrients while still having a great meal.