Do you find yourself so busy in the morning that you don’t have the time to make breakfast for yourself and just grab anything you can find? Or maybe you skip it altogether and then later in the morning, you find yourself craving something (unhealthy) so badly? Could it be that you run out of ideas for healthy breakfasts and just don’t bother with it? Then, how about some simple breakfast ideas for busy mums like you?

You’re going to say, “I’m so busy and sleepy in the morning, Wendy. I don’t think anything’s going to work for me!” But, you’re wrong. Because it’s only a little shift in how you look at things that is going to make all the difference.

If you’ve read my blog How to create healthy habits that stick!, you know you can apply the same principle to your breakfasts. Be prepared ahead, and that would, in this case, be making a plan for your week. You can use my free meal planner to do that. Then every evening, just before you wrap it up, you can have a quick look at the next day’s plan, and even lay some of the ingredients out on the kitchen counter, or maybe the kitchenware even. This will give you a nice head start in the morning.

Important reminder ahead:

Remember that by changing your breakfast habit, you actually change a third of your diet! So, it’s definitely worth trying these healthy breakfast ideas and my tactics for making sure you stick to having a nutritious breakfast every morning.

So if you’re the mum who doesn’t give breakfast much attention, here are 6 reasons why you prioritising breakfast could be a great habit to start:

1. Having breakfast improves your energy levels (which means no grabbing calorific snacks, coffee & sugar to keep your energy up).
2. Improves your metabolism (so you activate the thermogenesis process which stimulates your metabolism).
3. A nutritious breakfast (usually includes protein) provides beneficial nutrients, and boosts your fibre and calcium intake.
4. Stabilises your blood sugar levels.
5. Improves memory and concentration.
6. Reduces you chance of over-consuming high kilojoule foods later in the day.

“…researchers believe that as dopamine levels increase, food cravings and the desire to overeat lessen. Those who ate a complete breakfast in the study experienced a decline in cravings for sweet stuff later in the day … and their dopamine levels remained steady well into the lunch hour.” (University of Florida Health)

Now, on to the simple breakfast ideas for busy mums. I’ll start with some smoothie recipes that are very easy and quick to do. What’s more, they are excellent because you can add lots of beneficial ingredients that supply fuel for your body in one serving. This is why I love ‘liquid’ food. Because the same goes for the green shot that I take in the mornings, which allows me to keep all those good gut bacteria in check.

You can also listen to my podcast episode Daily greens for gut health or read my morning routine and gut health blog.

5 simple breakfast ideas for busy mums

1. Smoothies – perhaps the easiest of the simple breakfast ideas for busy mums

Green Power Smoothie

• 2 scoops Arbonne vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup frozen or fresh spinach
• 1/2 frozen or fresh avocado (you can now buy these frozen)
• 1tsp flax seeds
• 250ml of water, unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• A few ice cubes, optional
• 1 tsp Arbonne Greens Balance (optional)
• You could also add some fresh apple or cucumber in (If so, use less liquid above).

Pop all the ingredients in your blender, and after a minute, you’ve got yourself a lovely breakfast that is oh-so nourishing and healthy.

Here are two more smoothie breakfast ideas for you busy mums.

Purple Peter Eater

• 2 scoops Arbonne vanilla protein
• 1⁄2 cup organic frozen mixed berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
• 1tsp flax seeds
• 1tsp coconut oil
• 250ml of water, unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• A few ice cubes, optional

Chocol-Oat

• 2 scoops Arbonne chocolate protein powder
• 1 handful frozen spinach
• 1 scoop gluten free oats
• (use your protein scooper to measure)
• 1 tbs almond butter
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• A few ice cubes, optional
• 1/2tbs cacao nibs, sprinkle on top for some crunch!

Another thing I love to prepare in the mornings is pancakes. Yes, you heard me well, pancakes! The recipe that follows is a staple at our house because it’s easy to whip up in the mornings and it tastes so good that it is very often requested by my kiddo.

2. Protein Pancakes – my fave!

Ingredients (for approximately 3 pancakes)

• 1 scoop Arbonne chocolate or vanilla protein powder
• 1⁄2 tbsp cacao powder
• 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
• 125 ml almond milk
• 1tbsp coconut flour
• 2 eggs

Method & Cooking

Mix all ingredients well, making sure there are no lumps.

Leave to stand for 10 mins – then whisk with fork to add some air to the mix.

Coat a pan with coconut oil and heat.

Ladle mixture into the pan.

Once there are small bubbles in the pancakes, flip over.

Top with coconut yoghurt and some fresh or defrosted frozen berries.

Optional – coconut flakes, cinnamon, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

This next one from the simple breakfast ideas for busy mums needs about 20 minutes setting aside, so I suggest pouring the milk over the seed mix and then going about with your morning routine. That way, when you’re all set, you can dive in.

3. Smoothie Bowl

The base of the smoothie bowl is the heart of the bowl. It should be a thick, velvety and the consistency of soft serve ice cream that you can eat by the spoonful. I love to drink protein shakes because they are quick, easy, filling and delicious—but I also love these smoothie bowls as a more indulgent option.

They only take a few more minutes to make and you’ll feel more satisfied because you’re chewing and not just sipping. Perfect for a day where you need some crunch or need to feel fuller longer.

The base consists of 4 parts:

1. Liquid (plant milk/water). Always start with your liquid to make blending easier. Use about 1/2 cup.
2. Greens – fresh or frozen spinach or kale/Arbonne greens. (I find frozen spinach is the best to blend).
3. Frozen fruit and/or veggies. (Organic is best. Frozen cauliflower or zucchini are great nutrient rich veggies to hide in your bowl without strong flavours.)
4. Protein (Arbonne protein is perfect and also packs a delicious flavour.)

To thicken your Smoothie Bowl Base

Add a healthy fat (avocado/ chia seeds/ nuts/ nut butter);

OR 1/2 frozen banana (potassium rich but higher in sugar).

Topping Options

Chia or flax seeds: These fibre rich seeds add a little crunch, a complete set of amino acids and a LOT of fibre (each tablespoon is 4G fibre.) (Anyone know why you need fibre – aside from the obvious reason of keeping your bowels happy?)

Fibre in your smoothie bowls help you feel fuller longer and stabilize blood sugars— so its a win/win(and a must have when theres fruit in these bowls!) (Pro tip: If you have a heavy fruit bowl you can add Arbonne Gut Health Fibre Boost to help balance your blood sugar.)

Granola: Gluten free is best. Granola creates crunch and make the bowl super satisfying. But watch out for many high sugar store bought versions. Some have up to 30g of sugar so make your own or choose a lower sugar granola from the store.

Fresh Fruit: It satisfies sweet tooth, gives a crunch and packs antioxidants. Plus it adds a colour splash to your bowl.

Nutshell & Seeds: The healthy fats and protein in just a teaspoon of these nuts and seeds will help you stay satisfied longer. So, try sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or a sprinkle of sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

Nut butter: If you’re craving something decadent and creamy opt for almond or cashew butter. You’ll get healthy fats and protein with an even more indulgent taste and texture.

(Pro tip: Place a dollop on your smoothie bowl and/or melt and drizzle over top.)

Coconut: Toss shaved or shredded unsweetened coconut on bowl for more good fats and crunch.

Cacao Chips/Nibs: Nothing cures a chocolate craving except chocolate itself! Sprinkle with a spoonful of dark cacao nibs or chips. They are low in sugar and also a good source of fibre, protein and healthy fats. (Pro tip: If you need an excuse to eat more chocolate – the dark chocolate cacao is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphors, zinc, magnesium and copper. No wonder it’s the cure for PMS!).

Berry Bowl

• 1/2  frozen berries
• 1/2  frozen spinach
• 1/2 oat/almond milk
• 2 scoops Arbonne vanilla protein powder*

Green Smoothie (great if you’re feeling run down or after you’ve indulged too much)

• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 C frozen Spinach
• 1 scoop Arbonne superfood greens
• 1/2 C almond milk
• 2 scoops Arbonne vanilla protein

Talk about simple breakfast ideas for busy mums – you’ll whizz it up in a sec.

4. Gluten-free Granola

This delicious healthy granola recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup (or honey). It’s made with oats, coconut oil and your favorite nuts and fruit. Make it your own! Recipe yields about 8 cups granola, enough for about 16 half-cup servings.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 21 mins
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 8 cups

Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free granola)
• 1 ½ cup raw nuts and/or seeds (I used 1 cup pecans and ½ cup pepitas – from Nutmad activated nuts, my personal favourite brand)
• 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (if you’re using standard table salt, scale back to ¾ teaspoon)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
• ½ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup dried fruit, chopped if large (I used dried cranberries)
• Totally optional additional mix-ins: ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes*

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180C and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to blend.

Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Next, pour the granola onto your prepared pan and use a large spoon to spread it in an even layer.

Bake until lightly golden, about 21 to 24 minutes, stirring halfway (for extra-clumpy granola, press the stirred granola down with your spatula to create a more even layer). The granola will further crisp up as it cools.

Let the granola cool completely, undisturbed (at least 45 minutes). Top with the dried fruit (and optional chocolate chips, if using). Break the granola into pieces with your hands if you want to retain big chunks, or stir it around with a spoon if you don’t want extra-clumpy granola.

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. The dried fruit can freeze solid, so let it warm to room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

5. Avocado Scrambled Eggs

Ingredients

• 1 medium avocado
• A handful of diced spinach leaves
• 2 tomatoes diced
• 6 chopped mushrooms
• 1⁄2 red onion, diced
• 1⁄2 red pepper, diced
• 4 olives sliced
• 1⁄2 chilli chopped (or more if you like heat!)
• 6 organic eggs
• 1/2 tbs coconut oil

Method & Cooking

Sauté the chilli, spinach, onions, mushrooms and peppers in the coconut oil.

Chop the avocado and set aside.

Pour the eggs on top of the vegetables and whisk to form scrambled eggs.

Then, add the olives and season.

Finally, add chopped avocado on top.

I really hope I’ve inspired you with these simple breakfast ideas, and that you will enjoy giving yourself and your family a lot of deliciousness in the mornings.

If you are struggling to find recipes you love, download my free new recipe book that has been created specifically with perimenopause and menopause in mind.

The guide also has a sample meal plan + shopping list to make it simple to get started!

And even if you’re not currently navigating perimenopause and menopause – it will still be helpful to you in supporting your energy, hormone and gut health and generally helping you to thrive with your health and wellbeing

Do make sure you to take a snap of your versions of these simple breakfast ideas for busy mums and tag me on social media @wendygriffith_thrivingmum

*To shop my favourite protein powder and greens balance with Arbonne, go to my shop here

As an Independent Consultant for Arbonne International (consultant ID: 441035483), I love to recommend the products I personally use to my community.  I have been using Arbonne’s range of vegan, no nasties, nutrition, skincare and make up products for over a decade. Arbonne is a B Certified Corporation and adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and ingredient transparency.  For more info on this – click here.