You know that old saying “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”? Well, when you're frantic at 7 am, attempting (most likely in vain) to get out the door before morning traffic, the nutritious meal you may have planned tends to fall to the wayside.
Luckily, there’s always a solution: just eat your breakfast in the office!
Conquer the morning rush for good. Here are 16 quick and convenient breakfast ideas for the office to ensure you’re fueled and ready to tackle your day no matter your agenda.
16 Easy, Healthy, and Office-Friendly Breakfast Ideas
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a breakfast staple for many reasons: it’s packed with nutrients like healthy carbs and fiber, it’s customizable for both sweet and savory palates, and (perhaps most importantly for the busy type) it’s really easy to make as long as you have access to hot water or a microwave. Buy a variety pack of oatmeal cups in fun flavors so you can have a warm bowl of goodness in no time, or combine them with water or milk the night before for delicious overnight oats.
Fruit bowl
Nothing says “healthy” like a good serving of phytonutrient-packed fruits! You can always grab an apple or a banana to eat while you’re on the go, but if you want a little more variety in your morning, try slicing up an assortment of your favorites and packing them up to enjoy while you’re powering on your computer and starting your workday. If you want to add some protein and healthy fats to round it out, add a dollop of your favorite nut butter for dipping.
Parfaits
Parfaits are an excellent office breakfast option because they’re tasty, well-balanced, and super-customizable. Just add your favorite yogurt, fruits, and granola into a commuter-friendly container and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. You can even prep them the night before if you’re especially short on time in the mornings. Pro tip: choose Greek yogurt for a protein-fueled morning
Oat muffins
If you’re down for a little baking project to satisfy that sweet tooth, make a batch of healthy muffins! Skip the prepackaged, sugary options at the grocery store and make your own with a basic recipe of oats, eggs (or egg substitutes), baking powder, and a milk of your choice. You’ll be able to prep a whole tray of healthy muffins that you can enjoy all week long! As an added bonus, you can also customize your muffins with all the tasty ingredients you love most, like dried fruit, nuts, sesame seeds, etc.
Breakfast sandwiches
The beauty of a good breakfast sandwich is that it can be easily tailored to match your health goals and taste preferences, while still being easy to transport and eat while you’re on the go. Grab your bread of choice (whole wheat bagels, English muffins, and biscuits are great options) and toss in some scrambled egg, avocado, sausage patty, or whatever your heart desires.
Cereal
It’s tough to beat the most classic breakfast option for busy mornings: a good bowl of cereal! Divvy up your favorite cereal into individual portions the night before so it’s easy to grab and go the next morning.
Smoothies
Homemade smoothies are a quick, easy, and uber-convenient breakfast that you can drink even when you’re on the move. Simply throw your favorite fruits into a blender, add the milk or yogurt of your choice, blend, and enjoy a full, sippable breakfast at any time
Acai bowl
Take your smoothie one step further by turning it into a luxurious,nutrition-packed smoothie bowl! Pour your smoothie base into your Tupperware and add in some nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, and granola for an antioxidant-rich breakfast that’ll keep you going all morning long.
Energy bites
Another oatmeal mention! If you often find yourself grabbing an energy bar for convenience’s sake in the morning, consider making your own instead so you have more control over the ingredients. All you’ll need is your favorite Yishi oatmeal and a nut butter to hold it together. Mix them up, pop it in the fridge to set, and enjoy a no-bake treat for your busiest mornings.
Chia pudding
Chia pudding, loaded with fiber and protein, is another wonderful option for a workday breakfast. Because it’s so easy to make ahead of time, it will save you plenty of precious minutes during your morning rush. Add a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds into a mason jar, fill with your milk of choice, and top it with your favorite fruits and sweeteners for flavor. Let those chia seeds soak during your commute or overnight and you’ll have a nutritious breakfast with staying power for your busiest mornings.
Breakfast burritos
When you’re in the mood for something savory, filling, and (if you like) a bit spicy, nothing fits the bill quite like a homemade breakfast burrito. Load it up with healthy staples like eggs, potatoes, salsa, and your favorite hot sauce for a breakfast that’ll really hit the spot. Because burrito-making can get somewhat messy, we recommend making a big batch of burritos and freezing them – the frozen burritos are incredibly easy to pop in the microwave before work.
Avocado toast
For a breakfast that always feels like a treat, whip up some avocado toast! It’s a bit bougie, uber-delicious, and the perfect way to start your day off on the right foot. Best part? It’s super easy, even if you’re short on time. Just toast some bread before leaving the house, grab a knife (and maybe a lemon for a tart twist), and slice up your avocado at work.
Granola bowl
Another on-the-go staple for breakfast is some hearty granola. Make a bowl with some yogurt, milk, or fresh fruit if you have time, or you can simply eat it as is, trail-mix style. If you’re feeling really ambitious, take the homemade granola route with rolled oats to cut back on the added sugar you might find in a store-bought brand.
Frittatas
For another savory take on meal prep, consider baking a frittata and freezing it for busy mornings. Just whisk together a few eggs, mix in your favorite veggies, cheese, and other savory favorites, then bake in a casserole dish before portioning it out. Once frozen, they’ll take about a minute to microwave, ensuring a hot and healthy breakfast for the day. To make it even easier on yourself, you can pour your frittata mixture into muffin tins instead of a casserole dish for individual egg bites.
Microwaved scrambled eggs
Sometimes you may experience the undeniable craving that only scrambled eggs can satisfy – but at the same time, you may not have enough time to whip out the frying pan. Luckily, you can make this dish at the office as long as you have some key ingredients and a microwave! Add eggs, butter, and milk into a microwave-safe bowl, whip them up with a fork, then microwave for a minute and a half, pausing halfway in between to stir.
Protein coffee shake
When all else fails, make your morning cup of joe work a little harder for you! Add a scoop of protein powder to your iced coffee for a convenient, filling breakfast that’ll help you hold out until lunchtime.
Too many of us fall into the habit of skipping breakfast or choosing overly-processed convenient breakfasts on our busy work mornings, but this can leave you feeling drained and improperly nourished. The next time you’re short on time, try out one of these healthy office breakfasts instead – your brain and your body will thank you!