Getting out the door in the morning to run can be difficult enough, so it seems making breakfast is often impossible.
Whether you are a morning runner who needs something in their stomach before a run or a sunrise sweater who enjoys a post-run breakfast, below are seven quick recipes when you are short on time.
They also happen to be perfect for warm weather as all are enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Greek yogurt with fruit
Easiest and quickest way to get a great mix of protein and carbohydrates. This breakfast doesn’t require a recipe – just mix a serving of Greek yogurt with your favorite fruit(s). I love berries in the early part of summer and stone fruit when the mercury is maxed out.
Peanut butter & jelly
Once reserved for school lunches and road trips, the ubiquitous PBJ is decidedly perfect any time of day. For the 21st century version, feel free to swap out the peanut butter for almond butter and the jelly for sliced fruit.
Peachy green smoothie
The whir of the blender is the only caveat to making an early morning smoothie, but hopefully your family members are understanding of your habits.
This smoothie incorporates healthy greens masked by the sweetness of peaches and apples. I like to use fresh peaches when possible in the summer and just toss in a few ice cubes.
Nut butter wrap
This is basically identical to a PBJ, just in wrap form! The beauty of a wrap is that you can get more ornery toppings such as cut up fruit and honey to stay inside easier. I like to spread a thin layer of peanut butter on a whole wheat wrap, toss chunked bananas and berries inside, and drizzle honey over the top.
Muesli
Similar to granola, muesli is chocked full of nutritious goodies such as nuts, dried fruit, and seeds. There are plenty of ready-made options than can be enjoyed just like cereal with milk. Try stirring a bit of fresh fruit in it or using it as a topping for Greek yogurt.
Pina colada cottage cheese
Before everyone went Greek yogurt crazy, there was cottage cheese. Packed with protein and a used as base for toppings, cottage cheese is an easy option for summer breakfasts. Pretend like you are poolside and top it with cubed pineapple and shredded coconut.
Overnight oats
This one does actually require you to have some forethought, but it does not require heat. For everyone who thinks it sounds difficult, check out this “tutorial” from Epicurious which breaks down how incredibly easy it is to make overnight oats.
The beauty is adding your own toppings of fruit, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners. I like to eat it right out of the refrigerator in the summer!
Carissa Liebowitz has run the Boston Marathon as well as dozens of marathons and half marathons. You can follow her running adventures on Strava, Instagram and her blog.
