5 Healthy Breakfasts (That Tastes Like Dessert)

carrot cake smoothie

Hello, friends! I hope your 2017 is off to a great start. I’m a little delayed in getting my first post of the year published because I’ve been busy preparing for some travels. Matt and I are heading to the Philippines and Japan for the next few weeks! I can’t wait to see my family, friends, and eat ALL THE FOOD. Oh yes.

But, since it is January – a fresh start, the time for resolutions, New Year New You ideas – I figured this is also a nice time to think about all the little ways we can take care of ourselves by eating a little healthier. I believe in balance and in indulging in life’s little pleasures, and with these recipes, you can do both.

These breakfast recipes are all healthy and chock full of nutrition, but also taste incredible. So delicious, they taste like dessert! I know that not everyone craves cake for breakfast, but you’re reading this blog, so you already know where I stand. These are five of my favorite ways to start the day:

healthy carrot cake smoothie

Carrot Cake Smoothie – this bright, nutritious smoothie is vegan and gluten-free. Vanilla almond milk, frozen banana (the secret to making thick, milkshake-like smoothies), a cup of carrots, buttery pecans, a pinch of cinnamon, ground flaxseed (for omega-3s and some texture), topped with a generous sprinkle of sweet toasted coconut flakes.

chia blueberry pudding

Coconut Chia Pudding – one taste of this cool, creamy, sweet pudding – silky with coconut milk and almost jelly-like, topped with blueberries bursting with freshness – and you’ll be converted into a healthy breakfast/dessert fan. Chia seeds make this so darn healthy. It’s a a great source of protein and omega-3s an when soaked in a liquid (in this case, light coconut milk and unsweetened vanilla almond milk) plumps up with a gelatinous coating, magically transforming a slightly weird looking mixture into delicious pudding.

almond butter granola bars

Almond Butter Granola Bars – there are the perfect quick and healthy morning meal. You can make these ahead so it’s just grab-and-go when you need it. It’s made with almond butter, old-fashioned oats, brown rice crisps, sliced almonds, chopped dates, dried cherries, dark chocolate chips, honey, and coconut oil. That’s a lot of ingredients packed into these bars, but it’s all good-for-you stuff. Like, real nutritious things – not the kind where I trick myself I’m eating a salad when I’m actually eating cake. Promise!

overnight chia oatmeal

Overnight Chia Oatmeal – I used uncooked old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, 1% milk, half a chopped apple, a handful of walnuts and cranberries, and a drizzle of honey. The resulting concoction was this oatmeal with plenty of texture. Some chewiness, some crunch, and a lot of deliciousness. If you don’t like chia seeds and just want to make Overnight Oats, just omit the chia seeds and replace with a quarter or half cup of Greek yogurt. You’ll end up with something creamier and smoother but equally good.

chocolate avocado pudding

Chocolate Coconut Avocado Pudding – the ultimate dessert for breakfast! This is the healthiest and most chocolatey recipe that I have made that actually DO NOT taste light nor healthy. This chocolate pudding tastes rich and velvety and decadent. Thick and creamy and full-fat. The good kind of fat, the wholesome kind! Creamy avocado and creamy coconut milk are mixed with melted dark chocolate, unsweetened dark cocoa powder, vanilla extract, chocolate extract, and maple syrup. And a pinch of salt to bring out all those flavors. Then it’s topped with toasted sweetened coconut. Cold creamy dreamy goodness with a sweet coconut crunch. It’s so ridiculously good.

Do you have any favorite healthy breakfasts? I’d love to hear about it!

   

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