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What Are the Different Ideas for Low Calorie Breakfasts?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Low calorie breakfasts are the key to getting the day started right. Balancing protein with enough carbohydrates and vitamins to power the body until lunch, low calorie breakfasts come in nearly endless varieties. Some of the best options for low calorie breakfasts include smoothies, parfaits, carefully prepared egg dishes, and even waffles.

Quick, simple, and easy to take on the road, smoothies can be a perfect breakfast option when there's no time to cook. A great simple low calorie smoothie can be made with a frozen banana, a handful of fresh or frozen berries, and half a cup of soy or almond milk. The potassium, vitamin C, and protein of this mixture can provide hours of sustenance for only a few calories. Pair a small glass of this mixture with a slice of whole wheat toast for a low-calorie, high-nutrition breakfast in less than ten minutes.

Plain yogurt can be paired with fruit for a low calorie breakfast.
Plain yogurt can be paired with fruit for a low calorie breakfast.

Parfaits may taste like dessert, but they are fantastic low calorie breakfasts. In a glass or bowl, layer non-fat, plain yogurt with slices of any fresh fruit. For a crunchy topping, add a handful of high-fiber cereal and a few almonds, or walnuts. If plain yogurt is too sour, try mixing it with a drop of maple syrup or a small dollop of honey. Avoid fruit-flavored yogurts, since these can pack surprising amounts of sugar and calories.

A waffle topped with mango can provide a sweet-tasting, low-calorie breakfast.
A waffle topped with mango can provide a sweet-tasting, low-calorie breakfast.

Eggs have the nutrition to be the main event in low-calorie breakfasts, but preparation technique is key. Use olive oil or light cooking spray instead of butter, and wipe off excess oil with a paper towel before adding the eggs. A plain egg dish, such as scrambled or poached eggs, can bank as few as 150 calories, so there's room for experimentation. Scramble up two eggs with a cup of frozen spinach and a sprinkle of non-fat cheese, or dip into a poached egg with a lightly-buttered piece of whole wheat toast. For low calorie breakfasts for many to enjoy, try baking up a frittata with asparagus, reduced-fat cheddar, and eggs.

Eggs cooked in light olive oil are tasty and high in protein, making them a great breakfast choice.
Eggs cooked in light olive oil are tasty and high in protein, making them a great breakfast choice.

Waffles are the bane of many dieter's existences, but there's no reason they can't be made into a low calorie feast. Small frozen waffles may have less than 100 calories a piece, and when made with whole wheat flour, pack a good dose of fiber as well. For people who prefer to avoid packaged foods, bake a big batch of whole wheat waffles at home and freeze them for convenient indulgence. Topped with fresh mango or blueberries and served alongside a slice of lean ham or veggie bacon, waffles can make a perfect breakfast for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a DelightedCooking writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a DelightedCooking writer.

Learn more...

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    • Plain yogurt can be paired with fruit for a low calorie breakfast.
      By: Colinda McKie
      Plain yogurt can be paired with fruit for a low calorie breakfast.
    • A waffle topped with mango can provide a sweet-tasting, low-calorie breakfast.
      By: volff
      A waffle topped with mango can provide a sweet-tasting, low-calorie breakfast.
    • Eggs cooked in light olive oil are tasty and high in protein, making them a great breakfast choice.
      By: ilolab
      Eggs cooked in light olive oil are tasty and high in protein, making them a great breakfast choice.
    • Smoothies made in a kitchen blender are perfect breakfast options for people who are watching their caloric intake.
      By: rgbdigital.co.uk
      Smoothies made in a kitchen blender are perfect breakfast options for people who are watching their caloric intake.
    • One cup of oatmeal cooked with water has 165 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 5.9 grams of protein.
      By: robynmac
      One cup of oatmeal cooked with water has 165 calories, 4 grams of fiber and 5.9 grams of protein.
    • Replace butter with olive oil or light cooking spray to prepare breakfast items.
      By: sommai
      Replace butter with olive oil or light cooking spray to prepare breakfast items.
    • Some people enjoy a smoothie for breakfast.
      By: baibaz
      Some people enjoy a smoothie for breakfast.
    • A low-carb breakfast smoothie may feature kale and other nutritious green vegetables.
      By: Johan Larson
      A low-carb breakfast smoothie may feature kale and other nutritious green vegetables.
    • A frittata loaded with vegetables is a good low calorie breakfast option.
      By: dreambigphotos
      A frittata loaded with vegetables is a good low calorie breakfast option.
    • Fresh fruit is a good breakfast option.
      By: Tim UR
      Fresh fruit is a good breakfast option.
    • Strawberries are a low-calorie fruit.
      By: mathom
      Strawberries are a low-calorie fruit.
    • Fresh fruits and vegetables are low in calories.
      By: marucyan
      Fresh fruits and vegetables are low in calories.