MAKE-AHEAD MORNINGS

Try one of these easy, tasty breakfasts for a nourishing meal that's speedy when it counts (i.e., 7:09 a.m. on a Wednesday).

- BY JENNA HELWIG

IF YOUR MORNINGS are mayhem, and “breakfast” is often a grabbed granola bar, steal a dinner strategy and do some meal prep. Just a few minutes on the weekend will give you a head start for healthy breakfasts all week.

“Breakfasts are often all carbs and no fat or protein,” says Marisa Moore, RDN, author of the cookbook The Plant Love Kitchen. “While I love a good carby meal, without a balance of nutrients, you might be hungry before you get through your first meeting.”

Each of these options takes less than five minutes of prep in the morning and will carry you to lunchtime.

Smoothie Packs

While a smoothie may seem fast, you lose precious time riffling through the freezer for fruit, the pantry for healthy seeds, and the fridge for your liquid. Instead, put everything except the liquid in a freezer-safe bag or jar and freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, dump the ingredients into the blender, add liquid, and blend.

As for what goes in that bag or jar, focus on making the smoothie satiating. Your protein can come from nuts, seeds, yogurt, or the liquid you use, such as dairy milk or soy milk. Healthy fats, from nut butters or avocado, will keep you full longer. Throw in leafy greens for extra vitamins and antioxidants.