10 Healthy, Easy Breakfasts for People on the Go

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Eating a good breakfast can be a burden on weekday mornings. You're already racing against time to shake off the sleep, shower, brush, dress, primp, and get out the door before you're late for yet another meeting. A lot of the time we skip "the most important meal of the day" altogether — at least I do, anyway — or grab something cold and processed from the cabinet or a nearby convenience store. Those habits aren't healthy financially or physically, which is why you've got to start eating a better breakfast. (See also: 9 Freezable Hot Breakfasts)

To start 2014 off on the right foot, I've put together this list of 10 healthy, easy breakfast ideas for people on the go. They're portable and delicious, and you can put them together in flash. Take a look, and make tomorrow morning's routine a little bit tastier.

1. 45-Second Fruit Smoothies

It's hard to find a quicker, more nutrient-rich breakfast than a smoothie, and this Blueberry Brain Boost Smoothie will take less than a minute to toss in a blender and puree. The base is fresh-pressed apple juice, and to that you'll add a ripe banana, frozen blueberries and raspberries, and raw walnuts. I like to make smoothies in my Ninja blender (I'm a big fan, and I mention it all the time) because one model includes individual blending cups that can be outfitted with a blade attachment, which can be swapped for a to-go top. You're ready to go in no time, and there's no cleanup. (See also: 5 Best Blenders)

2. Banana Dog

This idea for a Banana Dog caught my eye immediately because it looked like a whole lot of fun. Turns out there's a decent amount of nutrition in this breakfast, too. Start with a whole-grain hot dog bun on which you've spread your favorite nut butter. Sprinkle on some wheat germ or sunflower seeds, top with a banana, and spread on a small portion of jam. Since it's a rather hearty breakfast — depending on your appetite — this should keep those hunger pangs at bay until lunchtime.

3. Greek Yogurt With Nuts

Really pressed for time this morning? You can still start the day off well by grabbing a container of Greek yogurt out of the fridge, which is packed with calcium and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and top that with a small handful of healthy nuts — like almonds — for a protein-packed energy booster. (See also: The Best and Worst Nuts)

4. Microwave Banana Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is a pantry staple in most homes because of its convenience, but many brands are chock full of sugar. Cut back on the calories when grabbing breakfast on the go by whipping up this easy microwave oatmeal that contains only five simple ingredients: a banana, rolled oats, low fat milk, cinnamon, and fresh berries or nuts. (See also: 11 Ways to Eat Oats)

5. Oatmeal Sconuts

You can have five days’ worth of breakfast at the ready — and a few midnight snacks — if you have an extra half hour on a Sunday afternoon to bake these oatmeal "sconuts," which are a cross between a donut and a scone. The sconuts are loaded with oats, so you can stay on top of your daily whole-grain intake, and they're deliciously scented with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. (See also: Save Time and Money With Bulk Cooking)

6. PB&A Surprise

What's a PB&A Surprise, you ask? Quite possibly the easiest portable breakfast idea on this list. All you have to do is core an apple, cut it in half, fill the two centers with nut butter, and press granola onto the nut butter. Pack it up by pressing the two apple halves back together and placing it in a reusable container or plastic baggy.

7. Chocolate-Hazelnut Quesadillas

If you're looking for something a little sweeter to start your day, try this idea for a chocolate-hazelnut quesadilla, which requires no cooking. Lightly spread one half of a whole-wheat tortilla with chocolate-hazelnut spread, add a few sliced banana or strawberry pieces, then fold the other side of the tortilla over so it resembles a quesadilla. You can eat it as is or cut it up into quarters so you can munch on it throughout the morning.

8. Cranberry Chia Energy Bars

This is another recipe that will require some advance prep and planning, but if you have the extra time over the weekend, you'll have enough to last you all week. These Cranberry Chia Energy Bars are raw, vegan, and gluten-free — it doesn't get much healthier than that, folks — and they require no cooking. Just toss the ingredients into a food processor and press into a lined baking pan for easing portioning once the recipe is set. On weekday mornings, grab a bar and enjoy in the car. (See also: 25 Frugal Items for Your Vegan Grocery List)

9. Nut Butter and Fruit Waffle-wich

I love waffles on the weekends, but there's no time during the week to enjoy such a treat. To get your waffle fix on weekday mornings, try this healthier take. Place a whole-grain frozen waffle (or your favorite non-whole-grain frozen waffle — shh, I won't tell) in the toaster and cut it in half when it's done. Spread one side with your favorite nut butter, top with your favorite sliced fruit, and place the other half of the waffle on top to make a sandwich. Handheld, nutritious, and delicious!

10. Breakfast Burrito to Go

Eggs are incredibly versatile, and they do surprisingly well in the microwave, too. To make a breakfast burrito to go, scramble one egg and put it in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish that's been lightly rubbed with butter or olive oil. Microwave the egg on high for about 45 seconds; if it's still too runny for your taste, microwave an additional 10–15 seconds. At the same time, microwave one or two links of microwavable sausage on a microwave-safe plate. When the egg and sausage are done cooking, place them into a tortilla. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, add salsa and other good stuff you have on hand, wrap it up, and enjoy.

Do you have other healthy breakfast-on-the-go ideas? Let me know in the comments below.