The first meal of the day is an important one.

No, notthemost importantthats a three-way tie with lunch and dinner.

This provides you with a balanced mix of nutrients to help you power through the morning, Hartley explains.

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl berries banana kiwi granola

Monique Volz viaAmbitious Kitchen

That variety also brings different flavors and textures to the table, which makes breakfast more enjoyable and satisfying.

A note about the wordhealthyhere: We know that healthy is acomplicated concept.

But it also depends on your preferences, your culture, whatsaccessibleto you, and so much more.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Açaí Bowls

Make thesePeanut Butter & Jelly Acai BowlsfromMinimalist Baker.

Try them fried over sauced-up tortilla chips in this recipe forChilaquilesfromA Cozy Kitchen.

Try thisSweet and Savory Pumpkin Goat Cheese Toastfrom SELF, which calls for 100% whole wheat bread.

Fried egg Chilaquiles tortilla chips cheese avocado

Give theseBanana Breakfast BarsfromCrazy for Crusta try.

Start with thisCinnamon Toast Breakfast QuinoafromCookie + Kate.

you’re able to also use it as more of a topping or ingredient than the main course.

Whole grain toast with pumpkin pecans goat cheese

Try this fruit-packedBreakfast Cereal Smoothie BowlfromHip Foodie Mom, which uses Cheerios made from whole oats.

Complement the protein and fatty acid content by eating it on a whole-grain bread or bagel.

Try theseSmoked Salmon Toasts With Dill and Cream CheesefromBrooklyn Supper.

Banana Breakfast bars closeup

For something a little different, try these fluffyGreek Yogurt Pancakes With Warm Winter CitrusfromHow Sweet Eats.

Try this well-seasoned variation on a classic:Everything Bagel Avocado ToastfromTwo Peas & Their Pod.

Spinach

Getting your greens in first thing is a great way to kick off the day.

Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa bowl with spoon

Throw a handful of mild baby spinach into scrambled eggs or an omelet.

For a sweet twist, try thisGinger Pear Green Smoothiefrom SELF.

Use the silken variety in thisSpicy Tofu ScramblefromLazy Cat Kitchen.

Breakfast Cereal Smoothie Bowl cheerios berries seeds nuts

Hemp seeds

These tender little seeds are full of protein, fat, and fiber.

Theyre lovely sprinkled over just about anything.

Or try this recipe forBanana & Berry Hemp Seed PuddingfromMinimalist Baker.

Smoked Salmon Toasts Dill Cream Cheese lemon radish

Try this recipe forProtein-Packed Rainbow Cottage Cheese Breakfast BowlsfromAmbitious Kitchen.

Ricotta

Creamy ricotta cheese is a novel and indulgent way to work in dairy at breakfast.

The full-fat stuff is extra satisfying.

Greek Yogurt Pancakes stack with syrup citrus

Try thisHoney-Lemon Ricotta Breakfast Toast With Figs and PistachiosfromAmbitious Kitchen.

Try thisOvernight Mango Buckwheat PorridgefromSimply Quinoa.

Oats

Breakfasts favorite whole grain provides lasting energy thanks to its high fiber content.

Avocado Toast cream cheese Everything Bagel seasoning

To skip the stovetop, give theseOvernight Oats With Grapes and Pecansfrom SELF a go.

you might stir it into smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt, or just use it as a spread.

For an elevated PB&J, try thisBlackberry Almond Butter Sandwichfrom SELF.

Ginger Pear Green Smoothie overhead shot of cup

The classic pairing with yogurt or milk round things out with extra protein.

Try these simpleBreakfast On the Go Granola-Yogurt-Fruit ParfaitsfromBoulder Locavore.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are full of fiber, fat, and protein.

Tofu scramble avocado tomatoes on toast

Make thisChia Seed PuddingfromCookie + Kate.

This recipe forTuscan White Bean Toasts With Garlic and TomatoesfromWell Plated by Erinuses cannellini beans.

Hummus

Hummus is such an overlooked topping for savory toastand it comes in so many flavors!

Banana Berry Hemp Seed Pudding in glass cups

Made with chickpeas and tahini, the creamy spread provides fiber, protein, and fat.

Give this easy recipe forSeedy Hummus ToastfromMinimalist Bakera try.

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl berries banana kiwi granola

HoneyLemon Ricotta Breakfast Toast with Figs and Pistachios

Overnight Mango Buckwheat Porridge in glass cup

Overnight Oats With Grapes and Pecans in bowl

Blackberry Almond Butter Sandwich on plate

Granola Yogurt Fruit Parfaits kiwi berries glass cups

Chia Seed Pudding blueberries in glass jar

Tuscan White Beans and tomatoes on toast

Toast slices with hummus pumpkin hemp sunflower seeds