10 Heart-Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Morning

We've all been told it's wise to start our day off with breakfast. I say it's even more wise to start the day off with a heart-healthy breakfast, regardless of whether you have heart concerns or not. What does that mean? It means eating something that's high in good-for-you fats, fiber, and protein. So things like whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds are a must. These 10 recipes include all these great things and also happen to be easy to make ahead or whip up in just a few moments.

1. Honey-Yogurt Avocado Toast

This twist on avocado toast adds Greek yogurt to the situation, which is not only a creamy, tangy base for the toasted whole-grain bread, but also adds a bit of protein to the situation to keep you satisfied through the morning.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

2. Morning Glory Overnight Oats

These overnight oats are inspired by Morning Glory muffins and filled with diced apples, shredded carrots, raisins, and walnuts. This recipe makes a large batch so you can dig into it all week long.

(Image credit: Christine Han)

3. Herbed Egg Whites & Feta on English Muffins

This is another wholesome big-batch recipe you can lean on. Make these when you have a little time over the weekend, then tuck them into the freezer for fast breakfasts.

(Image credit: Michaela Cisney)

4. Banana-Date Smoothie

Dates add enough sweetness to this smoothie that there is no need for any additional sweeteners — plus they lend lots of heart-healthy fiber to the drink.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

5. Fruit-on-the-Bottom Yogurt Cups

These yogurt cups are infinitely adaptable. Layer your favorite yogurt with plenty of fresh fruit, a bit of jam, and toasted nuts and dig right in.

(Image credit: Kelli Foster)

6. No-Bake Sunflower Oat Bars

These easy no-bake bars are bound together with sunflower butter. The seed butter is a fun alternative to peanut or almond butter and is full of heart-healthy fats.

(Image credit: Faith Durand)

7. Breakfast Grain Salad with Blueberries, Hazelnuts & Lemon

This unique breakfast salad, made with quinoa, steel-cut oats, and millet, actually improves overnight in the refrigerator, as all the flavors have time to meld, so definitely make this on Sunday to eat throughout the week.

(Image credit: Izy Hossack)

8. Olive Oil Carrot Muffins

Using olive oil and applesauce in these whole-grain muffins, instead of butter, makes them incredibly moist and tender, which means they'll last for up to four days at room temperature.

(Image credit: Faith Durand)

9. Breakfast Banana Split with Yogurt and Jam

This playful breakfast may mimic a not-so-heart-healthy dessert, but it actually happens to be completely wholesome. Warming the jam before drizzling it on top makes it especially appealing.

(Image credit: Coco Morante)

10. Slow Cooker Oatmeal with Yogurt & Fruit

Quinoa joins steel-cut oats in this super-simple oatmeal that simmers away in your slow cooker overnight while you sleep. Feel free to swap out the dried apricots and hazelnuts for any of your favorite dried fruit and nuts here.