Whether you eat breakfast at the crack of dawn or just before noon, there is no denying that the first meal you consume is the most important. After all, we have all heard the phrase breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  

And it’s true! But when you eat your breakfast is nowhere near as important as what you eat for breakfast. A high-protein breakfast won’t only help you build muscle and feel full, it also fuels your body for the day ahead!

Start your week off on the right foot with these seven high-protein breakfast options that will power your workouts, keep you feeling full, and help you reach your body goals.

Why Is Protein Important?

Your body needs protein to function properly – after all, it is one of the most essential building blocks of your cells! As a macronutrient, you need a relatively large amount of protein in your daily diet to stay healthy and feel good.

 A high protein diet offers countless benefits, but here are five ways that protein helps you achieve your fitness, health, and weight loss goals:

  1. Builds lean muscle
  2. Makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight
  3. Helps to speed up recovery after exercise or injury
  4. Reduces muscle loss
  5. Curbs hunger

Of course, protein does much more, especially on a cellular level. But these observable benefits are the primary focus if you are focused on achieving your health and fitness goals.

Adding a high-protein breakfast to your morning is a great way to fuel up for a workout like this 45-minute Cardio HIIT session.

7 High Protein Breakfasts To Help You Crush Your Goals

Luckily, your options for a high-protein breakfast extend far past a few hard-boiled eggs or a protein shake. Plenty of foods offer more protein than you think, and you’d be surprised by how many breakfast dishes you can alter to make a higher-protein option. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely weekend breakfast or something quick before running out the door, these high-protein options can fit into any schedule.

#1 Breakfast Pizza – 30 Grams of Protein

Don’t let the name fool you – this “pizza” takes your favorite breakfast staples and turns them into a savory dish that is packed with flavor. Whole wheat English muffins act as the “crust” and offer plenty of fiber. All you have to do is toast your whole-wheat English muffins and top them with scrambled eggs, salsa, ham, and a sprinkle of cheddar or jack cheese.

#2 Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – 21 Grams Of Protein

The great thing about pancakes is that they are much more versatile than you think. Ricotta is an excellent source of protein and gives this breakfast classic a slightly tangy taste. With a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these pancakes on a slow weekend morning. All you need is Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, frozen blueberries, lemon, sugar, white whole wheat flour, salt, and baking soda.

#3 Peanut Butter Oatmeal With Bananas – 14 Grams of Protein

Oatmeal is another breakfast classic that you can turn into almost anything! Whether you like savory or sweet oats, there is no limit to how they can be paired and prepared. This combo is perfect if you like fruity oats with a nutty crunch. Prepare your oatmeal however you like and top it with salt, bananas, peanut butter, almonds, and agave syrup. This high-protein breakfast is perfect for those mornings when you need something quick before work.

#4 Breakfast Burrito With Chorizo – 41 Grams of Protein

Breakfast burritos are a fantastic on-the-go breakfast option – and you can load them up with whatever you want! Swap out your usual breakfast meat with a serving of chorizo to really pump up the protein load. Add a few extras like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, and you have a flavor-packed high, protein breakfast that will keep you full until lunch.

#5 Overnight Chia Seed Pudding – 10 Grams of Protein

You don’t need to add meat to a dish to make sure you get enough protein. Chia seeds, which offer a great deal of nutritional benefits, provide plenty of protein and fiber in a single serving. The best part about this breakfast is that you can prepare it the night before, and it is ready to go in the morning. Add some chia seeds and coconut milk to your favorite Greek yogurt. Then pile on a few delicious toppings like coconut chips, mango, and macadamia nuts.

#6 Smoked Salmon Toast – 24 Grams of Protein

There is something about smoke salmon that screams indulgent brunch treat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it during the week or from home! In fact, this toast is a healthier take on the dish compared to its typical bagel pairing.

Toast a couple of pieces of Ezekiel bread – which has four grams of protein per slice! Then smear it with Greek yogurt. Add a few pieces of smoked salmon, some baby greens, tomato, red onion, capers, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and it is ready to enjoy. 

#7 Quinoa Breakfast Bowl – About 24 Grams of Protein

Did you know that, while quinoa is a grain, it has a good amount of protein? Quinoa breakfast bowls offer a great base for a fully customizable and filling breakfast. Adding a few eggs quickly ups the amount of protein in this dish. You can also add your favorite nutrient-dense vegetables, like peppers and kale, to add plenty of flavors and added nutrients. There’s no limit to how creative you can get with this breakfast dish!

The Bottom Line

A protein-rich breakfast can actually affect how your body feels all through the morning and even the rest of the day. Use one of these delicious breakfast recipes to provide your body with the protein it needs in the morning. Variety, flavor, and enjoyment won’t suffer when you prepare a high-protein breakfast from this list.