Hannah Frye is the Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including beauty, women’s health, mental health, sustainability, social media trends, and more. She previously worked for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and plenty more.
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March 05, 2025
There's arguably no better way to start the day than with a filling, protein-packed breakfast. While this step is necessary to deliver lasting energy and contribute to your overall protein goals, that doesn't mean it has to be the same bland dish on repeat.
To keep your breakfast satisfying while embracing variety, try adding one of these recipes to your menu:
1.
A mocha & nut butter smoothie
If you're a coffee fanatic in a rush, why not combine your cup of joe and breakfast? Below, a mocha recipe that checks every box.
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients
1 frozen banana
2 softened, pitted dates (soak them overnight for ease of use)
1 cup coffee or 1-2 shots espresso
1 scoop chocolate collagen powder
2 tablespoons nut butter of choice
1 cup milk of choice
A dash of cinnamon
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Not sure which milk to choose? For protein purposes, consider high-quality dairy milk or soy milk for a plant-based alternative. Other plant-based milks like oat and almond do provide a plethora of nutrients as well but tend to fall short on protein.
Meal preppers will adore these egg bites because that make for a speedy breakfast or protein-rich snack. These are highly customizable, so consider the following recipe a guide, but add your favorite veggies and herbs to make it unique.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the eggs are set.
Serve 2-3 egg bites topped with feta, salt, pepper, and your favorite sauce.
Each egg contains about 6 grams of protein on its own. For an even greater hit of this macronutrient, consider adding cooked chicken or crumbled tofu.
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These golden bites also contain a rich dose of omega-3 fatty acids. In clinical research, these fatty acids have been shown to improve the severity of atopic dermatitis2, also known as eczema.
Mix together your ingredients, cover & let set overnight.
Stir and add your toppings.
This flavorful premade dish helps you check "protein powder" off your supplement list for the day and provides the antioxidant skin benefits of matcha powder.
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Research shows that matcha can also help reduce elevated sebum production5, which is what makes skin appear oily and often leads to breakouts.
You can add any one of these options to your menu for something new and nutrient-packed. Or, use them as inspiration to build skin-supporting meals that never skimp on protein.
PubMed® comprises more than 34 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
PubMed® comprises more than 34 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
PubMed® comprises more than 34 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
The Journal of Nutrition (JN/J Nutr) publishes peer-reviewed original research papers covering all aspects of experimental nutrition in humans and other animal species; special articles such as reviews and biographies of prominent nutrition scientists; and issues, opinions, and commentaries on controversial issues in nutrition.