20 Nourishing Vegetarian Breakfast Ideas to Fuel Your Day

Simple plant-based breakfasts to start your day right!

When you wake up in the morning, are you hungry first thing? Or does it take you a while to build an appetite? During my years of working with clients, I’ve noticed that most of us fall into one of these categories. For some however, schedule or the clock may dictate when they eat, as some of us need to head out the door to drive to work or catch the bus.  

If you’ve ever heard that “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” you might be surprised to learn that the quote was first written in a 1917 magazine by Dr. Harvey Kellogg, pioneer of the breakfast cereal industry.  Although it’s not imperative to eat first thing in the morning, there are some benefits to fueling up earlier on in the day. 

Benefits To Eating in the Morning

• It can provide an opportunity to take in some of those nutrients that can help you to feel your best all throughout the day. 
• It can help with mental performance, such as ability to concentrate and memory. 
• You may be less likely to experience intense hunger in the later hours of the evening as your body is trying to make up for gaps experienced earlier in the day. 

What Should I Eat? 

When your hunger starts to kick in and you’re ready for your first meal of the day, it can be helpful to ensure there’s a source of protein present. Not only will that help to keep your blood sugars stable and support a longer lasting feeling of fullness, it can also help you to feel focused and energized for a longer time. Next, you can select some carbohydrate, fat, and/or vitamin and mineral containing foods to help satisfy your tastebuds and check off some of your ‘daily nutrient need’ boxes while you’re at it. 

Why Include Vegetarian Breakfast Options? 

Not only can vegetarian breakfast options add variety to your meal rotation and flavour profile, they can also help to increase your total fibre intake, provide you with heart protective nutrients, and improve gut health and immunity. 

Here are some of my favourite nutritious vegetarian breakfast ideas: 

1. Pancakes

These cottage cheese raspberry pancakes are a personal favourite.

2. Smoothie bowl

Try out this delicious blueberry protein smoothie bowl!  

3. Wholegrain toast with ricotta, avocado and lemon zest 

This flavour-packed breakfast is sure to start your day off on the right note.

4. Baked oatmeal

For a protein-packed breakfast, try this high-protein baked oatmeal recipe.

5. Vegetable and cheese omelette with whole grain toast 

You can add whatever vegetables you like. Try adding peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms!

6. Cottage cheese

Try topping with sliced apple, cinnamon and honey.

7. Yogurt Parfaits

Blend your favourite fruit with some plain Greek yogurt- top with nuts, seeds, coconut or hemp hearts.

8. French toast

Try topping it with strawberry Greek yogurt and sliced bananas.

9. Make-ahead breakfast sandwiches

For a quick and delicious breakfast that you can grab and go, try these make-ahead breakfast sandwiches.

10. Wholegrain toast with peanut butter, banana and cinnamon 

A quick, easy, and delicious breakfast. For a protein boost, try having a bowl of Greek yogurt on the side.

11. Tofu breakfast burritos

Try these scrambled tofu breakfast burritos, a quick and easy vegetarian alternative!

12. Protein Muffins with fruit salad

These banana and oat protein muffins pair deliciously with a fruit salad.

13. Oat and nut butter energy balls

Try these nutty chocoholic balls, with some yogurt and fresh fruit on the side.

14. Fruit salad

Try this fabulous almond fruit salad topped with Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds and hemp hearts.

15. Wholegrain English muffin pizza

You can put whatever toppings you’d like such as cheese, peppers, and tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!

16. Breakfast chickpeas and tofu with peppers

Try this delicious recipe for breakfast peppers and chickpeas with tofu for a protein-packed meal to start your day.

17. Chewy breakfast power cookies

These nutritious breakfast cookies are sure to fuel you up in the morning.

18. Muffin tin eggs

Simply whisk eggs, chopped veggies and cheese together. Pour into a greased muffin tin and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 mins. 

19. Peanut butter and oat date pots

Try these delicious peanut butter and oat date pots!

20. Quinoa breakfast cereal

Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Swap water for milk, sprinkle in some cinnamon. Top with peanut butter and sliced strawberries. 

Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, crunchy or creamy, we hope the above ideas provided some inspiration to add more nutritious vegetarian breakfast options to your routine!  By starting your day with a protein and fibre packed breakfast, you’ll be sure to be fueled for your morning of work or play. 

Looking for more vegetarian breakfast ideas or vegetarian nutrition advice? Check our these blog posts: