Having enough protein in your diet is essential, no matter what your goals are. Protein is an essential macronutrient that can help you boost your metabolism [1], stay energized, lose weight [2], build muscle [3], or simply maintain a balanced diet. There's nothing like starting the day off with a protein-rich breakfast that'll keep you satisfied and feeling strong as you get your day going, but that's definitely easier said than done on busy mornings! These 21 healthy meals prove you can still get your protein in during hectic days; they all contain at least 10 grams of protein and take well under 10 minutes to prep.
Mediterranean Scramble
Nothing beats a simple scramble to keep you feeling full until lunch. Adding veggies increases the fiber (and flavor) of the dish, and that fiber helps with satiation, too.
Protein: 15 grams
Get the recipe: spinach and sun-dried tomato scramble [5]honey ricotta toast [6]
Strawberry Banana Spinach Smoothie
This vegan smoothie packs a protein punch with almond butter, tofu, and soy milk, while the fruits and greens give it a fiber boost (and help it taste great).
Protein: 25.1 grams
Get the recipe: strawberry banana spinach smoothie [7]
Smoatmeal
This breakfast bowl mixes a smoothie with oatmeal ("smoatmeal," get it?) to serve up the best of both worlds. And it's the definition of easy meal prep; you just throw everything in a blender!
Protein: 18.2 grams
Get the recipe: smoatmeal [8]
Paleo Breakfast Bowl
This Paleo-friendly breakfast bowl only takes 10 minutes to make, so mark it down as a breakfast win from us.
Protein: 22.7 grams
Get the recipe: Paleo breakfast bowl [9]
Stick-With-You Polenta
This polenta bowl is the perfect breakfast for after your morning run. It'll warm you up and contains all the protein and carbs you need for a full recovery.
Protein: 17 grams
Get the recipe: breakfast polenta [10]
Yogurt-Filled Cantaloupe
This cantaloupe breakfast bowl is the definition of refreshing. The creamy yogurt gives a protein boost, and it's so easy to prepare — just cut a melon in half!
Protein: 18.7 grams
Get the recipe: cantaloupe bowl [11]
Dressed-Up Yogurt
This Greek yogurt breakfast bowl can double as a dessert, and it gives you both protein and antioxidants.
Protein: 17 grams
Get the recipe: fruit, nut, and yogurt bowl [12]
Metabolism-Boosting Smoothie
Sip on this delicious protein-rich smoothie, which is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and calcium to help keep you feeling full for longer.
Protein: 30.4 grams
Get the recipe: metabolism-boosting smoothie [13]
Avocado and Egg Breakfast
Avocado and eggs combine to make the simplest protein-packed breakfast ever — so simple, you might be surprised at how good it makes you feel.
Protein: 13.1 grams
Get the recipe: avocado and egg breakfast [14]
Pineapple Kale Smoothie
Greek yogurt is what makes this smoothie a delicious, protein-rich treat. The added blueberries, pineapple, and kale bump up the nutrients and fiber to make it a next-level breakfast.
Protein: 15 grams
Get the recipe: pineapple kale smoothie [15]
Vegan Chocolate Milkshake Smoothie
This smoothie is packed with protein and will fulfill all your chocolate cravings.
Protein: 22.1 grams
Get the recipe: vegan chocolate milkshake smoothie [16]
Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles
These asparagus and smoked salmon bundles may look fancy, but they are super easy and can be made in advance for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Protein: 10.4 grams
Get the recipe: asparagus and smoked salmon bundles [17]
Broccoli Banana Peanut-Butter Smoothie
Sure, everyone is adding kale and spinach to smoothies, but have you ever tried adding broccoli? It packs your smoothie full of fiber, calcium, and protein.
Protein: 22.8 grams
Get the recipe: broccoli banana peanut-butter smoothie [18]
Banana Bread Smoothie
This sweet banana bread smoothie has over 34 grams of protein and adding walnuts (yep, walnuts!) gives it extra anti-inflammatory benefits.
Protein: 34.5 grams
Get the recipe: banana bread protein smoothie [19]
Chocolate Cashew PMS Smoothie
This easy breakfast smoothie will have you sipping away PMS cramps with calcium, B vitamins, and magnesium, which have all been shown to reduce PMS symptoms.
Protein: 15.2 grams
Get the recipe: chocolate cashew smoothie [20]
Apple Banana Cinnamon Smoothie
Trainer-to-the-stars Harley Pasternak created this protein- and fiber-packed breakfast smoothie that is as easy to make as turning on a blender.
Protein: 23.7 grams
Get the recipe: apple banana cinnamon smoothie [21]
Pear Berry Smoothie
This smoothie is only 350 calories and has 13 grams of protein, making it a great way to start the day.
Protein: 13 grams
Get the recipe: pear berry weight-loss smoothie [22]
Vegan Vanilla Milkshake Smoothie
Creamy tofu and peanut butter give you your fill of protein in this four-ingredient vegan shake.
Protein: 17.4 grams
Get the recipe: vanilla smoothie [23]
Nutty Chocolate Strawberry Banana Smoothie
This simple smoothie gives us chocolate for breakfast, and we have no problem with that. Plus, you get a nice protein boost from Greek yogurt, soy milk, and peanut butter.
Protein: 25.1 grams
Get the recipe: nutty chocolate strawberry banana smoothie [24]
Blueberry Cheesecake Smoothie
When you want a breakfast that tastes like dessert but still has almost 16 grams of protein and is rich in antioxidants, the blueberry cheesecake smoothie is here for you.
Protein: 15.9 grams
Get the recipe: blueberry cheesecake smoothie [25]