Spring fever is hitting HARD. Other than a few chilly mornings over the past few weeks, the weather has been glorious, and I already feel like classes are on the home-stretch. Honestly it takes everything I have not to ditch my responsibilities and just soak in the sunshine day in and day out. But as pumped as I am for the acceleration straight into summer, it would be best if time could slow down a teensy bit. Because ending this semester means the MCAT is upon me, med school applications are due, and running out of days as an undergrad. Ya I’m not ready…

From a foodie perspective, spring can be a conflicting season as well. You’re ready to start embracing all the bright colorful produce that the warmer months offer, but the remnants of winter still necessitate cozy comfort food. Plus, during the lag after winter before spring produce peaks, it’s tough to find anything to call perfectly in-season.

So here I’ve rounded up some of my all-time favorite spring breakfast recipes that help strike that balance between bright-springy and warm-comforting–all healthy, satisfying, and easy to make!

1. Whipped Egg White Oats

First up for the oatmeal bowls is something you probably never thought to do but MUST TRY. Simply:

1. Cook up your favorite style of oats on the stovetop (such as 1/2 cup quick 1-minute oats with 1 cup milk, cooked over low-medium heat until creamy).
2. Mix in yummy spices (such as 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp cloves) and 1/4 tsp vanilla, and a bit of sweetener if desired (but not necessary).
3. Meanwhile, whip up 1-2 egg white(s) until frothy, preferably with an electric hand mixer/whisk attachment. When the oats are done, remove from heat and gently fold fold in the frothed egg white.

The voluminousness is insane, and it will keep you full for hours. Top it off with fresh and dried fruit, nut butter, or whatever creative combos that strike your soul that morning. (Pictured: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, raisins, and Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter)

2. Whipped Banana Oats with Flax

Or just whip some ripe banana right into the hot oats near the end of cooking. Adds a touch of sweetness and unrivaled creamy-fluffiness. Again, this is a great way to use up fresh sweet berries by stirring in at the end!

1. Cook up your favorite style of oats on the stovetop (such as 1/2 cup quick 1-minute oats with 1 cup milk) with 1/2 Tbsp ground flaxseed added at the start of cooking. 
2. When the oats are just about done, slice 1/2 of a very ripe medium banana into the oats. Whip vigorously (I like to use a silicone spoonula) until fluffy or desired consistency is reached. Some lumps of banana are a-okay and even preferred. 😉  
3. Stir in 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground cloves (or desired spices) and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract. Add a touch of sweetener (such as maple syrup or monk fruit extract) to taste.
4. Stir in sliced fresh berries and/or dried fruit such as raisins. Top with globs of nut butter. (Pictured: Justin’s Maple Almond Butter)

3. Overnight Oats

Did camping (or traveling in general) make your spring to-do list? Overnight oats are the perfect easy, make-ahead breakfast to have on any adventure, especially if cooking options are limited in the morning. This has been the MVP of my travel prep for as long as I can remember, but it’s also perfect for any busy morning!

1. Combine 1/2 cup quick oats, 1/2 cup yogurt of choice (I use plain Greek), 1/2 cup milk of choice, and 1/2 Tbsp ground flax or chia seed (opt.) in a bowl or travel container.
2. Add in flavors/sweeteners to taste, such as a dash cinnamon, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, and touch of sweetener (pinch monk fruit extract, 1 tsp maple syrup, etc.).
3. Stir it all up; cover/seal; and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to a couple days.
4. At any point, fold in fresh/dried fruit (such as sliced banana, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, raisins/dried cherries), and top with nut butter (pictured: Barney Butter Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter) and chocolate chips (optional but not really 😉 ).

4. Deconstructed Smoothie Bowl

Another cool and refreshing, filling bowl that’s also ideal for busy mornings and extremely versatile. Have fun with those toppings!

Recipe: Easiest Ever Deconstructed Smoothie Bowl

5. Extra Fluffy Whole Grain Waffle with Nut Butter and Jam

Waffles, pancakes, and French toast used to be weekend/special-occasion sorta breakfasts, but have lately moved into the regular everyday rotation. With healthy recipes that I can throw together with very little effort in the mornings, I have no regrets.

Here’s my go-to waffle recipe (go-to because IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS) topped off with 1 Tbsp chocolate nut butter + 1 tsp blueberry jam, with a side of sliced orange and banana. 

Recipe: Extra Fluffy Whole Grain Waffles

6. Carrot Cake Pancakes with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

Now here’s a recipe to get those spring vibes going. Perfect for Easter morning, or any time you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies and still feel like you’re indulging in cake for breakfast!

*Warning: Once you experience the magic of this maple cream cheese glaze, your life will be changed forever… Just so you’re aware.

Recipe: Carrot Cake Pancakes with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze

7. Mixed Berry and Banana Smoothie

Berries not quite at their peak, but still craving their bright juicy sweetness? Store-bought frozen berries are the perfect solution. This smoothie comes together in a snap and is great on its own as a snack or light breakfast, or paired with something savory (like #8!!!!) for a full-out, charged-up, let’s-conquer-this-day meal.

Recipe: Berry Greek Yogurt Smoothie

8. Turkey Bacon, Cheddar, Fried Egg Panini

Now on to the love of my life: the egg. From a nutritional, culinary, taste, and convenience perspective, I honestly can’t think of another food that rivals the egg. Here’s one of my favorite ways to get my egg fix any morning of the week.

Recipe: Fried Egg, Cheddar, Turkey Bacon Breakfast Panini

9. Savory Oats with a Poached Egg

Finally, I think it’s safe to say this is THE BREAKFAST OF ALL BREAKFASTS. I cannot think of any better concoction to start my day than a big bowl of hot creamy oats loaded with spinach, melty cheese, and basil, then topped off with a runny poached egg and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keeps me full basically all day, and never fails to soothe my soul if we’re being real here. Ideal for spring or any time of the year! Round out the meal with a side of seasonal fruit and your beverage of choice (hot black tea all the way), and be ready to dominate your day.

Recipe: Savory Oats with Poached Egg