8 Untraditional High-Protein Breakfasts

Hey Peak Performer,

When it comes to breakfast, many of us default to traditional options like eggs, cereal, or toast. However, venturing into untraditional breakfast territory can not only diversify your morning routine but also pack in more protein and exciting flavors. Here are eight of my untraditional high-protein breakfast options that are both delicious, nutritious, and a great way to mix up the start your day!

1. The Jordan Deluxe Protein Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked ground bison

• 1/2 cup black beans

• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes

• 1/4 cup chopped onion

• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers

• 1/2 cup diced roasted sweet potatoes

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• 2 poached egg

• 1/2 avocado, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook ground beef until cooked through and drain and remove from pan.

2. Return the pan to the stove and add avocado oil and galic until fragrant, then add tomatoes, onion and peppers until soft. Add in black beans, roasted sweet potatoes and cooked bison and sauté until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Top with poached eggs .

Why It’s High-Protein: Ground bison is a lean source of protein and black beans are a great source of plant-based protein. Combined with the egg, this breakfast bowl provides a hearty dose of protein and healthy fats from avocados.

2. Savory Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1/2 cup black beans

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes

• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

• 2 over-easy eggs

• Lime wedges

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.

2. In a bowl, layer the quinoa, black beans, avocado slices, and diced tomatoes.

3. Top with a eggs and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

4. Squeeze lime wedges over the bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Why It’s High-Protein: Quinoa and black beans are both excellent sources of plant-based protein. Combined with the egg, this breakfast bowl provides a hearty dose of protein and healthy fats.

3. Chickpea Pancakes with Greek Yogurt and Herbs

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpea flour

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, and chives)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together chickpea flour and water until smooth.

2. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.

4. Pour batter into the pan to form small pancakes. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

5. Top pancakes with a dollop of Greek yogurt and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Why It’s High-Protein: Chickpea flour is a great source of protein and fiber. Combined with Greek yogurt, these savory pancakes offer a balanced and protein-rich start to your day.

4. Smoked Salmon and Cottage Cheese Wrap

Ingredients:

• 1 whole grain tortilla

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese

• 2 oz smoked salmon

• 1/4 cup cucumber slices

• 1/4 cup shredded carrots

• A handful of arugula

• Lemon juice

• Fresh dill

Instructions:

1. Spread cottage cheese evenly over the tortilla.

2. Layer smoked salmon, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and arugula on top.

3. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the fillings and sprinkle with fresh dill.

4. Roll up the tortilla and slice in half.

Why It’s High-Protein: Smoked salmon and cottage cheese are both rich in protein. This wrap combines these ingredients with fresh vegetables for a light, yet protein-packed, breakfast option.

5. Cottage Cheese and Berry Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1/4 cup granola

Instructions:

1. In a glass or bowl, layer cottage cheese and mixed berries.

2. Sprinkle chia seeds and drizzle honey over the top.

3. Finish with a layer of granola for added crunch.

Why It’s High-Protein: Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse. Paired with antioxidant-rich berries and fiber-packed chia seeds, this parfait is a delicious and nutritious breakfast choice.

6. Protein-Packed Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop protein powder (your choice)

• 1 banana

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• 1/4 cup granola

• Fresh berries and sliced almonds for topping

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine protein powder, banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and almond butter. Blend until smooth.

2. Pour smoothie into a bowl.

3. Top with granola, fresh berries, and sliced almonds.

Why It’s High-Protein: Protein powder and Greek yogurt significantly boost the protein content of this smoothie bowl. The addition of almond butter and granola adds texture and healthy fats, making this a satisfying and nutritious breakfast.

7. Turkey and Spinach Breakfast Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked ground turkey

• 1 cup chopped spinach

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

• 6 eggs

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.

2. In a bowl, mix cooked ground turkey, chopped spinach, and diced bell peppers.

3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.

4. Divide the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly into the muffin tin cups.

5. Pour the whisked eggs over the mixture in each cup.

6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are set and slightly golden.

Why It’s High-Protein: Ground turkey and eggs are both excellent sources of protein. These muffins are easy to make in advance and can be enjoyed on the go.

8. Edamame and Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole grain bread

• 1 avocado, mashed

• 1/2 cup shelled edamame

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the whole grain bread until golden brown.

2. In a bowl, mix mashed avocado, edamame, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread the avocado and edamame mixture over the toasted bread.

4. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

Why It’s High-Protein: Edamame provides a significant amount of plant-based protein, while avocado adds healthy fats. This combination on whole grain toast makes for a satisfying and protein-rich breakfast.

These untraditional breakfast options not only break the monotony of typical morning meals but also provide high-quality protein to keep you fueled and energized throughout the day. Give them a try and enjoy a flavorful start to your mornings!

Your Sports Dietitian,

Jordan