21 Healthy Breakfast Recipes That Aren’t Eggs

Oct 05, 2015

Eggs taste delicious, look delicious and are super high in protein, so they keep a ravenous appetite at bay on any given morning (or evening, if you like breakfast for dinner.) But if you want to tone it down on the cholesterol, it’s probably not wise to eat an egg or two every single day. If you have a hard time coming up with healthy breakfast options, we’ve got you covered. Once you try one of these delish dishes, you just might break up with your eggs for good.

1. Green Smoothie: Spinach, which has a huge variety of vitamins and antioxidants, is the not-so-secret ingredient in this nutritious smoothie. And since there’s also fruit in the mix, it won’t be like drinking straight vegetables. (Photo via Kathryn Stouffer)

2. Brûleéd Grapefruit: Grapefruit is known for its high levels of vitamin C and its ability to stifle cravings. When you broil or bake these citrus gems, the juiciness takes on a whole new level. Just be aware of how much sugar you’re adding. (Photo via Jocelyn Hsu)

3. Banana Peanut Butter Granola Bars: Homemade granola > store-bought granola. Always. These homemade granola bars will make your mouth water when you enjoy them on the go. Plus, they’re probably the healthiest granola bars you’ll ever eat, and they are seriously delicious. (Photo via Alex Tom)

4. Overnight Oats: Overnight oats are beautiful because they’re delicious, healthy and beyond easy to prepare. As long as you stick to one or two fruits and avoid sugary add-ins (like jelly or chocolate chips), this option is a fantastic go-to in the morning. (Photo via Gabby Phi)

5. Frozen Greek Yogurt Banana Poppers: You’re coating fruit in Greek yogurt, so of course this is a no-brainer for a healthy breakfast. And with only two ingredients in this treat, you have no excuse not to try them. It’s fro-yo for breakfast, y’all! (Photo via Abigail Wilkins)

6. Cinnamon and Banana Breakfast Cookies: Yes, you can have cookies for breakfast, and not just because Mom isn’t there to say no. The recipe calls for nut butter instead of regular butter, so you get a nice protein boost. (Photo via Maia Vernacchia)

7. Mango and Coconut Chia Seed Pudding: Chia seeds are a superfood because they are high in fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids (plus a bunch of other good things that do wonders for your health). While you can try this recipe to start, feel free to play with different types of milk and fruit to find the best combo for you. (Photo via Giulianna Gadelha)

8. Loaded Apple Slices: An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Whip these up for a sweet, healthy breakfast. If you want to make it super healthy, you could hold off on the chocolate chips, but we wouldn’t recommend that. (Photo via Photo by Mulin Xiong)

9. Hawaiian Pizza Bites: On the days when you don’t have leftover pizza, make these pizza bites. Not only is this basic recipe gluten-free, but it also uses Canadian bacon as a healthy bacon alternative. The sweetness of the pineapple balances out the meal nicely so it’s not too salty for b-fast. (Photo via Ruchika Agarwal)

10. Peanut Butter and Banana Toast: Bananas and peanut butter are almost as perfect together as peanut butter and jelly. This is definitely a breakfast option for those with a sweet tooth, but because it’s packed with protein (thanks, peanut butter), it will keep you full until lunch. Sprinkle with cinnamon for a kick. (Photo via Grace Goettman)

11. Chia and Flaxseed Microwave Oatmeal: If chia pudding isn’t your style, try chia oatmeal. And yes, you can make this in your microwave. Perfection. (Photo via Becky Hughes)

12. Avocado Toast: If you haven’t tried this before, you’re probably in the minority. Avocados are loaded with healthy fats and are so tasty. (Photo via Becky Hughes)

13. Grilled Strawberry Parfait: Similar to the idea of broiled grapefruit, this recipe grills strawberries to enhance their natural flavors. And you will not believe the juiciness of grilled strawberries. If grilling is too much effort, sautée them in a pan over the stove for a similar effect. (Photo via Grace Bodkin)

14. Frozen Matcha Green Tea Smoothie: This is a different kind of green smoothie, thanks to matcha powder. Matcha is a powdered form of green tea, and apparently it has way more antioxidants than normal green tea. Booyah. An easy and healthy breakfast you can slurp down on the go. (Photo via Stephanie Nguyen)

15. Raspberry Breakfast Popsicles: Popsicles for breakfast sounds like the perfect morning. This recipe uses Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, so you know you’re getting the protein and vitamins you need. In just five simple steps, you can have these for breakfast almost all week. (Photo via Lily Allen)

16. Quinoa Oatmeal: The time will come when you run out of chia seeds and instant oatmeal packets. Instead of panicking, use quinoa as an oatmeal base. This breakfast packs a mean protein punch, especially when you add the peanut butter and almond milk. You won’t be hungry for a while with this one. (Photo via Jill Langin)

17. Vegan Oreo Pancakes: This recipe isn’t the simplest one in the book, but it’s totally worth it for a stack of creamy, chocolatey pancakes you don’t need to feel guilty about devouring. It’s a tad sugary to be the healthiest option on this list, but it’s much better for you than some other waffle or pancake batters. (Photo via Abigail Wang)

18. Coffee Protein Smoothie: With this easy drink, you can drink your coffee and eat it too. Throw some coffee, bananas and protein powder into a blender, and voila! A caffeinated, protein-rich option for mornings when a Starbucks run isn’t possible. (Photo via Ashton Caudle)

19. Banana Coffee Chip Cookies: More cookies for breakfast! If we didn’t convince you the first time, here’s our second push. You need to try these yummy bad boys that combine dessert, coffee and chocolate into one incredible morning option. Almond butter and bananas keep the health levels in check. (Photo via Zoe Holland)

20. Pumpkin Spice Granola: Whip up a batch of this pumpkin spice granola for the ultimate fall b-fast. Its secret ingredient is… quinoa! Pair this with milk or yogurt, or nosh on it by itself. (Photo via Maggie Gorman)

21. Almond Butter Protein Balls: You’ve never seen protein balls like these before. This smart breakfast is nutty, chocolatey and chock-full of protein, so you’ll be feeling full until lunch. Bonus: These are super easy to make and require only four ingredients. You’re crazy if you don’t whip up a batch tonight. (Photo via Keni Lin)

Do you have any other noteworthy dessert recipes? Let us know in the comments!

12 "Outdated" Travel Destinations To Avoid In 2025 (Thanks, Overtourism!)

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Get Into The Spirit Of The Season With These Paleo Christmas Cookies

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
6 tablespoons raw honey
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
1/4 cup cacao butter
1-2 tablespoons honey
Plant-based food coloring
Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*

* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

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13 Yummy Christmas Cookies From Around The World

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

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