In an ideal world, we’d all wake up hours before we need to leave for work, giving ourselves plenty of time to cook a giant breakfast. But this isn’t an ideal world, so we often find ourselves jumping into line at Starbucks for a hurried bagel or pastry to go with that triple-shot whatever. Since you could say a good breakfast is the foundation to a good day, we reached out to several local nutritionists to ask what they go for when their schedules require breakfast on-the-go. You sadly won’t find any doughnuts in the list below, but there are plenty of other tasty, filling options for starting your day on the right foot.
Avocado, Egg White & Spinach Breakfast Sandwich
Find at: Panera Bread
“The balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrate (with fiber!) will help you feel full through the morning.” — Kate Gardner of Kate Gardner Nutrition
Eggs & Cheese Protein Box
Find at: Starbucks
“To me, this bento-style, no-utensils-needed, to-go box is my ideal. I like the blend offered with fiber (apple with multigrain muesli bread), protein, and fat (hard boiled eggs as well as nut butter). You’re getting 23 grams of protein on the fly which will keep you full and satisfied.” — Carlene Thomas of Healthfully Ever After
Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Wrap
Find at: Starbucks
“I will get the Spinach, Feta, and Egg White breakfast wrap from Starbucks. It’s a great combination of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables and fuels me for the day. It is also high in fiber, to keep you full and tastes great!” — Allison Tepper of Allison Tepper Nutrition Consulting
Hearty Blueberry Oatmeal
Find at: Starbucks
“I love many of the Starbucks breakfast wraps and sandwiches. They’re full of flavor and have carbohydrates, protein, and fats to keep blood sugar and hunger levels balanced throughout the morning. They also have oatmeal with fresh blueberries—grab one of their squeezable pouches of peanut or almond butter to mix in and you’re set!” — Maureen Gately of DC Nutrition Services
California Acai Bowl
Find at: South Block
“I love going to South Block for the California Bowl, which is made with acai, bananas, blueberries, and almond milk, topped with granola, blueberries, bananas, and hemp hearts. I love acai bowls because they are refreshing, especially in this hot weather, while packing in loads of nutrients. Also South Block’s motto is to count colors, not calories, which I love!” — Allison Tepper of Allison Tepper Nutrition Consulting
Steel Cut Oats With Blueberries and Granola
Find at: Panera Bread
“Steel cut oats are the least-processed oatmeal (retaining more fiber and intact nutrients) and topped with fresh blueberries for a natural sweetener and boost of antioxidants, maple butter pecan granola and cinnamon crunch topping for added fiber and flavor that everyone will enjoy. This breakfast is 340kcals and loaded with fiber—9 grams (it’s recommended to get 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day)—so you are well on your way for your daily intake!” — Taylor Johnson of Roots Reboot
Grocery Store Yogurt
“Stopping at a grocery store or, when in season, a farmers market. A grocery store is not a particularly creative idea but seriously underrated for a healthy, low cost breakfast. You can easily stop for a yogurt and piece of fruit—a full breakfast—for about $2.” — Kate Gardner of Kate Gardner Nutrition
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
