Skip to content

10 Best Instant Breakfasts for Weight Loss

By now, you know enough to eat breakfast in order to keep your metabolism humming, your mental focus sharp and to avoid overeating for the rest of the day.

You also know that it needn't be a big production. But although reaching for a handful of almonds or a healthy yogurt is easy and filling, it's understandable if that leaves you yearning for something heartier. While the entree section of the freezer case is often where healthy intentions go to die, there are major exceptions—like these heat-and-eat breakfast items, which are low in fat yet significant sources of protein and fiber. Try them out and you'll never cast a disgusted-yet-envious eye at your McMuffin-scarfing cubemate again.

Eat This!

Amy's Organic Breakfast Burrito, 1 burrito

Calories 270
Fat 8 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Sodium 540 mg
Carbs 38 g
Fiber 6 g
Sugar 3 g
Protein 12 g

Protein provided by tofu and beans make this vegetarian option feel substantial, enough to make you run from the border: Taco Bell's Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burrito has eight times the saturated fat and 60% more sodium.

Eat This!

Evol Lean & Fit Chicken-Apple Sausage with Egg Whites and Cheddar Flatbread Sandwich, 1 sandwich

Calories 200
Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 2.5 g
Sodium 490 mg
Carbs 19 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 2 g
Protein 16 g

This lean and zesty sandwich doesn't want for flavor thanks to protein-rich chicken-apple sausage. Especially satisfying: It has less than half the calories and a quarter of the fat of a McDonald's Sausage McMuffin With Egg.

Eat This!

Nature's Path Organic Buckwheat Waffles, 2 waffles

Calories 190
Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Sodium 330 mg
Carbs 33 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 5 g
Protein 2 g

Waffles aren't usually at the top of the healthy-breakfast list, but this organic option scores a deserved place on ours. A serving has 10 grams of whole grains to burn belly fat, plus pieces of organic strawberries and blueberries, which contain polyphenols that can stop abdominal fat from forming. Top it with fresh berries for an even bigger health boost from some of the Best Fruits for Fat Loss.

Eat This!

CedarLane Spinach and Roasted Tomato Egg White Frittata, 1 frittata

Calories 160
Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Sodium 300 mg
Carbs 16 g
Fiber 5 g
Sugar 5 g
Protein 10 g

Keep your first meal light without resorting to your routine yogurt with these egg white frittatas. A dose of feta and milk ensures you get enough protein and fat to keep you satiated without skyrocketing calories, and you'll sneak in veggies before your first morning meeting. Now that's starting the day right.

Eat This!

Amy's Organic Tofu Scramble, 1 entree

Calories 320
Fat 19 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Sodium 580 mg
Carbs 19 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 4 g
Protein 22 g

This tofu-based vegetarian bowl offers a whopping 22g of protein, the highest on the list. A blend of organic vegetables and extra-virgin olive oil lend vitamins and good fat. (To reduce the sodium count without sacrificing protein, leave some of the hash browns aside.)

Eat This!

Van's Power Grains Waffles, 2 waffles

Calories 210
Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Sodium 180 mg
Carbs 27 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 6 g
Protein 10 g

"Power Grains" sounds like the most boring cartoon of all time, but these whole-grain waffles might give you a touch of childhood nostalgia—not to mention belly-fat-blasting protein—without the Eggo-induced guilt hangover.

Eat This!

Weight Watchers Smart Ones Turkey Sausage English Muffin Sandwich, 1 sandwich

Calories 230
Fat 8 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Sodium 490 mg
Carbs 26 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 1 g
Protein 14 g

The English-muffin breakfast sandwich is no longer the provenance of the Golden Arches: Lean turkey sausage lends this a good ratio of protein, fat and calories.

Eat This!

Amy's Organic Multi-Grain Hot Cereal Bowl, 1 bowl

Calories 190
Fat 1.5 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Sodium 300 mg
Carbs 40 g
Fiber 5 g
Sugar 12 g
Protein 4 g

Hang on to your Pharrell hat, Quaker Oats dude: Seven organic whole grains make this a belly-fat-melting oatmeal option, with more fiber and half the fat of Old Fashioned Oats.

Eat This!

Garden Lites Zucchini Soufflé, 1 soufflé

Calories 180
Fat 3 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Sodium 550 mg
Carbs 28 g
Fiber 5 g
Sugar 7 g
Protein 10 g

Don't let the presence of the word "Lite" unnerve you: This egg-white soufflé is savory and satisfying—high in protein, low in fat and calories, with antioxidant-rich zucchini.

Eat This!

Kashi 7 Grain Waffles, 2 waffles

Calories 150
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Sodium 340 mg
Carbs 25 g
Fiber 7 g
Sugar 4 g
Protein 3 g

These are the most fiber-packed waffles you'll find in the freezer section. If you're looking to power your morning with more protein and fewer carbs, prep only one waffle and add a tablespoon of peanut butter and some banana slices.

 

Eat This, Not That!
Inspired by The New York Times best-selling book series, Eat This, Not That! is a brand that's comprised of an award-winning team of journalists and board-certified experts, doctors, nutritionists, chefs, personal trainers, and dietitians who work together to bring you accurate, timely, informative, and actionable content on food, nutrition, dieting, weight loss, health, wellness, and more. Read more about Eat This