Portable and healthy meals for busy families that will make you wonder how you coped with mornings before this!

Life is busy. We know it. And no time of year spotlights that more than the fall. October turns into Thanksgiving, which turns into Christmas and then New Year’s and it seems there’s always another party – or school or work event – to attend. The list goes on and it makes us tired just thinking about it. Which brings us to mornings and getting everyone out of the house and where they need to be, with their stuff and on time. It’s a challenge. Add in the need to make sure your family – and you – fuels up with a healthy breakfast, and it all seem like a rather daunting prospect.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Because breakfast doesn’t have to be fancy or take a lot of time. Or be eaten at the kitchen table, in fact. Not when you can make one of our easy make-ahead take-along options. Prep now, eat later – cutlery (mostly) optional. That’s our motto these days, and we’re sticking to it.

Here’s to making mornings easier, folks. We can’t wait to hear which recipe is your favorite.

Playgroup granola bars recipe

Step aside, boxed granola bars. There’s a new kid in town, and they’re even more yummy and nutritious than you are. Granola bars may be an OG (on-the-go) portable snack but they’re also packed with less healthy ingredients like refined sugars, processed grains and preservatives. But made at home? They’re exactly what you want them to be: a hearty and filling meal-on the go (plus, way more budget friendly). Feel free to play around with the ingredients to make them your own. Get the recipe: allrecipes.com

Healthy grab-and-go protein box recipe

Back-to-school means busy mornings for parents. Between wrangling the kids and getting them where they need to be while making sure you aren’t late for work, something is bound to give. Don’t let that be your breakfast. Instead of picking up a bagel or pastry on the way, consider preparing yourself a portable brekkie while making the kids’ lunches. All you need is a container, some ingredients and a little imagination. Think hard boiled eggs, crackers, fruits, nuts, cottage cheese – whatever you like. Pack it up and get going. It’s that simple! Get the recipe: freshfamilymeals.com

Breakfast cookie recipe

You say cookie, they say yay! But these aren’t your typical “you can only have one” cookies. Instead, they’re “have more than one; they’re good for you cookies”! First, let’s talk about what they don’t have: refined sugar, oil or butter, gluten (if using gluten-free oats), and animal products (happy vegans!), These are the perfect breakfast or snack choice for those crazy moments when you’re out of time and hangry is about to hit hard. Wholesome, satisfying and extremely customizable, we recommend keeping a batch of these in the freezer at all times. Oh, did we tell you it’s a one-bowl recipe that takes less than 30 minutes? Get the recipe: sallysbakingaddiction.com

Whole wheat pancake muffin recipe

Kids love pancakes. That’s not news to anyone. But who has time to whip up a batch of pancakes on a busy weekday morning? Not us, that’s for sure. Instead, we’re getting all the fun of pancakes with a whole lot less effort. Mix up your homemade pancake batter when you’ve got time, pour into mini muffin cups and top with your favorite toppings. This week we’re going with sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, and a sprinkling of our favorite granola. Bake, sample a few, then freeze the rest for when you need ‘em. Yum. Get the recipe: familyfoodonthetable.com

Breakfast egg cup recipe

You can’t find your phone, your son lost his homework, the teen slept in and the dog needs a walk, … sounds like a typical, tricky morning to us. But that doesn’t mean a protein-rich, healthy breakfast is off the table. Egg cups are one of the easiest and most delicious grab-and-go breakfasts, and please even the pickiest eaters, because you can put anything you want into them. Imagine your favorite omelet. Now picture it dressed as a muffin. And there you have it. You can make these ahead. Mix ‘em up and pop in the oven while you’re cleaning up from dinner – or even better, have the kids do it. Then refrigerate and warm the next morning. Easy peasy, folks. Get the recipe: superhealthykids.com

Easy breakfast parfait recipe

Looking for a quick and simple breakfast your kids can make themselves? We’ve got one for you, and they’re going to love it! Start with a no-break cup, jar or cup-shaped container with a lid. Layer honey, yogurt, fruit and a sprinkling of their favorite cereal. Dig in. It’s that easy. We’re not kidding when we say that this recipe can be made in a flash with very little prep – fruit doesn’t wash itself, you know. Make mornings even faster by creating your parfaits the night before with a pre-portioned container of cereal nearby. Refrigerate, then finish them up on your way out the door. Spoons up, friends. Get the recipe: carrieelle.com

Make-ahead breakfast burrito recipe

If you’ve time to press start on the microwave in the morning, but still need to get rolling, it’s time for a breakfast burrito. Just like many of our recipes, these can be made ahead of time and refrigerated till you need them. Prep once, eat twice – or 3 or 4. In fact, once you wrap one of these babies up, it will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge, depending on what you put in them, and even longer in the freezer. Gather the troops for a burrito making party in the kitchen, then roll, wrap and label. In the morning, heat and eat. It’s that easy. Filling, nutritious and delicious is the name of the game, especially when they made it themselves! Get the recipe: larafuentes.com

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

• Can lavender help you sleep better?
• How do different seasons affect your sleep?
• How to manage changing family sleep routines