Low calorie breakfast is a term used to describe foods or drinks that contain a relatively small number of calories per serving. The exact definition of “low calorie” can vary depending on the context. But, in general, a food or beverage that contains fewer than 40 calories per serving is considered low calorie.
When it comes to weight loss or weight management goals, a low-calorie diet typically involves consuming fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its current weight. The exact number of calories that constitutes a low-calorie diet can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, weight, height, and activity level.
In general, a daily calorie intake of 1,200 to 1,500 calories is considered a low-calorie diet for most adults.
Low Calorie Breakfast Benefits
There are several potential benefits to choosing a low-calorie breakfast. Here are some possible benefits:
- Weight management: Eating a low-calorie breakfast can help you reduce your overall calorie intake, which may support weight loss or weight management goals.
- Improved digestion: Choosing a low-calorie breakfast that includes high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Better energy levels: Eating a nutritious low-calorie breakfast can provide your body with the energy it needs to start the day. Choosing foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and protein can help sustain your energy levels throughout the morning.
- Improved mood: Eating a healthy low calorie breakfast can help boost your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that skipping breakfast or choosing high-sugar, high-fat options can negatively impact mood and cognitive function.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: A nutritious low-calorie breakfast that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can provide your body with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
It’s important to note that a low-calorie breakfast should still be nutrient-dense and include a variety of foods from different food groups to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider to determine the best breakfast options for your individual needs and health goals.
Table of Content
- Overnight oats
- Tomato and egg sandwich
- Green smoothie
- Chia seed and yogurt bowl
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese toast
- Apple and peanut butter toast
- Quinoa and egg bowl
- Egg and vegetable muffin cups
- Scrambled tofu
- Blueberry and yogurt parfait
- Egg and cheese breakfast sandwich
- Cottage cheese and veggie bowl
- Low-Calorie Pancakes
- Lettuce Burrito
- Breakfast Smoothie
- Banana Bread
- Microwave Protein Muffin
- Chocolate Protein Waffle
Low Calorie Breakfast Recipes
Here are 18 more low-calorie breakfast recipes, along with their approximate calorie counts and nutritional value per serving:
1- Overnight oats:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup diced fruit (such as berries, banana, or apple)
Instructions:
- Firstly, start low calorie breakfast ingredients. In a mason jar or other airtight container, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Then, stir in the diced fruit.
- Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours.
- In the morning, stir the oats and fruit together and enjoy cold.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 235 Fat: 6g Saturated fat: 0g Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 70mg Carbohydrates: 37g Fiber: 8g Sugar: 10g Protein: 11g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using fewer oats or fruit, or by using a lower calorie milk or yogurt. You can also customize the recipe by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or by using different fruits or toppings.
2- Tomato and egg sandwich:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole grain English muffin
- 1 large egg
- 1 slice of low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/2 medium tomato, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Firstly, preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly coat the skillet with cooking spray.
- Crack the egg into the skillet and cook until the white is set but the yolk is still runny, about 2-3 minutes.
- Then, season the egg with salt and pepper.
- And then, toast the English muffin.
- Place the slice of cheese on one half of the English muffin.
- Place the sliced tomato on the other half of the English muffin.
- After the eggs are cooked, put them on top of the previously chopped tomatoes.
- Cover with the other half of the English muffin
- Serve immediately your low calorie breakfast.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 245 Fat: 9g Saturated fat: 4g Cholesterol: 194mg Sodium: 477mg Carbohydrates: 27g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 4g Protein: 17g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using a lower calorie bread or cheese, or by omitting the cheese altogether. You can also add more vegetables, such as sliced avocado or spinach, to increase the nutritional value of the sandwich.
3- Green smoothie:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until no chunks remain.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add more water or milk to thin it out.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately low calorie breakfast.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 147 Fat: 3g Saturated fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 164mg Carbohydrates: 29g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 18g Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. If you want to reduce the calorie content further, you can use less fruit or omit the honey. You can also adjust the amount of ginger to suit your taste. This smoothie is high in vitamins A and C, and provides a good source of fiber.
4- Chia seed and yogurt bowl:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries)
- 1 tbsp slivered almonds
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- First, in a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and chia seeds.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
- Then, in the morning, top the yogurt and chia mixture with the mixed berries and slivered almonds.
- Lastly, drizzle with honey if desired.
- Serve and enjoy low calorie breakfast!
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 190 Fat: 6g Saturated fat: 0.5g Cholesterol: 4mg Sodium: 35mg Carbohydrates: 22g Fiber: 7g Sugar: 12g Protein: 16g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using fewer chia seeds or nuts, or by omitting the honey. You can also use different fruits or toppings to customize the recipe. This chia seed and yogurt bowl is high in protein and fiber, and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.
5- Smoked salmon and cream cheese toast:
Ingredients:
- 1 slice whole grain bread
- 1 tbsp low-fat cream cheese
- 1 oz smoked salmon
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp capers
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Toast the bread to your desired level of crispiness.
- Spread the low-fat cream cheese evenly over the toast.
- Top with the smoked salmon, sliced red onion, and capers.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the top of the toast.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 215 Fat: 7g Saturated fat: 2g Cholesterol: 15mg Sodium: 595mg Carbohydrates: 23g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 5g Protein: 15g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using a lower calorie bread or cream cheese, or by using less smoked salmon. This recipe is high in protein and provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
6- Apple and peanut butter toast:
Here’s a recipe for a low calorie breakfast apple and peanut butter toast:
Ingredients:
- 1 slice whole grain bread
- 1 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1/2 small apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Toast the bread to your desired level of crispiness.
- Spread the natural peanut butter evenly over the toast.
- Top with the thinly sliced apple.
- Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the top of the apple.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 200 Fat: 9g Saturated fat: 1.5g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 135mg Carbohydrates: 25g Fiber: 6g Sugar: 10g Protein: 8g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using less peanut butter or by using a lower calorie bread. This recipe is high in fiber and provides a good source of protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter.
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7- Quinoa and egg bowl:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 small avocado, diced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small pan, cook the egg to your desired level of doneness (such as fried, scrambled, or poached).
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, baby spinach, diced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top of the quinoa mixture, and toss to combine.
- Transfer the quinoa to the bowl you will serve.
- Top the quinoa with the cooked egg, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 315 Fat: 15g Saturated fat: 3g Cholesterol: 185mg Sodium: 170mg Carbohydrates: 33g Fiber: 9g Sugar: 4g Protein: 15g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific low calorie breakfast ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using less avocado or omitting the balsamic vinegar. This recipe is high in protein and provides a good source of fiber and healthy fats from the avocado.
8- Egg and vegetable muffin cups:
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1/2 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a non-stick baking tray with oil.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and skim milk.
- Stir in the diced vegetables, salt, and pepper.
- Then, pour the egg and vegetable mixture evenly into the muffin cups.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the muffin cups are set and lightly golden on top.
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool.
- Use a butter knife to gently loosen the muffin cups from the tin.
- Serve and enjoy your low calorie breakfast!
Nutritional information per serving (1 muffin cup):
Calories: 65 Fat: 3g Saturated fat: 1g Cholesterol: 105mg Sodium: 85mg Carbohydrates: 3g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 2g Protein: 7g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using fewer eggs or omitting the milk. This recipe is high in protein and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a great low-calorie breakfast or snack option that is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for several days.
9- Scrambled tofu:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz firm tofu
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- First, drain the tofu and use paper towels to gently squeeze out any excess water.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over low-medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Then, crumble the tofu into the pan and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- Add the diced tomato, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the tofu is lightly golden and heated through.
- Remove from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy your low calorie breakfast!
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 110 Fat: 7g Saturated fat: 1g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 130mg Carbohydrates: 6g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 2g Protein: 9g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using less oil or omitting the cilantro. This recipe is high in protein and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a great low-calorie breakfast or lunch option that is vegan and gluten-free.
10- Blueberry and yogurt parfait:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup low-fat granola
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- First, in a small bowl, mix together the nonfat Greek yogurt and honey (if using).
- In a tall glass, layer half of the blueberries on the bottom.
- Then, spoon half of the yogurt mixture on top of the blueberries.
- Sprinkle half of the granola on top of the yogurt.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining blueberries, yogurt, and granola.
- Serve and enjoy your low calorie breakfast!
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 220 Fat: 2g Saturated fat: 0.5g Cholesterol: 6mg Sodium: 95mg Carbohydrates: 36g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 19g Protein: 18g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using less granola or omitting the honey. This recipe is high in protein and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the yogurt and blueberries. It is a great low-calorie breakfast or snack option that is easy to make and can be customized with different types of fruit and granola.
11- Egg and cheese breakfast sandwich:
Ingredients:
- 1 English muffin, split and toasted
- 1 egg
- 1 slice of low-fat cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- First, heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat and coat with cooking spray.
- Crack the egg into the skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Then, cook the egg until the white is set and the yolk is to your desired level of doneness, about 2-3 minutes for a sunny-side-up egg.
- Place the slice of low-fat cheese on top of the cooked egg and let it melt for 1-2 minutes.
- Place the egg and cheese on one half of the toasted English muffin.
- Top with the other half of the English muffin and serve your low calorie breakfast.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 260 Fat: 7g Saturated fat: 3g Cholesterol: 200mg Sodium: 490mg Carbohydrates: 30g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 2g Protein: 18g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. You can adjust the calorie content by using a lower calorie bread or cheese. This recipe is high in protein and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the egg and English muffin. It is a great low-calorie breakfast option that is easy to make and can be customized with different types of bread and cheese.
12- Cottage cheese and veggie bowl:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 avocado, diced
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- First, in a bowl, mix together the low-fat cottage cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Then, top with the diced avocado.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy your low calorie breakfast!
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 160 Fat: 7g Saturated fat: 1g Cholesterol: 5mg Sodium: 480mg Carbohydrates: 13g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 7g Protein: 13g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe is high in protein and fiber, and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a great low-calorie breakfast or snack option that is easy to make and can be customized with different types of vegetables and dressings.
13- Low-Calorie Pancakes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
- Firstly, in a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vegetable oil.
- Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter may be slightly lumpy.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until cooked through.
Makes about 10-12 pancakes for low calorie breakfast. Approximate calorie count per serving (3 pancakes): 200 Nutritional value per serving: 7 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and a good source of calcium and iron.
Shortly, note that the calorie count and nutritional value may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. Additionally, you can add toppings like fresh fruit or low-calorie syrup to the pancakes to increase the nutrient content of the meal.
14-Lettuce Burrito
Ingredients:
- 4 large lettuce leaves (Romaine or Bibb work well)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced tomato
- 1/4 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: salsa, avocado, or hot sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Firstly, wash and dry the lettuce leaves, and lay them flat on a cutting board.
- Then, in a non-stick skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Then, add the diced tomato to the skillet and cook for another minute or two.
- After that, whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are scrambled and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the eggs and stir until melted.
- After that, divide the egg and vegetable mixture evenly among the four lettuce leaves.
- Then, roll up the lettuce leaves around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Lastly,Serve immediately with salsa, avocado, or hot sauce if desired.
Nutritional information per serving (1 lettuce burrito):
Calories: 115 Fat: 6g Saturated fat: 2g Cholesterol: 190mg Sodium: 190mg Carbohydrates: 6g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 3g Protein: 10g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
15- Breakfast Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Firstly, add all the ingredients to a blender and blend.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add more water or milk.
- Then, pour it into a glass.
Nutritional information per serving low calorie breakfast:
Calories: 170 Fat: 3g Saturated fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 170mg Carbohydrates: 28g Fiber: 6g Sugar: 16g Protein: 11g
16- Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Firstly, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, honey, vanilla extract, and egg.
- After that, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- After that, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Then, bake the bread for an average of 50-60 minutes.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional values per serving (1/12th of the loaf banana bread):
Calories: 120 Fat: 0.5g Saturated fat: 0g Cholesterol: 15mg Sodium: 180mg Carbohydrates: 28g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 14g Protein: 2g
Note: Shortly, nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe is a healthier version of traditional banana bread, using applesauce and honey instead of oil and sugar. It is a great low-calorie breakfast or snack option that is easy to make and can be customized with different mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips.
17- Microwave Protein Muffin
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop whey protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk
- Optional: Stevia or other sweetener to taste
Instructions:
- Firstly, in a microwave-safe mug or small bowl, mix together the whey protein powder, almond flour, and baking powder.
- Then, add the egg and almond milk and stir until a smooth batter forms.
- After that, if desired, add sweetener to taste.
- Then, microwave the muffin on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the top is set and the muffin is cooked through.
- Lastly, let the muffin cool for a few minutes before enjoying your low calorie breakfast.
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 180 Fat: 9g Saturated fat: 1g Cholesterol: 100mg Sodium: 250mg Carbohydrates: 5g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 1g Protein: 22g
Note: Shortly, Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Also, this recipe is a great low-calorie option for a protein-packed breakfast or snack. It can be customized with different flavors of whey protein powder and toppings, such as berries or nut butter.
18- Chocolate Protein Waffle
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Firstly, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Then, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
- And then, add the egg, unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour the batter onto the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
- Lastly, serve the waffles with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries or nut butter.
Nutritional information per serving (2 waffles):
Calories: 250 Fat: 5g Saturated fat: 1g Cholesterol: 105mg Sodium: 540mg Carbohydrates: 31g Fiber: 6g Sugar: 2g Protein: 23g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe is a healthy and delicious way to start your day with a dose of protein and fiber. You can experiment with different flavors of protein powder and toppings to create your own unique waffle creations.