8 Healthy grab-and-go breakfast ideas

Eating a healthy breakfast sets the tone for your entire day. According to nutrition experts, kids who eat a healthy breakfast can more easily focus and concentrate at school. Parents, the same goes for you at work.

In addition, eating a healthy breakfast gives you more energy, reduces hunger later in the day and helps you stay on track and make smarter nutrition choices all day long.

Keep these grab-and-go breakfast ideas on hand for your most hectic days.

Tomato & spinach egg white tortilla

According to Karen Gilbert, MS RD, founder of Decision Nutrition, tortillas are an easy and healthy on-the-go breakfast. "My favorite tortillas are the Low Carb tortillas made by La Tortilla Factory," Gilbert said. "Whip up some egg whites, then add raw tomatoes and spinach, which provides your body with enzymes that aid in digestion, and speeds up your metabolism. Roll up and enjoy!"

Gorilla sandwich

Here's a simple breakfast idea that'll keep you energized and hydrated. Celebrity dietician Ashley Koff, RD, shares this monster of a morning sandwich. "The gorilla sandwich is half a cucumber stuffed with hummus -- good for you, and your kids will love them, too!" Koff said, "They're easy to make, nutrient-balanced for energy, and by using the cucumber, you get a water-based veggie for extra hydration."

Cereal in a bag

"This is the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast," Gilbert said. Not only is this recipe simple, but it can be varied, too. Gilbert suggests combining a high-fiber, low-sugar cereal, like Barbara's Original Puffins, with dry fruit, such as cranberries, plus nuts. To change it up, bring along a Greek yogurt to mix your concoction in.

Frozen berries with hemp seeds

It doesn't get much simpler than this quick breakfast recipe from Koff. "Fill a small container with frozen berries, and sprinkle hemp seeds on top," she said. "The berries will defrost by the time you're ready to eat them, and the hemp seeds provide a complete protein and source of healthy fat to keep you full and nourished."

High-fiber waffle with peanut butter and strawberries

Think you can't prepare a healthy breakfast in five minutes? Think again! For a quick and healthy grab-and-go breakfast favorite, Gilbert recommends toasting high-fiber waffles, then spreading one tablespoon of natural peanut butter on them. Top with sliced strawberries, and away you go!

DIY trail mix

Pack this do-it-yourself trail mix for a morning or afternoon snack on-the-go. Koff suggests combining these ingredients: Organic high-fiber cereal, nuts, seeds, coconut shreds and a one-ounce piece of dark chocolate broken into pieces. Not only will this mixture satisfy your sweet tooth, but Koff says it also provides fiber and protein to help avoid an afternoon crash and burn.

Muffins

A healthy muffin can be a nutritious and tasty part of your morning, even when you're short on time. Health and fitness consultant and author of Body Instinct – 6 Week Total Transformation Program, Tari Rose, suggests trying her "Body Instinct Breakfast Banana Bread/Muffins" recipe. "These muffins are full of whole grains, omega-3s, protein, reduced sugar and nothing artificial whatsoever!" Tari said. Over the weekend, make a double batch and freeze the muffins for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go.

Ingredients

1/4 cup of butter softened, 1/4 cup ground flax meal, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of whole-wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 very ripe bananas, mashed, 1/2 cup of Fage 2% yogurt, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (if desired)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter or spray pan. Blend or mix all ingredients together. Pour into prepared pan. Use the following baking times:

• One large loaf pan = 45 minutes
• One 12 count muffin pan = 20 minutes
• Four small loaf pans = 25 minutes

Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

If you don't have time for baking, Rose recommends trying out the 100-calorie Vitalicious VitaTop muffins (located in your grocer's frozen aisle). Take the "Pumpkin Spice VitaTops," for example. These muffin tops contain whole wheat, oat bran and 15 vitamins and minerals, along with plenty of flavor.

Smoothie

If you're looking for a crumb-free on-the-go breakfast idea, look no further than this classic morning favorite -- the smoothie. Jennifer Crain, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and holistic pediatrics specialist, recommends opting for a fruity combo such as yogurt, blueberries, raspberries and nut butter. Or, create a green concoction, like this "Creamy Coconut Kale Green Smoothie."

More breakfast ideas for families

• 5 Tips to help moms get breakfast on the table
• Fast healthy breakfast recipes for school
• 3 Stove-free healthy breakfasts for kids