At some point during the last few years, I became a breakfast person. After years of skipping it altogether—surviving on coffee and, if I was lucky, a granola bar—I started prioritizing a morning meal that actually fueled me. Most of that shift came down to one simple framework: the breakfast plate formula.
Here’s what I learned: breakfast doesn’t have to be a production. It doesn’t require elaborate prep or waking up an hour earlier than necessary. Once you let go of the idea that it needs to be a whole show, breakfast becomes something much more enjoyable (and a healthy habit you can actually sustain). More often than not, I’m simply assembling a handful of ingredients I already have on hand, arranging them on a plate (or a container I can take on the go), and calling it done. The breakfast plate makes it feel intentional—even when it’s effortless.
The Formula I Love for an Aesthetic Breakfast Plate
The beauty of a breakfast plate is its simplicity. Instead of overthinking it, I pull one element from each of these categories:
Fiber. Fruit or vegetables are an easy starting point—berries, sliced apples, roasted sweet potatoes, or whatever’s in season. A sprinkle of seeds or chia pudding made the night before adds texture and staying power.
Healthy Fats. Whole eggs, a few slices of salty cheese, a spoonful of nut butter, or a drizzle of olive oil over your veggies. Good fats are what make the plate satisfying and keep you full.
Protein. Yes, protein is having a moment, but for good reason. I aim for around 30 grams in the morning because it keeps me energized until lunch. Greek yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, or a prepped protein option make it easy.
Carbs. My personal favorite, and your body’s quickest source of energy. A bagel, a slice of toast, oats stirred into chia pudding, or a generous drizzle of honey over fruit. Carbs make it feel like a real meal.
At the end of the day, you’re simply building a balanced plate—one that hits the key macros without requiring much prep. I choose options from each category that are easy to assemble, so breakfast feels intentional but never complicated.
Options for Customizing Your Breakfast Plate
One of the easiest ways to keep your breakfast plate interesting is to follow the seasons. Seasonal fruits and vegetables not only taste better—they add natural variety throughout the year. I love options like clementines (nature’s perfect packaging), since there’s no slicing involved. Berries and grapes are equally easy, packable staples that require almost no prep.
On the savory side, sliced radishes and cucumbers hold up beautifully when prepped the night before. They keep their color and crunch, adding freshness and texture to your plate without any morning effort.
For fats and protein, I keep it simple and use what’s already in my fridge. Some mornings it’s almonds and a wedge of cheese; other days it’s Brazil nuts and avocado. I always keep eggs on hand and will boil a few on Sunday night to carry me through the week. That small bit of prep makes weekday breakfasts feel effortless.
The Takeaway
While I’ll always appreciate a beautiful, elaborate breakfast, it’s the simple, repeatable meals that make the biggest difference in my mornings. A flexible formula takes the pressure off and makes nourishing yourself feel easy—not aspirational.
Keep a few staples on hand, prep lightly when you can, and let the combinations shift with the seasons and your cravings. Remember: breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to feel intentional.
I’m always looking for new ingredients to add to my rotation. What are your go-to morning staples right now?
This post was last updated on February 13, 2026, to include new insights.
Work Day Breakfast Board
Serves 1
A Breakfast Board is the Best Way to Start Your Day
Ingredients
- 2 boiled eggs (my favorite method below!)
- 2 clementines
- 1/3 of a small cucumber, sliced
- 4-5 small radishes, chopped
- a handful of nuts like almonds or Brazil nuts
- a small wedge of cheese like parmesan or cheddar
Instructions
- To boil eggs to a soft but not runny yolk stage, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Use a slotted spoon and carefully lower eggs into the water. Cook for 10 minutes on a gentle boil. Use the slotted spoon to remove eggs once cooked and place into an ice bath to cool for a few minutes. Drain water and crack and peel eggs. Slice when ready to eat.
- To assemble your board or box, slice and prep ingredients and arrange as desired. Enjoy!
