9 Healthy 500-Calorie Breakfast Ideas

Listen up breakfast skippers. It's time to start eating that all-important morning meal. Get your day off to a great start with these 500 calorie breakfast ideas.  Some of these healthy low-calorie breakfasts are easy meals to make at home, but I've also included some fast food breakfasts for those mornings when you're too busy to cook in your own kitchen.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast Under 500 Calories

If you are trying to slim down, you may want to find a breakfast under 500 calories. Many dieters consume a 300-calorie breakfast to keep their daily food intake under control. But if you like to eat a big meal in the morning, then choose one of these nutritious ideas to fill your tummy in the early hours.

1. The Complete 300-Calorie Healthy Breakfast 
   No time to cook in the morning but want to eat a complete and healthy meal? No problem! This breakfast takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and it fills you up for a full day of calorie-burning activity.  (Complete breakfast recipe and instructions here)
   
   Special Recipe Eggs
   Oatmeal
   Green Smoothie 
   275-300 calories
    
2. Peanut Butter and Apple
   Peanut butter provides protein and fat to help you feel full and fiber from the whole wheat muffin keeps you satisfied through late morning cravings.
   
   One tablespoon of natural peanut butter
   One whole-wheat English muffin
   One apple 
   One cup of 1 percent milk
   416 calories
    

1. Waffles and Yogurt
   Get a protein and dairy boost from the yogurt while you satisfy your sweet tooth with just a taste of syrup and a banana.
   
   Two whole-grain waffles
   One tablespoon of light syrup
   Six ounces of low calorie vanilla yogurt
   One small banana
   414 calories
    
2. Starbucks Breakfast On-The-Go
   You know those days when you fly out the door and don't have time to eat? Hit Starbucks for some morning fuel. There's always one on every corner. But be careful. Some Starbucks drinks can derail your diet.
   
   Evolution Fresh Greek Yogurt Parfait (Fresh Berries and Honey)
   One tall nonfat cappuccino
   275 calories
    

1. Jamba Juice
   This juice spot is a favorite among healthy dieters, but you have to make smart choices at Jamba Juice to make sure you don't consume too much sugar.
   
   Egg White, Spinach and Cheese Breakfast Wrap
   Freshly Squeezed Juice
   350 calories
    
2. Oatmeal with Cherries
   Oatmeal is one of the best morning foods because it's full of fiber for weight loss and it is usually low in calories. Sprinkle tart cherries on your oatmeal for a boost of flavor.
   
   One cup of oatmeal
   One quarter cup dried tart cherries
   One teaspoon brown sugar
   A dash of cinammon
   One cup of 1 percent milk
   371 calories
    
3. McDonald’s Fast Food Breakfast in a Pinch
   You don't usually think of fast food as healthy. But there are some low-calorie options at fast food restaurants.
   
   Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
   Apple Slices
   Coffee  (no cream or sugar)
   Lowfat Milk
   410 calories
    
4. Bagel Breakfast for Early Morning Carb Cravings
   Many diet experts recommend that you avoid starchy carbs in the morning. But sometimes you just need bread. So eat whole wheat varieties to keep your diet on track. And pair it with protein for balance.
   
   Two whole-wheat mini bagels
   Two teaspoons whipped cream cheese
   One large hard boiled egg
   One orange
   369 calories
    
5. Brown Betty - Sweet and Crunchy Breakfast
   On those days when you crave something sweet and crunch in the morning, choose this breakfast with diet-friendly almonds and fresh fruit.
   
   Apple, cored and sliced, microwaved for three minutes and topped with:
   One tablespoon of raisins
   One tablespoon of chopped almonds
   One tablespoon of chopped walnuts
   Eight ounces of low fat vanilla yogurt
   362 calories

Of course, there will still be mornings when you have to fly out the door with just a cup of coffee. If possible, make a diet-friendly coffee drink at home with an added boost of protein to make sure your diet doesn't fall off track.