At some point over the last few years, I started eating breakfast. After years of not eating at all, surviving on coffee and, if I was lucky, granola bars, I started prioritizing a morning meal that actually gave me energy. Most of that change came down to one simple framework: the breakfast plate formula.
What I’ve learned is that breakfast doesn’t have to be staged. There’s no need to prepare carefully or wake up an hour earlier than necessary. Once you let go of the idea that you need to enjoy the whole show, breakfast becomes much more enjoyable (and actually a healthy habit you can stick to). Often, I simply combine a few ingredients I have on hand, arrange them on a plate (or a to-go container) and call it done. Breakfast plates, even simple ones, make them feel intentional.
Beautiful Breakfast Plate Formulas I Love
The beauty of the breakfast plate is its simplicity. Without thinking too much, pick one element from each of the following categories.
fiber. You can easily start with fruits and vegetables, berries, sliced ​​apples, roasted sweet potatoes, whatever is in season. A sprinkle of seeds or chia pudding made the night before adds texture and staying power.
healthy fats. Add a whole egg, a few slices of salty cheese, a spoonful of nut butter, or a drizzle of olive oil over the vegetables. Good fats make your plate feel satisfying and keep you feeling full for longer.
protein. Yes, protein has been in the spotlight for a while, and for good reason. I aim for around 30 grams in the morning so I can stay energized until lunch. Easy to make with Greek yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, or cooked protein options.
carbohydrates. My personal favorite and the fastest source of energy for the body. Drizzle honey over bagels, slices of toast, oats mixed into chia pudding, or fruit. Eating carbohydrates makes you feel like a real meal.
At the end of the day, you can build a plate that addresses your key macros without much preparation by simply building a balanced plate. We choose easy-to-assemble options from each category, so breakfast is intentional yet uncomplicated.
Options to customize 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 great, they also provide natural diversity throughout the year. I love options like clementines (nature’s perfect package) because you don’t have to slice them. Berries and grapes are similarly easy, portable staples that require little preparation.
On the flavorful side, sliced ​​radishes and cucumbers preserve beautifully when prepared the night before. It preserves its color and texture and adds freshness and texture to your plate without any hassle in the morning.
For fats and proteins, keep it simple and use what you have in the fridge. Some mornings I eat a piece of almonds and cheese. Other days it’s Brazil nuts and avocado. I always keep eggs on hand and boil some on Sunday night to get me through the week. Weekday breakfasts can be made easier with a little preparation.
takeout
While a beautiful, elaborate breakfast is always appreciated, it’s the simple, repeatable meals that make the biggest difference in your morning. The flexible formula takes the pressure off and makes nourishing feel easy rather than a wish.
Keep a few staple ingredients on hand, make preparations as easy as possible, and mix and match to suit the season and your desires. Please 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 must-haves in the morning right now?
This post was last updated on February 13, 2026 with new insights.
work day breakfast board
For 1 person
Breakfast board is a great way to start the day
material
- 2 boiled eggs (my favorite method is below!)
- 2 clementines
- 1/3 small cucumber (sliced)
- 4-5 small radishes (chopped)
- A handful of nuts, such as almonds or Brazil nuts
- small wedges of cheese, like parmesan or cheddar
Instructions
- To boil eggs until they are soft but the yolks are not runny, bring a pot of water to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower the eggs into the water. Cook for 10 minutes at a gentle boil. Once the eggs are cooked, remove them using a slotted spoon and place in an ice bath to cool for a few minutes. Drain the water, crack the eggs and peel them. Slice when eating.
- To assemble a board or box, prepare the materials by slicing them and arrange them as needed. enjoy!
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
