Blueberries have earned their reputation as one of the healthiest breakfast foods. These berries are packed with antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Blueberries might also improve your short-term memory, according to MayoClinic.com. Eating blueberries for breakfast, whether they’re fresh or frozen, can also satisfy your sweet tooth.
Smoothies
Because blueberries are soft and pair well with virtually any fruit, they’re the ideal base for a fruit smoothie. Use yogurt to add dairy and calcium to your breakfast. Opt for blueberry yogurt to intensify the berry flavor, or use lemon yogurt to add a bright citrus flavor to your breakfast. Add a handful of other berries, or add sliced peaches or bananas for a more unexpected flavor. Finish the smoothie with a few ice cubes and blend until smooth.
Breads
Blueberry bread is filling and easy to grab on the way out the door. The berries add bursts of flavor and moistness to the bread, so you’ll be able to make a low-fat version without it tasting dry. Look for a recipe that includes buttermilk, which gives the bread a slight tang, and whole wheat flour instead of white. A loaf of blueberry bread also freezes well. Package individual slices in plastic bags and pull one out of the freezer at night. It’ll be defrosted by morning.
Sauce
Making fresh blueberry sauce only takes 10 minutes, and it’s ideal for cold winter months. Mix a cup of blueberries, a teaspoon of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice in a saucepan and heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the blueberries are breaking apart. Pouring this sauce over whole wheat pancakes or waffles makes butter and syrup unnecessary. For an unconventional breakfast on a hot day, pour the sauce over a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt.
Oats
Oats are one of the healthiest foods to eat at breakfast, so they’re a natural fit for blueberries. There are several ways to combine oats and berries. Mix fresh berries into a bowl of steel cut oatmeal, or make your own granola using toasted oats, nuts, honey and dried blueberries. A blueberry crisp topped with oats is often served as dessert, but it can also be a healthy breakfast option on cold days. This dish consists of berries topped with a mixture of oats, cinnamon and a bit of butter and sugar and is baked in the oven until the oats are browned.
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