Fitness
Healthiest Store-Bought Breakfasts for Meals on the Go
Published
2 years agoon
By
Terry Power
By the time you graduated from preschool, you’d already heard it too many times—but the mantra holds true: Breakfast really is the most important meal. Aside from those who choose to intermittent fast, breakfast is integral to giving your body and brain the energy it needs to conquer your day. Sure, the best option is to cook something fresh or meal-prep your morning power fix. But let’s be real, who has time for that every day? The solution: Stock up on the healthiest store-bought breakfasts.
By keeping your pantry, fridge, and freezer full of grab-and-go meals, you can bypass the time suck of cooking without sacrificing your nutrition. The only “work” you have to do consists of adding milk the night before for energy- and fiber-rich overnight oats, nuking portable burritos and eggs, popping a waffle in the toaster, and grabbing a smoothie on your way out the door.
When shopping for the healthiest store-bought breakfasts, you want to look for meals that have complex and natural carbohydrates for long-lasting energy, low added sugar to prevent energy crashes, and some type of protein.
Here are the healthiest store-bought breakfasts that are nutritious and downright tasty.
22 Healthiest Store-Bought Breakfast for Meals on the Go
1. Oats Overnight Green Apple Cinnamon
Oats Overnight’s spoon-free formula is soy and gluten free, non-GMO, and has zero preservatives. Each serving is packed with over 20 g protein (regular oatmeal has approximately 6g) and ingredients such as chia seeds, flax, maca powder, and real fruit. You won’t have flavor fatigue, as the brand offers over 20 flavors including classics like Mixed Berries, Maple Pancakes, and Banana Bread as well as less traditional ones like S’mores, Boston Cream, and Peach Upside.
Macros in 1 serving Green Apple Cinnamon:
- Calories: 290
- Carbs: 39g
- Total Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 22g
[$60 for 24 packets; oatsovernight.com]
2. Fuel For Fire Portable Smoothies
Fuel for Fire Smoothies are a convenient option for hectic mornings. Compact and portable, they conveniently fit into lunch boxes and backpacks for ferrying kids between school and extracurriculars; they’re also great for adults who scramble to the office after early-morning gym sessions. Long-lasting energy and 10 g plant or whey protein isolate provide high-quality protein. They’ll keep you full and energized, helping to mitigate midday fatigue.
Macros in 1 serving Strawberry Banana:
- Calories: 110
- Carbs: 15 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
[$18 for a 6 pack; fuelforfire.com]
3. Nellie’s Free Range Sous Vide Egg Bites
Nellie’s sous vide egg cups are the first and only certified humane egg bite. These are the perfect grab-and-go protein solution in the morning—or any time of day. Choose among Uncured Ham + Swiss, Broccoli + Cheddar, Uncured Bacon + Pepper Jack, and Sausage + Cheddar. Each container has two servings.
Macros for 1 serving of Uncured Ham + Swiss:
- Calories: 90
- Carbs: 1g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
[Price varies, search local distributor; nelliesfreerange.com]
4. Real Good Breakfast Sandwich Bacon, Egg & Cheese
A breakfast sammy sans grains or gluten…can it be? Sure can. Real Good uses cauliflower buns for its take on “cheesy bread.” Each sandwich provides 4 g carbs and 22 g protein. They’re like your favorite Starbucks BEC drive-through order, only better for you.
Macros in 1 Bacon, Egg & Cheese:
- Calories: 310
- Carbs: 7g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 19g
[$10 for a box; realgoodfoods.com]
5. Simple Mills Nutty Banana Bread Soft Baked Bars
These grab-and-go bars are studded with nuts, seeds, and fruit, delivering the texture of a home-baked treat but without all the added sugar. Its natural sweetness comes from molasses and organic coconut nectar. They’re certified gluten-, grain-, soy-, corn-, dairy-, and gums/emulsifiers-free.
Macros in 1 Nutty Banana Bread Bar:
- Calories: 160
- Carbs: 17g
- Added Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 3g
[$6 for a box; simplemills.com]
6. Purely Elizabeth Blueberry Walnut Superfood Oat Cup with Collagen
Single serve cups take the guesswork out of portion control for an easy, nourishing breakfast that’s convenient at home or on the go. These cups are made with bovine collagen (great for hair, skin, and nails) and a blend of oats, quinoa, amaranth, chia, and flax for 5 g fiber to start the day. Superfoods made super-convenient.
Macros in Blueberry Walnut Superfood Oat Cup:
- Calories: 230
- Carbs: 37g
- Added Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 9g
[$34 for a 12 Pack; purelyelizabeth.com]
7. Siggi’s Nonfat Drinkable Yogurt Raspberry
Single-serve drinkable yogurts aren’t just for picky kids. Siggi’s makes the portable, probiotic-packed (7 billion live cultures, to be specific) breakfast or snack suitable for adults by skipping the artificial sweeteners and using only milk from family farms that steer clear of growth hormones like rBST. It’s a great way to promote good gut health.
Macros in 1 bottle Raspberry:
- Calories: 80
- Carbs: 15g
- Added Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 6g
[Price varies, search local distributor; siggis.com]
8. Soylent Drink Creamy Chocolate Shake
Soylent makes as close to a complete-meal-in-a-bottle as you can get. This tasty chocolate shake contains plant-based protein, 28 vitamins and minerals, slow-burning carbs, and healthy fats for sustained energy. Flavors include Banana, Vanilla, Mint Chocolate, Strawberry, Cafe Mocha, and more.
Macros in 1 bottle Creamy Chocolate Shake:
- Calories: 400
- Carbs: 36g
- Added Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 20g
[$45 for 12 bottles; soylent.com]
9. Good Culture Wildberry Probiotic Smoothie
Good Culture combines pasture-raised kefir with 35 billion live and active cultures to keep your gut happy. Each smoothie has 7 g protein and no added sugar.
Macros in 1 Wildberry Probiotic Smoothie:
- Calories: 140
- Carbs: 16g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 7g
[Price varies, search local distributor; goodculture.com]
10. Red’s Chicken Apple Sausage Egg’Wich
A unique spin on the classic breakfast sandwich, this breadless “egg’wich” is made with two fluffy cage-free egg patties and a sweet and savory chicken apple sausage patty for a protein-packed (15 g) breakfast on the go or at home.
Macros in 1 Apple Sausage Egg’Wich:
- Calories: 200
- Carbs: 3g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 15g
[Price varies, search local distributor; redsallnatural.com]
11. Evol Foods Sausage, Egg & Smoked Gouda Burrito
Featuring cage-free eggs and antibiotic-free roasted chicken, this delicious breakfast burrito provides 13 g protein. Roasted potato, gouda, and caramelized onion provide layers and layers of flavor. If you need a hearty breakfast, this is your best bet.
Macros in 1 Sausage, Egg & Smoked Gouda Burrito:
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 37g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 12g
[Price varies, search local distributor; evolfoods.com]
12. Over Easy Breakfast Bar Apple Cinnamon
Have a sweet tooth? We’d never recommend apple pie for breakfast, but this breakfast bar delivers all those flavors in a healthy package. It’s naturally sweetened with honey and full of protein and fiber.
Macros in 1 Apple Cinnamon bar:
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 26g
- Added Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 9g
[$33 per 12-bar box; overeasyfoods.com]
13. Vital Farms Pasture Raised Hard Boiled Eggs
Vital Farms saves you big time. They boil ethical eggs, pre-peel them, and package pairs with tiny travel salt and pepper. They’re perfect for breakfast on the run as well as pre- or post-workout.
Macros for 2 eggs:
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 0 g
- Added Sugar: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
[Price varies, search local distributor; vitalfarms.com]
14. HOLOS Organic Overnight Meusli Peanuts + Maple
HOLOS is a creamy, crunchy organic overnight muesli (kinda like oatmeal). It’s a blend of organic whole grains, nuts, seeds, spices, and dried fruit that comes in five distinct flavors (Chai, Apple + Cinnamon, Peanuts + Maple, Vanilla, and Cocoa). Just add the milk of your choice, soak overnight, and enjoy anywhere.
Macros in 1 pouch Meusli Peanuts + Maple:
- Calories: 400
- Carbs: 45g
- Added Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20 g
[$65 for a 12 pack; us.liveholos.com]
15. Kachava Daily Superblend Chocolate
Think of this as an all-in-one powder to get your day going: It’s got plant protein, super greens, omegas and healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, probiotics, fiber, digestive enzymes, and more—packing over 85 superfoods and nutrients. Shake or give it a whirl in the blender with water or your milk of choice.
Macros in 2 scoops of Superblend Chocolate:
- Calories: 240
- Carbs: 25g
- Added Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 25g
[$69.95 per 15-meal bag; kachava.com]
16. Sweet Earth Frozen Protein Lover’s Breakfast Bowl
This microwave bowl is loaded with cage-free eggs, plant-based sausage and bacon, and is the perfect start to your day if you don’t feel like cracking an egg or chopping up veg.
Macros in 1 Protein Lover’s Breakfast Bowl:
- Calories: 300
- Carbs: 23g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 21g
[Price varies, search local distributor; goodnes.com]
17. Kashi Go Wild Frozen Blueberry Protein Waffles
Who doesn’t love waffles in the morning? Kashi makes them even better for you with the taste of real blueberries inside fluffy protein waffles. They’re packed with 13 g protein but taste so good you won’t think they’re good for you.
Macros in 2 Blueberry Waffles:
- Calories: 210
- Carbs: 20g
- Added Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 13g
[Price varies, search local distributor; kashi.com]
18. Wyman’s Just Fruit & Greek Yogurt Bites Wild Blueberries
Frozen Greek yogurt and wild blueberries that pack 33 percent more anthocyanins than ordinary blueberries make this the perfect breakfast booster. All you have to do is defrost and eat on the go. Add to your overnight oats or a smoothie in the morning—or snack alone.
Macros in 1 cup:
- Calories: 45
- Carbs: 10g
- Added Sugar: 4g
- Protein: <1g
[Price varies, search local distributor; wymans.com]
19. OWYN Protein Shakes Cold Brew Coffee Flavor
OWYN shakes are ideal for on-the-go nutrition with 20 g plant protein. Each shake is made with allergen-friendly ingredients, a multi-source plant protein blend, superfood greens, and vegan omega 3s.
Macros in 1 Cold Brew Shake:
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 11g
- Added Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
[$35 for 12 bottles; liveowyn.com]
20. Phyll Greenfest Fruit and Greens Smoothie
Phyl’s ready-to-drink fruit and greens smoothies provide convenient options to get healthy and nutritious fruits and veggies on the go. Three smoothie options each provide a whole serving of vegetables—including 15 g plant-based protein and a clean nutrition label including no added sugars or sweeteners. Greenfest has a palate-pleasing blend of kiwi, apple, mango, banana, kale, spinach, and cucumber. You can also nab Chocolate or Mixed Berry.
Macros in 1 smoothie:
- Calories: 260
- Carbs: 33g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 15g
[$30 for a 6 pack; phyll.com]
21. Evergreen Whole Grain Mini Waffles Pumpkin & Pecan
Evergreen mini waffles are great for anyone, any age. They’re packed with whole grains, sweetened by honey, and flavored only with real fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices. All flavors have 12 or fewer ingredients. Other standouts include Zucchini & Carrot, Peanut Butter Banana Bread, Mixed Berry & Almond, and Chocolate Chip & Matcha.
Macros in 3 Pumpkin & Pecan Waffles:
- Calories: 100
- Carbs: 27g
- Added Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 6g
[$10 per 9-waffle box; eatevergreen.com]
22. Kite Hill Greek-Style Plant-Based Yogurt
Kit Hill Yogurts offer up to 17 g plant protein in every serving. They can be enjoyed alone, in a smoothie, or with your favorite toppings. It’s thick in texture, rich in taste, and available in delicious varieties.
Macros in 1 serving Unsweetened Vanilla:
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 4g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 15g
[Price varies, search local distributor; kite-hill.com]
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
You may like
-
Are You Skipping Meals, Taking Diet Pills To Lose Weight? Study Shows That Won’t Help
-
The Best Freeze-Dried Camping Meals for the Trail
-
New Study Ranks The Healthiest US States; Washington Claims Top Spot
-
Sprinkling Salt In Your Meals May Shorten Your Lifespan, Study Finds
-
Munching your way to the top: the eating habits of CEOs
-
Hearty, Healthy Backpacking Meals Worth Stashing in Your Pack
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
[$10.99 for a six-pack; deschutesbrewery.com]
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
Fitness
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
Fitness
The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!