We all hear frequently that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It's our first meal after a long overnight period without food, it provides energy for the day ahead, and it can be a great opportunity to touch base with the family before everyone separates for their day's activities. But just because it's important doesn't mean any food will do!

Many boxed/bagged cereals and mueslis are high in sugar, 'on-the-go' drinks and breakfast biscuits ditto, while big cooked breakfasts can be high in fat and energy. So what else can you make when you're short on time after rolling out of bed?

Here are 6 fast, easy and healthy breakfast options to kickstart your mornings. It all comes back down to whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. If you're too busy to prep, dish up and eat any of these options in the morning, we would highly recommend that you adjust your schedule to find the time. Planning ahead is the key!

1. Overnight oats

Ditch the morning madness and prep your brekky the night before instead. Combine equal parts oats, your choice of milk, and Greek yoghurt. Add sliced fruit of your choice, a little maple syrup or honey, and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Combine in a jar or bowl and seal overnight.

2. Scrambled eggs on wholegrain bread

Scrambled eggs are a super easy option as you can make them in the microwave if need be. This is also easy to add in veges - a handful of wilted spinach mixed into the eggs, sliced tomatoes or mushrooms on the side.

3. Breakfast smoothie

Breakfast smoothies are a quick, easy and delicious way to start your day. All you need is 200mls of a base liquid (your choice of milk, or water), a handful of fruit and/or vegetables, a tbsp of rolled oats or a wheat biscuit, and several ice cubes (you may be able to skip this if your fruit is frozen). Then blend it all together.

You can add protein powder or Greek yoghurt for extra protein, a big handful of spinach leaves for extra fibre and nutrients, a little coconut oil for extra fat, or honey for extra sweetness.

An option if you need to make this faster, is to blend up a big portion of a smoothie recipe minus the base. Freeze them into ice cubes then all you need to do in the morning is pour your base and a handful of the ice cubes into your blender. You may even be able to just let them defrost with the base in a shaker if you're heading out on the go.

4. Slow cooker porridge

Can't be bothered cooking porridge first thing in the morning? Make it in a slow cooker the night before. Add a little cinnamon, grated apple and handful of raisins, or try mashed bananas with coconut milk - delish!

5. Fruit salad, yoghurt and nuts/seeds

Sliced and diced fruit can be prepped in a big tub, then portioned out throughout the week (or at least cut the night before). Then it's just a matter of combining it with some low-fat Greek yoghurt or similar, and chucking a small handful of your choice of nuts and seeds over the top of it.

6. Breakfast burritos

Use corn tortillas and wrap up beans (can slow cook overnight if low on time in the morning), scrambled egg and pre-made salsa.

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