We've all heard it before, breakfast is sooooo important, possibly the most important meal of the day. It is the meal that replenishes our bodies after it has worked heartily through the night to repair itself AND the meal that sets the tone for the day ahead.

But knowing how important it is not the same thing as doing something based on that knowledge. Whether it's a time constraint or just not being "a breakfast person," for many of us breakfast just doesn't always happen. And when it does, much of the time it doesn't include what our bodies really need or what our tastebuds really want.

Whether your goal is to improve your skin, manage your PCOS symptoms, or just eat a meal that truly nourishes your mind and body while delighting your senses, it all starts with balance. Balancing your blood sugar that is. And how exactly do you do that? By combining fiber, fat, protein, and carbs.

Fortunately, building a tasty and nourishing meal need not be time consuming or complicated. With a little prep the night before or using cooking techniques that allow you to whip up a meal while you shower, you can get it done.

Here are a few of my faves that will help you start your day off with the energy you need to get going and stay going.

Quinoa + Nuts/ Nut Butter + Fruit + Spices

This one is my winter go to. The picture above is one of my favorite combos and what I ate this morning: pear, peanut butter, and dried cherries, with ginger, cinnamon, and honey. So tasty! So easy to make!

I normally add the quinoa (1/2 cup) and the water (1 cup) to a small sauce pan, then bring it to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, I lower the flame and let it simmer while I get the other ingredients ready. Then I turn off the stove and hop in the shower. While I am showering and getting dressed, the quinoa absorbs the water. When I am done getting dressed all I have to do is mix everything in a bowl and enjoy.

Egg + Sliced Tomato + Mashed Avocado + Whole Grain Toast

An egg sandwich just screams morning-yumminess-on-the-go to me. So here's the set up. Pop two slices of whole grain bread in the toaster. While it is toasting prep the eggs, tomato, and avocado.

To make the egg in no more than 2 minutes, I crack one whole egg into a small bowl or mug. Then I add my seasonings of choice (sometimes I will add spinach and cheese at this point,) whisk briskly then pop that bad boy into the microwave for one minute.

While the egg is cooking, I slice my tomato and avocado. By then the toast is ready, the egg is ready, and I just need to assemble the sandwich. Sriracha typically makes an appearance here as my condiment of choice.

Fruit & Veggie Smoothie + Nuts

Last but certainly not least is the old standby, my trusty smoothie and nuts combo.

This can totally be prepped the night before. Just place all of the ingredients (minus the liquid base and any add-ins like flax and chia seeds) in an air tight container, then pop the container in the freezer. Put a handful of nuts in a snack container and head to bed.

In the a.m. all you have to do is pour everything into your blender, add your liquid, and any add-ins. Then blend until smooth. Grab your snack container of nuts and nosh and sip to your heart's content.

And there you have it folks, three meals, two of which travel well. You are now have no excuse for skipping breakfast or grabbing that donut (unless you just want a donut, in which case, enjoy.)

Be well!