10 Lighter Versions of Your Favorite Brunch and Breakfast Foods

By Monica Bogan· 8/1/2014, 11:30 a.m.

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Shutterstock

Quick survey: How many of you love the weekend? I’m going to take a guess and say, oh, all of you. Even if your weekend schedule is packed with activities, it’s still your chance to sleep in a little later, sit and enjoy your morning coffee, and relax. One reason I love the weekend is because I can actually take the time to make and enjoy my breakfast, instead of simply rushing out the door. Whether it’s French toast or waffles, an omelet or quiche, I can kick back and enjoy a meal reserved especially for lazy mornings.

The problem is this: Buttermilk pancakes with syrup isn’t exactly the healthiest way to start my day. The good news is, there are plenty of recipes that can help you lighten up your favorite brunch indulgences. While they wont replace a breakfast of steel-cut cut oats and berries, these “skinny” versions of the original recipes have cut down on the fat and sugar and amped up the protein and veggies. This means you get more of the good stuff while still getting to indulge. Cheers to the freakin’ weekend.

Click the recipe names below to get the how-to instructions.

RECIPES: 10 Lighter Versions of Brunch and Breakfast Foods

The Lean Green Bean

Greek Yogurt Blueberry Scone

You're probably never going to find a sugar-free scone recipe that's any good, but this one has less sugar (just a quarter of a cup) and includes a cup of vanilla Greek yogurt for extra protein.

Slender Kitchen

Quiche Cupcakes

It's a cupcake quiche! How adorable is that? And one has just 40 calories.

This Rawsome Vegan Life

Raw Vegan Cinnamon Rolls With Coconut Frosting

Skip the store-bought cinnamon buns and make these babies instead. They're refined-sugar-free, and get their sweetness from dates and coconut. Bonus: They're also gluten-free.

Chocolate Covered Katie

Snickerdoodle Pancakes

Dessert for breakfast, anyone? These snickerdoodle pancakes taste just like snickerdoodles. The best part? You get six fluffy pancakes for under 250 calories.

A Sparkle of Genius

Veggie Egg Pita

For a savory breakfast (or lunch), this veggie-and-egg pita is utterly mouthwatering. It's also endlessly versatile, so it's the perfect way to use up whatever CSA veggies you have sitting around.

The Minimalist Baker

Vegan Banana French Toast

This insanely simple vegan French toast recipe has only five ingredients.It's naturally sweet from the bananas, so you may not even need syrup.

Amanda's Cookin

Sweet Garlic and Mozzerella Omelet

This one takes some time in the kitchen—you have to roast the garlic for 30 minutes, then roast the mushrooms for an additional 10—but, man, is it worth it.

Ambitious Kitchen

Banana Oat Protein Muffins

One hundred-calorie muffins? Um, yes please.

Glow Kitchen

Vegan Banana Quinoa Pancakes

Cooked quinoa and buckwheat flour replace refined white flour in this recipe. They also add protein. Win!

Fitness Magazine

Herb and Onion Frittata

I can't wait to pick some fresh herbs to make this delicious herb-and-onion frittata. Pair it with a side of fruit and you've got one tasty breakfast.

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