Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet almost a quarter of the United States skips this meal. Consider each of these important reasons to eat breakfast before you skip it:
- Contributes to 16% of your daily caloric intake
- Kick-starts your metabolism
- Fuels your brain
- Assists with weight control
- Your parents say so
I, too, used to question the importance of breakfast. Besides, I could be using that time to do other things... like sleeping in. For me, it takes time to work up an appetite, so my breakfasts are usually small, but mighty. Even a small amount of food in the morning can make a difference. Now that I have moved into on-campus housing, I no longer have the luxury of my dad’s homecooked breakfast or Kneaders’s unlimited French Toast on the way to school.
Living on campus, I learned to adapt to a new breakfast routine. Whether I grab a quick breakfast at the dining hall or make a quick meal in my room, I strive to make breakfast a priority. Here are some budget-friendly, easy-to-prepare breakfast ideas:
Avocado toast: Want a simple yet elevated option? Toast some bread (use whole grain for a more nutritious option), slice up some avocado, add your favorite seasoning, and you have a delicious breakfast!
Recipe and variations: https://cookieandkate.com/avocado-toast-recipe/
Oatmeal: Luckily, there are instant-oatmeal packs that will fill you up if you are in a rush or don’t have a stove. For a nutritious addition, you can even top your oats with some fresh fruits to add more variation. Quaker Instant Oatmeal is my go-to when I don’t know what to make.
Recipe: https://fitfoodiefinds.com/instant-oatmeal-recipes/
Bagels: It’s like toast but in the shape of a circle—and way better! Plus, you can choose between dozens of bagel types and cream cheese flavors to add variety. Philadelphia’s garden vegetable flavored cream cheese is my personal favorite.
If you have extra time, try this breakfast bagel sandwich recipe: https://themom100.com/recipe/breakfast-bagel-sandwich/
Waffles: Waffles or pancakes? Personally, I'm a waffle person, specifically blueberry waffles. Waffles are easy to find in the frozen aisle at the grocery store so be sure to grab some the next time you go! There are even frozen protein waffles for a more healthful approach. Thes best thing is they probably take the least amount of preparation. Pop it in the toaster, wait for the *ding*, and voila! More often than not, you can catch me walking to my morning classes with a waffle in hand.
Other recipe ideas with frozen waffles: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/recipes-with-frozen-waffles/
Cereal: Do you pour your milk before or after the cereal? Either way, at least you’ve got something in your stomach. There’s a wide variety of cereal options to choose from; you can enjoy a hearty granola, a sugary treat, or a mix with dried fruit. Pick one that suits your taste buds and compliment it with a piece of fruit, like an apple or banana.
Hopefully you feel inspired to eat some breakfast if you don’t already. Remember to not skip the most important meal of the day!
