As a senior stuck in the rut between thinking I’m adult but also being completely unprepared to actually be one, eating real food is often a lot harder than it seems. Getting up in the morning never gets any easier and planning breakfast is nearly impossible, but it is the most important meal of the day and we would never want to miss out on a chance to eat.
If you have trouble remembering to add breakfast food to your grocery list, don’t like breakfast staples, or just want to try something new, here are a few nonconventional ideas for those morning munchies.
1. Sweet Potatoes With Almond Butter
This may sound bizarre, and I was equally as skeptical at first, but after hearing my mom swear by it for 21 years of my life, I finally had to try it. It is surprisingly good and good for you! Get that early morning protein boost by reheating some baked sweet potatoes and smearing on a glob of almond butter.
2. Ravioli
Nothing cures a hangover like carbs and cheese for breakfast, so what’s better than cheese-filled dumplings lathered in parmesan and pesto sauce? Ravioli tends to be a staple in dining halls, so next time you’re bored of the questionable eggs or lucky charms, give this seriously underrated pasta a try.
Pesto is always a strong addition depending on how adventurous you’re feeling and how truly early in the morning you’re stomaching this bad boy.
3. Turkey
Everyone enjoys those post Thanksgiving leftovers, why not try it out for breakfast as well? If you’ve just worked out and need some refueling or you are running out the door and can’t cook, grab some turkey on your way.
Some keep it simple with just a few slices, but I like to wrap a slice of avocado and/or cheese up in mine—but maybe I’m just gourmet.
4. Cold Pizza
Cold pizza the next morning is probably the most accessible meal in your vicinity for the lazy types like myself. If, for some reason, you and your roommate couldn’t quite finish that large Dominos with extra toppings and cheesy-stuffed cheesy bread the night before, give it another go in the morning. It might taste even better then.
5. Birthday Cake
I mean, it’s basically the same as toast with butter and jam right? Pretty much any type of dessert will fly at any time of day but a nice piece of cake can really do the trick.
If you plan on keeping the party going the next morning, a piece (or seven) of cake will leave you filling full and satisfied all morning—or at least until the sugar high wears off.
6. Ramen
Ramen doesn’t have to singularly be a drunk food or broke-end-of-the-month food when you only have 99 cents to spend. It is warm and soothing while also tasty and easy. Microwave a quick bowl and you’ll be far more excited to get out of bed.
7. Mac and Cheese
I shouldn’t really need to explain this one. This cheesy delight is good anytime, anywhere—but definitely for breakfast. If you get the prepackaged Easy Mac bowls, or my personal favorite, Annie’s white cheddar shells—you have a delicious breakfast in under five minutes that you can carry with you anywhere around your apartment.
8. Tacos
Now you can really get creative. We eat breakfast burritos, why not tacos too? It’s hard to go wrong with ground beef, shredded cheese, sour cream and salsa (maybe some veggies if you’re feeling healthy), but you can put anything you want in your tacos. Maybe even throw some eggs and cheese in there and make actual breakfast tacos. Either way, they’ll be a filling and satisfying meal.
9. Sautéed Kale
Sometimes you wake up feeling particularly healthy. It’s never the morning when you decide your diet starts that day. It’ll usually be a morning when you’re confused why your sudden kale craving is happening. Maybe you just worked out or are preparing for a productive and healthy day. Regardless, sautéed kale is one of my favorites for this type of morning.
It sounds healthy and fancy but really all you have to do is heat up some garlic and olive oil in a frying pan and then add chopped up kale and sauté for 5-10 minutes. Sometimes I like to get creative and add chick peas or feta or really any other leftovers I have lying around.
#SpoonTip: The kale shrinks a lot as it cooks so start with a lot more than you think you will eat.
10. Grilled Cheese
Back on the topic of carbs and cheese… you know a nice greasy, gooey, melty grilled cheese will never taste bad. Those mornings when you think you’re going to die from a splitting headache and turning stomach, make yourself stand up for ten minutes, throw some butter in a pan and chef up one of these simple delights.
You can add more additions (or not) depending how industrious you’re feeling. Kale, bacon, ham, chicken, and tomatoes are usually all full-proof options.