After a night out with some friends, or binge-watching your new favorite show on Netflix, you may find yourself waking up late the next morning. At this point, you have two options: you either make the time for breakfast or skip it. For those who are still making some time for breakfast no matter how busy you are, you go glenn coco! But, for someone like me who can barely find time to put myself together, having breakfast is not my priority.

But did you know that having breakfast will make you smarter, more focused, and even skinnier? A simple meal in the morning can drastically change your mood for the day. It is always better to eat something rather than nothing, and who doesn’t want to start their day with some delicious foods? So, for those who are still struggling to find the time to eat breakfast, here is a list of 25 simple, but flavorful and nutritious foods to start your beautiful day. Say goodbye to those cranky morning days, and say hello to delicious breakfast foods.

1. Cereal

commute

Photo courtesy of @bounsandbabz on Instagram

As silly as this may seem, cereal is one of the easiest dishes to pack up and throw in your bag. With miniature boxes of cereal and individual bottles of milk being sold, there’s no excuse to take a box, grab a bottle of milk from the fridge, and go. Bonus: cereal is not fatty, but is a good source of fiber.

2. Breakfast Bars

commute

Photo by Theresa Sullivan Photography

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Just because you’re in a rush out the door does not mean that you do not have the time to grab one of these banana peanut butter granola bars and go. The best part about these bars is that you can make them at home in advanced for the week. Some of them serve as a good source of protein and energy, which is always helpful in the morning.

3. Frittata Muffins

commute

Photo courtesy of @alligrech on Instagram

Making an omelette aka a frittata takes time. For someone that loves eggs, making the perfect omelette can take even longer than planned. Eggs help build muscle, which is something that may not benefit you now, but will benefit you later on down the road. If you’re a person that needs their daily dose of eggs but is in a rush, check out these simple breakfast frittata muffins that can be made quickly or in advance for your convenience.

4. Cinnamon Rolls

commute

Photo by Gaby Scelzo

Although this may not be the healthiest option, cinnamon rolls will have to suffice for when you are in a rush. They can either made the same morning in 30 minutes or in advance for the week. Eating some of these cinnamon buns has some health benefits that are worth checking out. For a quick and simple recipe, click here.

5. Muffins

commute

Photo by Julia Murphy

Who doesn’t love a good muffin? They’re so easy to buy in bulk ahead of time and to keep around. They come in handy not only for a snack but also for a quick breakfast to pick up and leave the house with. They may be fatty and hefty, but they will fill you up quickly. There are so many recipes to make muffins in case you don’t have the time to go to the store to buy muffins.

6. Smoothies

commute

Photo by Rachel Piorko

Although this is technically not a food, well-balanced smoothies are delicious, filling, and great for breakfast. Smoothies can be a great source of protein and energy. In the morning, having all of the extra energy that you can get is always beneficial. If you want a good tasting smoothie, click here – or here.

7. Pancakes

commute

Photo by Abigail Wang

Although you will be on a time constraint, these pancakes take 15 minutes to make. They are ideal for when you are in a rush and want to eat pancakes. The best part about them is being able to pack them up in a container and go on with your morning. Some benefits of pancakes would be that they have some fiber and protein in them.

8. Breakfast Sandwiches

commute

Photo courtesy of @phillyfoodforeal on Instagram

These sandwiches come in several forms – they either come store made, are homemade, or are usually frozen in a box with other breakfast sandwiches. Although it is easier to buy them prepackaged from the store, these breakfast sandwiches are quick to make and make two servings so you will have one to bring on today’s commute and one for tomorrow’s commute. Some sandwiches have protein, so make sure to check the ingredients in your sandwich.

9. Bagels

commute

Photo by Sarah Adler

Bagels are almost everywhere. With endless options on how to order your bagel, you’re bound to be happy with whichever bagel order you place. Although some bagels are prettier than others, bagels are commuter friendly and will make your commute so much better. Bagels also have a lot of carbs, so if you’re on a carb-free diet, I would avoid eating them.

10. Waffles

commute

Photo by Sarah Wu

Waffles and pancakes are pretty similar – both are amazing, commuter friendly, and are both round and flat. Whatever you do with a pancake can be done with a waffle – I promise. Any of these waffles are bound to fill you up on your commute. They’re light, fluffy, and can be made to your liking.

11. Eggs

commute

Photo by Caty Schnack

Eggs are an amazing source of protein. Usually, they are served in an omelette, on a bagel, and occasionally over toast. You can make them or order them in an omelette and add in some cheddar cheese and avocado for more flavor and protein. Have you ever thought to bake an egg in an avocado? Neither did I – but it works and it looks absolutely amazing.

12. Breakfast Quesadillas

commute

Photo courtesy of @springlakechamber on Instagram

Who said quesadillas had to be mainly for lunch and dinner? Not me. Just replace what you usually put in a quesadilla with bits of eggs, tomatoes, and other omelette fillings and boom – you have a breakfast quesadilla. Prepare a few at a time and you’ll be set for today’s commute and for the rest of the week.

13. Bacon Strips

commute

Photo by Kirby Barth

Although this may not seem to be filling as a whole, it is great to warm some pieces of it up, throw it in a container, and go. Bacon may be fatty, but there’s an entire list of benefits that they have. It’s not like you can’t use bacon for other breakfast foods – like this scrambled eggs in a bacon weave bowl or in these biscuit bombs.

14. Loaded Biscuits

commute

Photo courtesy of @mintskittles on Instagram

Biscuits are great when it comes to wanting something small for breakfast. They’re also super friendly for your commute, so you can eat on your way to wherever you’re going. Regular biscuits have benefits such as being a good source of fiber and making you feel less nauseous. However, biscuits could be a million times better when they are loaded biscuits. You’ll thank me later.

15. Pancake Cups

commute

Photo courtesy of @sarahfullserve on Instagram

Going off of food number 7, pancakes are life. They are great at all times of the day and will always be there for you no matter what. They are light, airy, can have fruit on them, and are inexpensive to get. If making and bringing a few pancakes with you on your commute is too much, try these pancake cups instead.

16. Croque Madame Sandwiches

commute

Photo by Alex Furuya

Although I have already included sandwiches in this article, this kind of sandwich is for those who are overly fond of their ham. In general, sandwiches are portable and are super commuter friendly. The eggs in this sandwich will provide a source of protein that will be needed to get through the day. Don’t make your morning breakfast decision hard – make this sandwich.

17. Avocado Toast

commute

Photo by Rachel Piorko

Avocado toast is quite hefty but will certainly fill you up on your commute. Not only will you get fuel from the avocado, but you’ll feel amazing after choosing to have a slice for breakfast. Avocados have some health benefits. Some of those benefits include containing a lot of vitamins, has fiber, and helps with cholesterol. So, all hail this avocado toast and avocado toast in general.

18. Toast

commute

Photo by Hannah Morse

In case you’re not a fan of avocados or avocado toast, regular toast will do just fine. Toast is probably the one thing that will make any meal much better. It’s also the lightest thing you could bring with you on your commute. You’re going to have some energy after you have some toast. Remember this gem and you’ll be grateful that I told you to remember it.

19. Potatoes

commute

Photo courtesy of @bestfood_aroundtheworld on Instagram

Potatoes serve as an amazing dish when you’re in a rush but want something warm to eat on your commute. They can be made in several ways, so you can make them however you want to. Potatoes are your friend when it comes to a quick breakfast food. They may have a lot of carbs, but when made well, they taste very nice. Viva the potatoes.

20. Hash Browns

commute

Photo by Alex Vu

Essentially, hash browns are tiny potatoes that are meant for carrying around – which is great for any commute. All you’d have to do is warm them up (or buy them at some point during your commute), carry them around, and eat them. Although they have a lot of carbs, you’re going to feel full after eating them.

21. Anything with peanut butter

commute

Photo by Samantha Hickman

This might sound like something totally weird, but adding peanut butter to your breakfast food will make you feel amazing and will make your commute less crummy. This may be because it is a good source of protein. Here are a few ways to do exactly that all with the help of our friend – peanut butter.

22. Fruits

commute

Photo by Jocelyn Hsu

Fruits are super important for our health. More or less we forget to eat them since we are always busy doing other things. I can guarantee you not many people remind themselves to eat enough fruit. Not only can this healthy food be used for breakfast, but it can also be used as a snack to be munched on later in the day. With this being said, here is how you can incorporate fruits into your breakfast and other meals.

23. Açaí Bowls

commute

Photo by Madeline McGuire

Açaí bowls have been quite the rage lately. Although they are super popular as a brunch item, nobody said that you could not make them at home and bring them with you on your commute. They have a delicious and smooth taste. Not only that, but they are healthy. Check out this recipe on how to make them yourself – or this article – or this one article.

24. Oatmeal

commute

Photo courtesy of @thesunshineeatery on Instagram

Oatmeal is the one thing that takes some dedication to eating. It’s always super hefty, warm, and hardly ever change in form. Once someone starts eating oatmeal, it seems like they become addicted to it. Part of the reason that some people like it is because it tastes good and is healthy. For a start on making and eating this breakfast food, check out this oatmeal recipe.

25. Breakfast Bowls

commute

Photo by Jordan Gottlieb

Breakfast bowls come in super handy when in a rush. Not only are they quick, but they are healthy. Prepare a bunch of them ahead of time, stick them in the fridge, and grab one on your way out the door. Try making some of your own with this recipe.