As a busy college student, I’m a big breakfast advocate. It’s the most important meal of the day for replenishing energy, boosting brain power, and fueling yourself through long periods of work, school, and fun. However, breakfast is often overlooked because college students find they’d rather sleep a few extra minutes than wake up earlier to set time aside to make breakfast. I’m here to argue against this habit because there are plenty of ways to make breakfast quick, delicious, and worth the early wake-up.
1. Yogurt Bowls
This is one of those breakfasts that has you dreaming about eating it the night before. I eat a yogurt bowl almost every day before classes, and it’s genuinely something I can’t get sick of. I usually buy yogurt cups or a bigger tub at Trader Joe’s, but there are so many options to customize for your liking. I top mine with different granolas or cereals, and my favorite brands are Michele’s Granola and Catalina Crunch. I also always add blueberries, peanut butter, chia seeds, and cinnamon to create a fully balanced, sweet-tooth satisfying yogurt bowl.
2. Egg Bites
Talk about an easy meal prep! If you’re really running out the door and don’t want to sit making a yogurt bowl look pretty, egg bites could be your best friend. There are tons of recipes online for these, but you essentially prep muffin tins with an egg mixture and can include veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or onions in them for extra flavor. These are a grab-and-go morning bite that’s packed with protein and will kickstart your day on a healthy note.
3. Overnight Oats
If you’re looking for another easy to prepare breakfast, let me introduce overnight oats. These give you the sweetness and nutrients from the yogurt bowl without the extra thought in the morning. Find a mason jar with a lid or almost empty nut butter jar and pour your base of rolled oats and milk or milk alternative, as well as additions like chia seeds, yogurt, maple syrup, honey, or cinnamon. There isn’t an exact recipe for measurements, but common ratios are 1:1 oats to liquid with the other ingredients adjusted to taste. Chill the jar overnight for a ready-to-eat breakfast the next morning!
4. Protein Waffles
If you’re not into the prep in the morning or the night, here is a frozen, ready-in-minutes option that still can power you through the day. Protein waffles are an excellent and fast breakfast to even eat on your walk to class or the library, and you can top them with nut butter for extra nutrients. My roommates love the brand Kodiak Cakes and heat them up in the toaster as you’re getting ready. This also works great for people who don’t get super hungry in the morning, but still want that boost of brain power before school.
5. Homemade Breakfast Sandwiches
I saved probably the fanciest one for last because again, time is a common issue for most college students. However, if you’re feeling particularly motivated one day and have a few extra minutes, try making a DIY breakfast sandwich. Egg McMuffins are an obvious favorite, but it’s super easy to recreate them at home. Make a quick fried egg on the stove before school and toast your English muffin as you’re getting ready, so then you can quickly assemble the sandwich on your way out. You can even buy precooked sausage at the store to heat up in the morning and also melt cheese on top to create a perfect breakfast sandwich that might even beat out the McDonald’s one.