The other morning my roommate slept in and only had a teensy amount of time to get herself together before her first class started, so she was forced to skip out on the most important (and most delicious) meal of the day: breakfast. Not everyone is a “breakfast person,” but for those of us who like to start our day with a lovely sit-down meal (myself included), running out the door on an empty stomach can seriously alter your mood… for the worse.
That’s where these quick and healthy breakfast hacks come in. Prep them overnight or the weekend before, and you’ll always have something to grab for those mornings when your sleep is just too valuable to lose. You’re welcome.
1. Overnight Oats
Photo by Jaime Wilson
Just mix oats with your choice of milk and toppings in ziplock bags (anything from berries to granola to nuts will work), and that’s about it. I like to put mine in a small mason jar or plastic container in the fridge for the next morning.
2. Smoothie In A Bag
Photo by Jaime Wilson
If you own a blender, this easy hack can save you a ton of time chopping and measuring out smoothie ingredients. Just cut up your favorite fruits and leafy greens, put them all in a ziplock in your fridge the night before, and then add some liquid or yogurt before tossing them in your blender the next morning.
3. Make-Ahead Bars
Photo by Jaime Wilson
I don’t know about you, but I have a baking obsession; for me, weekends were made to experiment in the kitchen and relax with some healthy baked goods and extra black coffee. But even if baking is not your thing, these granola bars are too easy NOT to make them.
Trust me, you’ll be grateful when you have something quick to fill up your belly before you’re late for that darned early morning class (again).
4. Chia Pudding
Photo by Jaime Wilson
Ah yes, the chia seed: a popular superfood known for its omega-3 fatty acids (which are super important for the proper functioning of your body) and tendency to soak up whatever liquid you put them in — that’s right, they have a natural pudding consistency which means you basically HAVE to make this. Again, chuck it in your fridge the night before and you’ll be set. It’s delicious, I promise.
5. Parfaits
Photo by Jaime Wilson
And finally, we have the classic yogurt parfait. Do yourself a major solid and skip out on the pre-made sugary, syrupy, juice cocktail parfaits you typically find in your school’s cafeteria. Those are only good if you can prepare yourself for a major sugar crash mid-lecture.
Instead put some simple ingredients together yourself: layer Greek yogurt, granola, nuts, and fresh fruit in a mason jar or plastic container and you’ll be prepped and ready to conquer your day with energy to boot. Your body will thank you for the nutrients and love. Namaste.
Graphic by Spoon University