They say it’s the most important meal of the day. But these days, when I’m in a rush in the morning, I don’t hesitate to skip it.
If you haven’t caught on, I’m talking about breakfast.
Now, I’ve never been one for a big meal at the beginning of the day.
Most times I have a measly excuse for food and the largest, strongest cup of tea I can stock myself with (sometimes based on the largest mug in the cabinet that’s clean — don’t judge).
That said, there are a few options, when I’m really in the mood to start the day off right, that I cycle through.
Now I’m not talking a full fried breakfast like my dad used to have every day for years (eggs, bacon ... the whole nine yards).
I’m thinking more like a filling bowl of cereal, some fruit and, of course, tea!
With that, I suppose it’s time to get down to business — or should I say, breakfast (see what I did there?)
Egg whites and toast
I’m not suggesting egg whites only because they’re healthier (apparently, they are). I’m suggesting egg whites because I’m a picky eater.
When I was little, I despised the yolk. Now I can handle it if the egg is fried, over hard or even scrambled, but a yolk on its own ... yuck! But pair the eggs with some light rye toast (filling, and delicious) and you’ve got a breakfast to lay the groundwork for a small mid-morning snack (if I were to quote the Lord of the Rings — it’d be second breakfast, and it wouldn’t be small) and then lunch to follow.
A muffin, yogurt and a banana
This is probably my favourite, simplest breakfast option. I like to make muffins in batches and then take them out of the freezer as needed.
Pair that with a banana, apple, whatever fruit you’re feeling and some yogurt (I’m a fan of the Oikos Banana Greek Yogurt) and you’re set.
Smoothie bowl, granola and fruit
OK, so you know how we typically drink a smoothie ... well, why can’t we eat it like pudding, too? I’m thinking a smoothie bowl with granola and fruit sprinkled in with it.
It hits all the high notes with delicious flavours and starts your day off with a natural sugar rush from all the fruit (but don’t forget, moderation is important).
Classic bowl of cereal, a glass of orange juice and a yogurt
OK, I know, I keep mentioning yogurt, but seriously it’s such a simple addition to breakfast that can help fill you quick. Right now, my go-to is a big bowl of Cheerios, tea (again, obviously) and an apple for my walk from my car to the office once I get to work.
Oatmeal, granola and apple chunks
I’m not lying when I say I was completely unwilling to try oatmeal.
Seriously, it was a “get that away from me” moment. I remember when I was younger and the oatmeal or porridge with the little dinosaur eggs was so popular that I’d want to try it. I’d eat the dino eggs and say I was done ... oops. But now, mix some oatmeal with loads of cinnamon, vanilla protein powder and fresh apple chunks and you’re off to the races. Heck, even get wild by throwing in some chocolate-flavoured granola and crunchy honey granola and you’ve got a real party.
Well food friends, those are my main meal options for when I decide to be an early riser.
But please don’t think I’m a stranger to running out the door with my hair wet, a swipe of make-up on so I don’t look like a ghost, tea in my to-go mug and a piece of toast hanging out of my mouth (think that stereotypical rushed protagonist in a Hallmark movie intro).
Now, as they say in Singing in the Rain, “Good mornin’, sun beams will soon shine through.”
More from Millenial Homemaker:
- Fill the fruit and vegetable void with smoothies
- Must-have spices to keep in your kitchen
- Something about salmon
- Recreating memories from family cookbooks
Millicent McKay is a millennial homemaker, tea drinker, journalist and blogger. For more check out her weekly blog posts and follow her on Instagram.
