Hands down breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. This could have something to do with the fact that I adore food so when I haven’t eaten in 8+ hours overnight it sure feels like a treat to break that fast!

While I’m a huge breakfast fan myself, I’ve definitely been met with a fair share of breakfast resistance in the past. “I just don’t have time for breakfast on a work day” or “I’m never hungry first thing in the morning”. 

I get it. But eating breakfast really is important. Skipping out on breakfast means skipping out on fuelling both your brain and your body first thing in the morning.

Eating breakfast is associated with better diet quality (increased intake of key nutrients), improved cognitive function throughout the day (think alertness and concentration), and better appetite control over the course of the day – so you can focus on your work/school/other tasks at hand without worrying having to pause and go track down a snack.

So, because I want you all to reap the benefits of breakfast-eating, I’ve put together a list of my favourite, easy-yet-energizing breakfast recipes.

1.Overnight Oats

Overnight Oats are my go-to breakfast meal for busy work days. I love them because I can prepare them the night before and grab them out of the fridge on my way out the door on mornings when I work at the hospital. On these mornings, I typically hit the gym before work and arrive at my office a few minutes early to eat my oats before getting down to business.

My go-to overnight oats recipe is easy. I just mix 1/3 cup each of rolled oats, milk of choice, and plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tsp pure maple syrup or honey, fruit (usually either berries or banana), and 1 tbsp of peanut butter on top. I store them in a jar or an airtight container in the fridge overnight and then grab and go in the morning!

2. Yogurt, Berries & Granola

This one is easy. Just dish out about 3/4 – 1 cup cup of your yogurt of choice (I prefer the 5% Liberte plain Greek yogurt), top it with 1/2 – 1 cup of fresh berries and sprinkle whole grain cereal or granola on top. My mom has a great homemade granola recipe which I love, but I also use Natures Path Organic granola or Quaker Harvest Crunch cereal for store-bought varieties.

3. Whole Grain Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Again, another super easy yet satiating and nutritious breakfast. It’s the perfect combo of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Depending on your hunger level, toast 1-2 slices whole grain bread and then top with 1-2 tbsp natural peanut butter (or any nut butter of choice) and 1/2 – 1 banana, sliced. For an added touch of flavour, sprinkle the peanut butter banana toast with cinnamon. Or, mix it up and top your toast with another fruit like mashed berries or sliced apple. Literally, this takes 5 minutes to make.

4. Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

When I’m craving a savoury breakfast, I love to fry up an egg (again, takes 5 minutes), toast a whole grain bagel or English muffin, and add some sliced cheddar cheese. Simple, delicious, and keeps me full for hours so I can focus on whatever work I’m doing that day. Round out the meal with a piece of fruit or some berries.

5. Breakfast Wrap

Recently, I’ve been loving breakfast wraps. While still easy, this one may take a little more time than the others. Scramble 1-2 eggs in 1 tsp oil or butter, and then place on a whole grain wrap with 1 tbsp shredded cheese and 1 tbsp salsa. Add diced avocado and a handful of greens for an additional nutritional punch – hello, fibre & healthy fat!

Do you have a go-to easy breakfast? Let me know in the comments!

If you make any of these for breakfast, I’d love to see on Instagram or Twitter – Tag me! @hannahmagee_rd