How to make breakfast in five minutes or less
Although several studies have shown that the average university student really can’t learn much before 10 a.m., universities across North America still seem to be insistent on scheduling 8:30 a.m. classes. This usually means waking up a half an hour later than you should have, leaving the house in whatever you slept in, and running for the bus without eating breakfast or brushing your hair.
The benefits of eating breakfast have been hammered into our heads time and time again, with teachers, coaches, and parents reminding us for the last 20 or so years that it’s the “most important meal of the day.” Maybe we were taught this lesson before 10 a.m., because it just doesn’t seem to stick with us – more than 30 per cent of males and more than 25 per cent of females in the 18 to 25 age group skip breakfast every day.
With long, busy days, it’s understandable that breakfast might be the last thing on your mind as you’re running around trying to find your bus pass and your pants. These two simple recipes are healthy, time efficient, and delicious, so you can start your day off right with minimal time or effort.
Microwave Omelette
You need:
– Two eggs
– A small handful of chopped onion
– A small handful of chopped pepper
– A few cherry tomatoes, diced
– A handful of cheese, shredded
Crack the eggs into a small, microwaveable bowl, and beat them as you would to make scrambled eggs. Drop in the onion, pepper, and tomato (or whatever else you feel like adding), and microwave for two minutes on medium high heat. Pull out and drop cheese on top, allowing for it to melt before eating.
Prep time – 3 minutes
Cook time – 2 minutes
Total time – 5 minutes
Overnight Oats
You need:
– 2/3 c. oats
– 2/3 c. milk (regular, coconut, almond – all work, it just depends on your flavour preference)
– Desired toppings and sweeteners
Combine the oats, milk, and sweeteners in a jar or container the night before consuming. Shake well to mix thoroughly, and then place in the refrigerator overnight.
Prep time – 5 minutes
Total time – 5 minutes
Oatmeal is great because it is one of the most versatile breakfast foods, and this recipe can be altered to a variety of different flavours. Some suggestions:
Banana Nut Oats: Add 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract and 1 tbsp. maple syrup to the original recipe. In the morning, top the oats with sliced banana and chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
Very Berry Oats: Add 1 tbsp. of jam (of desired flavour) to the original recipe. In the morning, top the oats with fresh or frozen berries.
Pumpkin Spice Oats: Add 2 tbsp. pumpkin puree, 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract, a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a tbsp. of maple syrup to the original recipe.
Tropical Oats: Add 1 tsp. lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp. agave nectar to the original recipe. In the morning, top the oats with chopped pecans (walnuts or almonds), peaches, and strawberries.