I do not make a different breakfast every morning. I rotate a few meals I enjoy and keep the ingredients in the house. That keeps me from standing in the kitchen hungry, trying to decide what to make.
I try to include protein, fiber, and a healthy fat whenever I can. This may look like eggs with avocado, oatmeal with walnuts, or yogurt with fruit and seeds. It is not a strict formula. It is simply a practical way to make breakfast more filling.
Here are eight breakfasts that are easy to keep in rotation.
1. Berry Pecan Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of my regular breakfasts because I can change the fruit, nuts, and spices without changing the entire meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup old steel cut oats
- 1 cup water or milk
- ½ cup fresh or frozen berries
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- Cinnamon
Instructions
- Cook the oats with the water or milk according to the package directions.
- Stir in frozen berries during the last minute of cooking. Fresh berries can be added afterward.
- Top with walnuts, chia seeds, and cinnamon.
Sliced banana can be added when you want more sweetness.
2. Egg and Avocado Toast
This is a good choice when you want something savory that will hold you until lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 slices whole grain or sourdough bread
- ½ avocado
- 1 or 2 eggs
- Black pepper
- Tomato or spinach, optional
Instructions
- Toast the bread.
- Mash the avocado and spread it over the toast.
- Prepare the eggs the way you like them.
- Place the eggs on top and add black pepper.
I sometimes boil several eggs at once and keep them in the refrigerator. That makes this breakfast much faster on busy mornings.
3. Plain Yogurt with Fruit and Nuts
A yogurt bowl takes only a few minutes and can be made with whatever fruit you already have.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- ½ cup fruit
- 2 tablespoons walnuts, almonds, or pecans
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- Cinnamon
- A small amount of honey, optional
Instructions
Add everything to a bowl and stir.
Berries, apples, peaches, pears, or slightly thawed frozen fruit all work well. Choose a yogurt that agrees with your skin and digestion, whether that is dairy or plant based.
4. Vegetable Egg Scramble
You do not need to buy vegetables specifically for breakfast. I usually use what is already in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup chopped vegetables
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Black pepper
- Whole grain toast or avocado, optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan.
- Add the vegetables and cook until tender.
- Whisk the eggs and pour them into the pan.
- Stir until the eggs are cooked.
Spinach, onions, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, and leftover roasted vegetables are all good choices.
5. Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
I prepare overnight oats when I know I will not have much time the next morning.
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
- ½ apple, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Add the oats, milk, yogurt, apple, chia seeds, and cinnamon to a jar or covered container.
- Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
- Add the nuts before eating.
You can eat the oats cold or warm them before serving.
6. Banana Nut Butter Toast
This is one of the easiest breakfasts to make when you need to eat and leave.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1 or 2 tablespoons peanut or almond butter
- ½ banana, sliced
- Cinnamon
- Chia seeds, optional
Instructions
- Toast the bread.
- Spread the nut butter over it.
- Add the banana slices.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and chia seeds on top.
Choose a nut butter without added sugar or unnecessary oils when possible.
7. Berry Smoothie
I do not depend on smoothies every morning, but they are convenient when I need something I can take with me.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened milk
- ¾ cup frozen berries
- ½ banana
- 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- A handful of spinach, optional
Instructions
Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth. Add more milk when you prefer a thinner smoothie.
The frozen berries make it cold and thick without needing ice.
8. Savory Breakfast Bowl
Breakfast does not always have to be made from traditional breakfast foods. Leftovers can become a filling morning meal without much extra work.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cooked rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes
- 1 or 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetables
- Avocado or olive oil
- Black pepper or herbs
Instructions
- Warm the rice, quinoa, or potatoes.
- Add the vegetables.
- Prepare the eggs and place them on top.
- Finish with avocado, olive oil, black pepper, or herbs.
Beans, salmon, or leftover chicken can be added when you want more protein.
Make Your Mornings Easier
Breakfast is always a part of my morning, but preparing one small thing ahead of time makes it easier. I may boil a few eggs, wash the fruit, chop vegetables, or put overnight oats in the refrigerator.
I usually keep two or three breakfasts in rotation instead of buying ingredients for every idea at once. It keeps my mornings simple and prevents food from going bad.
For more ideas using affordable foods you can turn into several meals, read Clear Skin on a Budget: Affordable Foods for Quick Meals.
