Katie's Table

I’ve compiled a list of 5 quick breakfast ideas that aren’t cold cereal. They may not be brand new ideas, but you’ll be surprised at the options you’ve forgotten about just within this list.

Mornings are usually easy. No. Mornings are usually interesting.. for most people. I normally don’t feel very fun until I’ve had a few sips of Starbucks french roast. But what about breakfast? Is it really important? Or did the founders of Cracker Barrel or Waffle House start that rumor? Whatever the case, I feel 100% more normal when I eat breakfast, so let’s go with it being important.

Quick and nutritious breakfast ideas:

1. Any type of candy. You may find more nutritional value in something like peanut m&m’s.
2. Doritos. Very little clean up involved. Hands and faces can be wiped on your t-shirt.
3. Ice Cream. Any kind will do.
4. Fruit snacks. This is almost too healthy to make the list, but here we are.
5. Microwave popcorn. Or anything left over from last night’s movie night, really.

Okay, okay I KID. Before anyone comes running at me with kale milk and goat bone broth, please know, I KID.

The real list that may cause fewer stains, attitudes, and sugar crashes later on…

1. Oatmeal – the unappreciated one

I feel like this one is often overlooked. There are so many ways to make oatmeal, and it truly falls into the category of quick and easy breakfasts. Plus, it’s nourishing, full of fiber, and keeps you full longer. This was probably the breakfast food I hated most as a kid (besides cold cereal) and now I love it.

My favorite way to eat oatmeal is topped with maple syrup, cinnamon, a scoop of peanut butter, and some milk. You’ll have to try that combo – SO delish! This is a fun article with 18 ideas and recipes for your morning oatmeal: https://www.buzzfeed.com/deliacai/morning-oatmeal-makeover

2. Eggs – smelly, but stronger than everyone else

Boring old eggs. They make your kitchen stink while they’re cooking and can do the worst number on skillets. But nothing, and I mean nothing, will keep you feeling good for so long. It’s all that protein! Egg casseroles, quiches, and dishes like that, obviously take longer to prepare (unless made ahead), but you can’t beat some good old scrambled or dippy eggs for a fast breakfast.

And a quick tip: I love diffusing essential oils in my kitchen while I wash up all the dishes, to really refresh the air after breakfast. Especially necessary after an egg morning. I don’t know why something that tastes so good, has to smell so bad. Anyone else think eggs smell the worst?

3. A smoothie – the fresh & cool one

This one is so versatile! And really only leaves you with a filthy blender, a couple of glasses, and maybe a pairing knife or two. I love this option for summer if serving up a hot breakfast isn’t something you’re feeling. Make it whatever you want! Greek yogurt (protein), baby spinach, berries, banana, peaches, apples, avocado, nut butter, chia seeds… this list is far from complete.

And if you are unsure about adding vegetables to fruit smoothies, leave them out! However, I can tell you that if a smoothie has fruit and yogurt in it, you won’t really be able to detect things like a little spinach or avocado. The color and texture may give it away, but your smoothie won’t actually taste like those things.

If you want to go the nut butter route, I would suggest pairing that with banana and vanilla yogurt. It’s a complete meal in a glass!

4. Toast – the show off (this one wins the quick breakfast ideas award)

This one might seem obvious. But I think we forget what we can do with toast to make it a complete meal. There are two combos that are hands down my favorite.

The first combo I love is sourdough avocado toast. I ADORE a thick piece of sourdough toast, golden, and slathered in butter. I’m a huge fan of avocado toast, so this buttery sourdough is even better with buttery avo. Can’t get on board with everything bagel seasoning, so I don’t go there. (Pretty sure it’s the dried onion pieces for me. I just can’t.)

The second toast combo I love is a denser, whole wheat or whole grain bread, slathered with creamy peanut butter and drizzled with maple syrup. It sounds decadent, right? It kind of is.

5: Breakfast Tacos – the favorite child of breakfast foods

Ahh, the best for last! Technically this one could be mentioned under the egg category, but it really deserves its own mention. These might take a few more minutes than the other four ideas, but it’s still a super easy breakfast that won’t take long to make. It’s one of those “I’m feeling fancy, but lazy” types of breakfasts.

You’ll need some flour or corn tortillas, some olive oil or oil of your choice, eggs, cheese, and whatever else your heart desires. Diced avocado, fresh spinach, sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, and cilantro are all mouth-watering possibilities. Simply warm a little oil in a skillet, heat/fry/toast up your tortillas, and while that is going, scramble some eggs. Add whatever you want, and layer it all in! I seriously get so excited for breakfast tacos!