Student Savers: Breakfast

I got 9am problems but breakfast ain’t one

In 2017, it was estimated that around 50% of Britons now skip breakfast?! 😳😳😳😳 and a big portion of those are students (due to lack of money, time or simply c.b.a.) I just can't even comprehend that.

Let me tell you a mind-breaking discovery…breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It’s an annoying cliché and I’m rolling my eyes as I say it. But it’s irritatingly true. Breakfast really is the meal to set you up for a productive day.

The excuse of, ‘sleep is more important than food’ is tempting but studies have shown that breakfast enhances performance both mentally and physically. Don’t let me bore you with getting all nutrition nerdy on you, but check out studies from International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science (for all you the foodies served with some science for you!).

Lacking some breakfast inpso? Is the toast in the morning not quite flaring up those tastebuds anymore? I understand for income purposes that toast and cereals are relatively cheap to buy as breakfast ingredients go. But when was breakfast the thing in your life that broke the bank? (unless you’re burning toast!). Lacking money or inspiration doesn’t mean you have to cut back on great tasting foods, or doesn't have you wake up at 6am to prepare for! (although for me, the breakfast queen, I have done this before.. because I live for that smoked salmon, on wholegrain rye bread with crushed avocado (have you tried my avocado cream recipes?) and chilly flakes with a poached egg or two👅😍 my mouth waters as I type this).

Students... WHAT DO WE WANT? CHEAP, QUICK, EASY AND TASTY BREAKFASTS RECIPES. Well look no further....

Are breakfast options lacking in inspiration and creativity? Then look no further as here is some breakfast inspirations for a 'low' budget and quick on time- student friendly!

I’m not expecting a Nigella-worthy breakfast. Breakfast can be simple, quick, easy and healthy. Here are a few ideas (some you can even make the night before!).

Overnight oats

This is the ultimate breakfast for the lazy person!

The only thing that is required is to make a little effort the night before.

Ingredients

½ cup of porridge oats

1 banana

Milk (amount depends on thickness)

Protein powder (optional)

Honey, cinnamon

Mixed berries or seeds (optional)

Method

1. Pour porridge oats into a container.

2. Add protein powder and/or cinnamon and honey.

3. Stir.

4. Add milk (the more that is added the looser it becomes, personally I like mine thicker).

5. Stir.

6. Add a mashed banana.

7. Add mixed berries on top.

8. Place a lid on top of the container (or if you’re super lazy just leave in a bowl!) and place in the fridge overnight

9. FINISHED!

Simple, right?!

Egg, spinach and ham McMuffins

Healthy doesn’t have to compromise on good tasting foods. Are you a food prep junkie? This recipe is perfect for those who don't like to cook everyday, as this can be made and stored for up to 4 days! You can make this in 20 minutes or less!

Ingredients

3-4 eggs

2-3 handfuls of spinach

Ham (as much or as little as you want)

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees.

2. Crack eggs and whisk in a bowl until well combined.

3. Add the spinach, again, whisk.

4. Cut up the ham into small pieces.

5. Add to mixture until evenly distributed.

6. Pour the muffin mixture into cupcake tins.

7. Put in the oven for about 10 minutes (cooking time can vary).

8. Take them out once they look have risen and are golden-brown.

And you’re done! This means breakfast is sorted for the rest of the week. Breakfast muffins are great to make in bulk too, meaning you have breakfast set for the rest of the week (they can be stored for up to 2-4 days).

(My mom is a lil bit crazy about these)

Banana, chocolate and maple syrup mug-cake

That’s right…you heard it here first! You can have cake for breakfast and it’s totally healthy (somewhat!). We are technically adults* (although questionable at times…) so who’s going to stop us from having cake in the morning? Better yet it takes literally 3 minutes to do and practically no washing up after- BINGO!

Ingredients

Banana

1 tbsp Cocoa powder (drinking hot chocolate will do!)

1 egg

1 tbsp of oats (gluten free oats work as well)

2 tsp Maple syrup

optional: yoghurt or mixed berries for topping is great too

Method

1. Mash the banana in the mug

2. Crack the egg and mix with banana

3. Add the oats

4. Add the maple syrup

5. Mix it together until well combined

6. Place in the microwave for 1 minute (high heat)

7. Add your toppings of choice once cooked (personally I love adding yoghurt and a mixed berries compote as I love the hot and cold combination😍

There you go… Breakfast is served.

Breakfast is important for optimal health and wellbeing so let me give you a few simple facts:

• It kick-starts your metabolism,

• it regulates the blood glucose levels (that 3pm slump is the worst!),

• Eating breakfast is healthy for the brain as well as the body! As it restores glucose which is essential to brain functionality (meaning you’ll feel like a boss in that 9am lecture),

• You’re less likely to over eat when you have breakfast.

Honestly, I can’t see why you wouldn’t love a hearty, healthy breakfast when it does all that for you.

Hopefully I've persuaded you that breakfast can be the best food combination and definitely goes beyond a bowl of Frosties or jam on toast days.

Keeping it with honest food and a simple style,

Simply Martha 🌞🌻 x

#Recipe