Three Quick and Healthy DIY Breakfasts for Busy Mornings

Three Quick and Healthy DIY Breakfasts for Busy Mornings
Quick oats with flax and goji berries:

This is my personal go-to for when I need a quick breakfast that’s done in under 5 minutes.  Not only is it healthy but it is also delicious.  For busy AU students, this can turn into an excellent morning routine.  While oats and flaxseed add dietary fibre, the mix of goji berries and fruit toppings adds flavor and vitamins into your busy routine.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1 cup water or milk (dairy or plant-based). For myself, I prefer almond milk.
  • 2 tablespoons dried goji berries
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • Optional toppings: honey, maple syrup, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, cinnamon

Instructions:

  • Prepare the Oats:
    • In a small saucepan, bring the water or milk to a boil over medium heat.
  • Add the Oats:
    • Once the liquid is boiling, add the quick oats to the saucepan.
    • Stir well and reduce the heat to low.
  • Cook the Oats:
    • Allow the oats to simmer for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired consistency.
  • Incorporate Goji Berries and Flaxseed:
    • Once the oats are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat.
    • Stir in the dried goji berries and ground flaxseed until well combined.
  • Serve:
    • Transfer the oatmeal to a serving bowl.
    • Optionally, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
    • Top with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Granola youghurt parfait

Another one of my favorite snacks and also breakfasts before sneaking out the door is this delicious youghurt parfait.  If you’re sick of eating oatmeal every morning, this can change up the morning routine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla-flavored)
  • 1 ripe banana, sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup granola (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  • Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Wash the blueberries and pat them dry with a paper towel.
    • Peel the banana and slice it into thin rounds.
  • Layer the Parfait:
    • Start by adding a layer of Greek yogurt to the bottom of a serving glass or bowl.
    • Top the yogurt layer with a few banana slices, followed by a handful of blueberries.
    • Sprinkle a spoonful of granola over the fruit layer.
  • Repeat the Layers:
    • Repeat the layering process until you reach the top of the serving glass or bowl, alternating between yogurt, fruit, and granola.
    • Ensure to end with a layer of yogurt on top.
  • Drizzle with Sweetener (Optional):
    • If desired, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top layer of yogurt for added sweetness.
  • Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish the parfait with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness, if available.
Frozen berry smoothie with chia seeds

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mixed frozen berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
  • 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla-flavored)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional, for extra nutrition)

Instructions:

  • Prepare the Ingredients:
    • Ensure the mixed berries are frozen. If using fresh berries, you can freeze them in advance or add extra ice cubes to the smoothie.
  • Combine Ingredients:
    • In a blender, add the mixed frozen berries, sliced banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and any optional ingredients such as honey or maple syrup, and ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
  • Blend Until Smooth:
    • Blend the ingredients on high speed until smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, you can add more almond milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Taste and Adjust:
    • Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more honey or maple syrup.
  • Serve:
    • Pour the frozen berry smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.
  • Optional Garnish:
    • Garnish the smoothie with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of additional ground flaxseed or chia seeds, if desired.