Temple University Campus RepsChynna Mela is a senior journalism student at Temple University and an SC Campus Representative. She can usually be found planning her fall wedding to Harry Styles, attempting to become the female version of Perez Hilton, or eating peanut butter straight from the jar. See more posts from her here.
By the time you enter college you have probably been told thousands of times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I don’t necessarily agree with this. Coffee before breakfast is probably the most important meal of the day because, well, caffeine. How will you even be able to hold a spoon without at least 8 ounces of the nectar of the Gods? Once you have had your morning java, breakfast is extremely important. You need energy to keep you alert during your 8AM, and it kickstarts your metabolism for the day. Not eating breakfast is like a car running on empty. You have no gas to keep you moving. However, dining halls do not always have the best options for breakfast. Sugary cereals, white bread bagels, scrambled eggs that are absolutely not real eggs, and concentrated juices? No thank you. Who wants to waste a meal on that? Not me. Do not use that as an excuse to skip breakfast though. There are tons of quick and healthy breakfasts that you can make yourself (yes even in your dorm room). Here are a list of a few of my favorites:
1. Overnight Oats
(Image via themelonbowl.com)
Overnight oats are my absolute favorite morning staple breakfast, and the best part is they are versatile and can be altered for anyone’s taste buds. Plus, they have to be made the night before, so in the morning they are ready waiting for you.The recipe is too easy: Add equal parts oats and milk into a jar or cup and let sit overnight. Thats it! The oats become fluffy and completely delicious. Of course plain oats do not taste stellar, but if you add your favorite toppings they do. Mix in anything from peanut butter to strawberries from protein powders to pumpkin for a delicious breakfast. If you’re looking for a dose of vegetables in the morning blend spinach with milk in a blender before adding in the oats. Throw a banana in there too and it will mask the vegetable flavor.
2. Egg Muffins
(Image via twopeasandtheirpod)
This recipe is probably best for older college students that have their own kitchen because it requires an oven, but most dorms offer the use of a communal oven. If you prefer savory breakfasts to sweet this is a great option for you. For specific recipe details click here, but it is quite simple. Whisk eggs in a bowl, chop up your favorite vegetables and mix them with they egg, pour into cupcake tins, and bake in the oven until cooked through. If you make a big batch on Sunday you will have breakfast ready for you every day of the week. Score!
3. Breakfast Wrap
(Image via theberry)
Buy a package of healthy wraps (I like Flat Out wraps), smear on some nut butter (or cookie butter if you aren’t being super strict on the “healthy” part), top with strawberries, blueberries, or bananas, roll up, and you are set to go.
4. Yogurt
(Image via Pinterest)
This may seem overly simple, but like the overnight oats you can add anything you would like to it. I suggest buying plain Greek yogurt because it is lower in sugar and higher in protein, but any yogurt will work as a base for this recipe. Throw in chocolate chips, bananas, and peanut butter for a higher fat breakfast, or stick with blueberries and strawberries for something lighter. You can also layer in some granola or oats for a fun parfait that can be prepared the night before!
5. French Toast
(Image via brooklynfarmgirl)
Yep, you read that right. Mom may not be there, and you only have 3 minutes to spare, but you can still have french toast in the morning. Simply rip chunks of bread (preferably wheat or whole grain) and toss into a mug with egg (I recommend using egg whites for a lighter option). Microwave and viola! French toast. You can add anything you would like as well such as apples, cinnamon, or syrup on top (if you happen to have that handy in your dorm room). Here is a step by step recipe, but you can exclude the butter.
What is your favorite college breakfast?
(Feature Image via prudentbaby.com)