When I’m training (or even when I’m not), cereal or fruit salad simply don’t do it for me. After my morning workout, I need a filling, healthy breakfast to help me recover and give me energy for the rest of my day.  But like many of you, perhaps, I usually eat at work and only have about 5-10 minutes to spare before the craziness begins.

I’ve included below my go-to weekday breakfasts, as well as a couple other quick and easy breakfasts I make if I eat at home before work or on the weekends.  They surely aren’t exotic or ground-breaking, but my breakfasts are substantial, healthy and also cheaper than most pre-made breakfasts I see in the shops. I cycle between them and change up the ingredients to prevent boredom, but always have them along with 1 liter of water and a big cup of coffee!

If any of these ideas sound appealing to you, stop by the grocery store and give one a try tomorrow morning! I usually do my shopping once a week and store it in the work fridge so it’s all there, ready for me.

Non-fat Greek yogurt or plain natural yogurt with fruit/muesli/etc:

*Place the yogurt in a bowl, and add fruit (berries, kiwis, pomegranate seeds, and/or sliced banana are my favorites), honey or agave syrup and cinnamon
*Try adding a 1/4-1/2 cup of museli (the no sugar added kind is best), ground flaxseeds, mixed nuts and/or dried fruit for something more substantial

Oatmeal made with skim milk and banana: (Also my pre-race or long run meal)
*Avoid the instant kind, and go for the type that takes 3-5min to cook in the microwave instead – you will stay fuller, longer! If you’re at home and have more time, try steel-cut oats – very dense and filling!
*Place ½ cup oats in a bowl, and add cinnamon and honey
*Heat up 1 cup milk in the microwave for about 1min, stir into the oats, and then put the combination back into the microwave for about 1.5-2min.
*Mash a ripe banana with a fork in a bowl, and then add to the oatmeal and put back into the microwave for another 1-2min, removing occasionally to stir.
*Instead of/in addition to banana, you can also try blueberries, dried cranberries, raisins, chopped walnuts, almonds or whatever else you fancy! So many options…

Peanut Butter & Banana Toast:
*Grab a couple slices of whole-grain bread, pop them in the toaster, spread about 2 tablespoons of natural peanut-butter (Peanut Butter & Co is my favorite) and some honey on top, and then add sliced banana. Simple and delicious, especially with a big glass of milk. Also great for a pre/post run snack!

Vegetable Omelet:
*I use 3 eggs/1 yolk; whisk together with a fork, adding salt & pepper to taste
*Steam (microwave is easiest) your vegetables of choice – I like baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, and/or zucchini. Wash and put in the microwave, cover with a lid, and cook for about 1min.
*While the veg is cooking, spray the frying pan with cooking spray or add some olive oil and turn on the heat.
*Add the egg mixture to the heated pan, and once halfway cooked, place the veg on one side of the omelet.
*Add a small amount of sliced or shredded cheese, if desired, and then fold the omelet in half and remove from the when fully cooked.
*Place inside a whole-wheat wrap or pita, along with some sliced avocado, for something more substantial

Fruit Smoothie:
*I always try to keep frozen berries & bananas (separated into small pieces), in my freezer for this purpose
*Place your frozen fruit of choice into the blender, along with some skim milk (fill to just below frozen fruit), honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
*Use greek/plain yogurt, muesli and/or walnuts or almonds for a more filling smoothie.
*Blend together – add a couple of ice cubes to thicken the texture. Reblend.