Breakfast- Budget Style

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day- at least in our heads. But when it comes to time management, sluggish morning appetites and general morning chaos- just trying to get out of the house, breakfast seems to shift to the bottom of the priority list (and at times its nutritional punch in the process).

Add to that the element of trying to keep to a fairly rigid budget and breakfast can quickly become a cost centred through convenience foods (which are generally more expensive and less healthy).

Avoid the drive thru on your way to work. Take back breakfast, and start your day off right!

DIY Granola

Granola is nutritious, easy to make and is great mixed in with some yogurt and fruit for a quick breakfast before you hit the road. This is something that can be packed and eaten at your desk as well, if you run out of time at home. It also makes for a good afternoon snack to lend you a late-day energy boost, just on its own.

Take a cup of honey or a half cup of brown sugar with a half cup of maple syrup. Mix together with a tsp of cinnamon, a tsp of butter and a sprinkle of salt. A tsp of vanilla extract will lend a little more flavour.

Mix together five cups of rolled oats, together with four cups of other ingredients (i.e. coconut, flax seeds, almonds, pecans, walnuts and one cup of your favourite dried fruit.

Heat the wet ingredients in a saucepan, while baking the oats and nuts/seeds in the oven until toasty. Mix together the toasted ingredients with the wet ingredients and your dried fruit- and you have lots of granola to keep you going!

Instant Oatmeal

Ounce per ounce, there are not many more foods packed with more protein at this price point. Quick to make, super yummy and versatile, instant oatmeal can be a real life saver for the whole family early in the am.

Make your own, and cut costs (and likely salt and sugar) using quick-cooking oats. Follow package directions and add hot water or milk for a warm breakfast that will keep you going until lunch. Top with nuts, fruit or a sprinkle of brown sugar or maple syrup to add extra flavour.

Breakfast Burrito

Get out your versatile friend, the tortilla wrap, and invite it to be a main player on your breakfast plate. Scramble up some eggs the night before (you can make enough for a few days). Fill the tortilla wrap with some eggs, cheese and any leftover veggies that you have in the fridge. Top with picante sauce or sour cream and pop in the microwave until heated through (not long, probably about 30 seconds depending on your microwave).

Breakfast Sandwich

You don’t need the drive-thru! You can make a healthier version of the English Muffin sandwich for much less cost in no time at all.

You can either microwave an egg, or fry one up until the yolk is hard. Pop an English Muffin in the toaster. When egg is cooked, layer with cheese and tomato or lettuce (instead of processed meat) and then you hit all of your food groups.

When looking for nutritional bang for your buck, eggs are hard to beat- with around 6 grams of protein per serving, and only a few cents each- this is a breakfast powerhouse. They don’t take long to prepare either, as long as you plan ahead.

Peanut Butter Sandwich

This is probably a staple you have in your pantry already. Packed with protein, peanut butter will help to edge hunger off until the next meal.

Slather some peanut butter (choose lower sugar, lower salt variety) on some whole grain bread- chew and go!