Eating healthy in college is hard. From the dining hall’s tempting, carb-laden pancakes to McDonald’s convenient, trans-fat-filled sausage McGriddles, there are health pitfalls awaiting college students everywhere.
Eating healthy in college can be super expensive, too. Many college students don’t have a regular allowance or a part-time job, making it difficult to shop for healthy ingredients. Eating healthy in college isn’t always convenient. Most freshmen and sophomores only have access to microwaves and mini-fridges, which severely limits their healthy breakfast options. I bring good news: Eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard! In fact, it can be super easy, super cheap, and super convenient. Here, I’ll give you cheap, healthy breakfast options that require minimal cooking to make your most important meal of the day a great one!
1. “Hard-Boiled” Eggs & Turkey Bacon
Ingredients: eggs, turkey bacon; optional: salt and pepper to taste, english muffin, fresh fruit
Material(s): microwave, fridge, paper towels, microwave-safe bowl
Contrary to the name, hard-boiled eggs don’t actually have to be boiled. Though ‘hard-microwaved eggs’ doesn’t sound quite as appealing, they really are just as delicious. Follow Good Housekeeping’s recipe here for the best “hard-boiled” egg.
Cooking turkey bacon in the microwave is quite simple. Layer about 4 paper towels underneath the bacon slices, layer 2 more on top, and microwave for 4-5 minutes or until desired crispiness.
Make a healthy breakfast sandwich by layering the eggs and bacon on an english muffin, or pair with fresh fruit for an extra dose of vitamins.
2. Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
Ingredients: oatmeal, apples, cinnamon
Material(s): microwave, microwave-safe bowl
No, I’m not talking about Quaker instant oatmeal packets here. While those taste passably good, they’re filled with sugar and artificial ingredients and stripped of fiber. I’m talking about real, whole oatmeal topped with warm apples and cinnamon.
Oatmeal is one of the easiest breakfast foods to make. Pour ½ cup into a microwave-safe dish, add 1 cup of water to the top, and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Voila! You now have yourself a perfectly cooked, filling bowl of oats.
Add fresh apple slices on top for a hearty crunch and a sprinkle of cinnamon for metabolism-boosting goodness. Want warm, soft apples on your oatmeal? Simply add the apples into the oats before microwaving.
3. No-Egg Breakfast Burrito
Ingredients: tortilla, avocado, beans, salsa; optional: salt and pepper to taste, eggs
Material(s): microwave, microwave-safe bowl; optional: fridge
What do Emma Watson and future you have in common? You both start off your day with a breakfast burrito! As seen in Marie Claire, Watson fills her burritos with scrambled eggs, salsa, and guacamole. While you can totally make scrambled eggs in the microwave, they really don’t stand up to the real deal. Instead, microwave some tinned beans (I personally think pinto and black work best, but it’s ultimately up to you), mix with guac and salsa, and add to a warm tortilla.
4. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients: fruit of choice, yogurt, granola; optional: cinnamon
Material(s): fridge
This one’s a no brainer. It’s easily customizable, so you can eat it over and over again without getting bored. Plus, it’s really cheap, especially if you opt for regular yogurt over greek. However, going greek will give you over double the protein, so either yogurt is a win.
Berries work best in parfaits because they are both sweet and tart, but nearly any other fruit will taste good. Canned fruits, such as mandarin oranges and pineapple, also taste great in parfaits and last much longer than fresh fruit.
Granola typically goes in parfaits, but feel free to mix it up! Nuts, dry cereal, and chia seeds are all great alternatives that add just as much crunch.
5. Avocado Toast
Ingredients: avocado, bread; optional: salt and pepper to taste
Material(s): toaster
Avocado toast is the ultimate millennial breakfast and for good reason. Avocados are filled with heart-healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber. Plus, avo toast is super easy to make. Simply smash up some avocado, smear it on some toast, and you’re done!
The beauty of avo toast is its extreme customizability. When smashing up the avocado, you can add in a bunch of different spices and flavorings, like cayenne pepper and lemon juice, for a spicier breakfast. After you’ve assembled the toast, you can add toppings for a heartier breakfast. Make it Mexican with black beans and bell peppers, go back to basics with tomato slices, or add a fruity spin with sliced strawberries and pineapple. The options are endless!
There you have it! These are five tasty, filling, and nutritious breakfast that take ten minutes or less to make. What’s your go-to breakfast on campus? Let me know in the comments below!