When we think of eating breakfast, often we conjure up images of French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and a whole variety of other comfort foods. Not only can this get expensive eating this way every day, but it can also cause all kinds of health problems over the long term. Health problems mean doctor visits and doctor visits mean expenses. And we all hate unnecessary expenses. Plus, you definitely don’t want to start your day by being full of carbs and fat as it will only serve to slow you down both physically and mentally.
Mom and Dad were right about breakfast being the most important meal of the day. Start off on a bad foot at breakfast and the rest of your day could be doomed. When it comes to eating breakfast, everyone should partake of a morning meal as it gets your metabolism revved up for the rest of the day. However, it needs to be something light and balanced so that you can get the proper nutrients to kick-start your metabolism.
Here are 10 inexpensive, yet healthy, breakfast ideas that will keep you going all day and keep your wallet plump:
1. Greek yogurt: You can purchase Greek yogurt in your regular grocery store for very little money. Most of the Greek yogurt options have some kind of fruit mixed in but I choose to buy the kind without the fruit at the bottom. This way, you avoid the excess sugar. You can usually purchase Greek yogurt for less than one dollar a piece.
2. Eggs: There is no question that eggs are one of the easiest and cheapest options for breakfast. You can scramble them or fry them up using fat free cooking spray. The “eggs increase cholesterol” mantra is old science; eat all the eggs you want! I usually eat four in the morning.
3. Smoothie: Breakfast smoothies are one of the easiest things that you can prepare in the morning. Simply have some frozen fruit on hand, and maybe some protein powder, to whip up a healthy smoothie in the morning.
4. Fruit and cheese: One of the easiest meals to have in the morning is a piece of string cheese along with a piece of low sugar fruit, such as an apple. This is sure to kick start your system in the morning!
5. Protein bar: You can also purchase an expensive protein bar that you can eat on the go while driving into work. My favorites are Tiger’s Milk and Cliff Bars!
6. Whole-grain cereal: There are many different varieties of whole-grain cereal available today. Put a little bit of fruit on top, and you have a filling and healthy morning meal. You may also want to include soy milk or rice milk in place of regular milk. Look for high protein cereal as this is an added benefit that will keep you strong and burn off fat.
7. A wrap: You can make your own morning wrap using things like Canadian bacon, turkey bacon, scrambled eggs and low-fat cheese. Use a whole-grain wrap for extra vitamins, minerals and fiber.
8. Yogurt, berries and granola: You can purchase low-fat or Greek yogurt and add some fresh berries and low sugar granola. If you’re really craving something sweet, simply add all natural Stevia on top.
9. Grapefruit: Many people enjoy having a grapefruit in the morning with a side of whole wheat toast. Add some almond butter to your toast to get a little bit of extra protein kick.
10. Cottage cheese with fruit: This has long been a favorite for people who want to stay in shape. Try any kind of fruit including berries, apples and other citrus fruits. This combo will start your day off right.
See, eating a healthy breakfast isn’t that hard to do. I told you! Ever since I’ve put a focus on breakfast, I eat healthier and enjoy my time in the morning. The ideas I’ve shared with you not only are healthy and easy on the wallet but are easy to prepare too! I hope you’ve enjoyed this list, now go and make an epic breakfast tomorrow morning!
To the READERS: Do you have a favorite breakfast you’d like to share with us that wasn’t covered in this list?
Jon the Saver is a blogger with a passion for personal finance. Not only does he like to eat well but also likes to keep his wallet full. You can check out his site over at Free Money Wisdom where Jon writes on a wide range of topics, from getting through college debt free to retiring a millionaire. Don’t be shy; connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.
I have to disagree with you on the greek yogurt item. At $1 a cup or thereabouts, that’s 50-100% more than the non-greek version. For years, yogurt was considered a great source of dairy and a pretty healthy item, and I don’t see how that changes because a supposedly better ‘greek’ version comes out.
I still get either Yoplait or the store brand yogurt for 40-60 cents per cup.
Where are you getting your greek yogurt from!? You should be able to find them on sale between .50 and .75 cents a cup. Also, the reason they’re better for you is because greek yogurt has 90% less sugar and 90% more protein than typical yogurt. Typical yogurt is actually not very healthy due to the high sugar content. Greek yogurt has been a staple in the fitness indutry, and for good reason!
Pumpkin Pancakes!!! I made a large batch last Sunday and we ate them for hot breakfast all week. I even have two left….yummy!
Yum. We love these too!
Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy and benefit from your ideas. Thanks so much.
I confess, I don’t know what Greek yogurt is or why it would be better.
As to grapefruit, I love it, but am on cholesterol medicine and can’t eat much.
What, no oatmeal? That was my Mom’s staple when I was growing up.
I have a favorite breakfast, but it’s not healthy! I love my french toast!
French Toast can be healthy as well! Use whole grain bread, eggs, and cinnamon to flavor it. Vanilla extract and skim milk (or 1% as I drink) can be added as well to make the toast softer and more enjoyable. Who says french toast can’t be healthy!
Nice list.
To me, oatmeal is my favorite frugal, healthy breakfast. I use a cup of quick cook steel cut oats, which is probably 10 cents for that serving. Then, I add 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries which I picked a few months ago (freezing is great!). Total cost for this oatmeal/blueberry breakfast: $1.
As for Greek Yogurt – Money Beagle, Greek Yogurt generally offers more protein. There are benefits to having that over ‘regular’yogurt. I’ve switched to Greek Yogurt, though I acknowledge that regular yogurt can of course be healthy as well.
I am a big fan of #8, Yogurt Parfait is great and I eat that one all the time for breakfast. I prefer to stay away from breads and pastas so this yogurt and fruit is a great start to my day.