Breakfast prep for the whole family

Don’t skip brekkie!

Work with a plan.

Getting up early enough to make and eat a proper breakfast is one of those things that only happen in movies. You know the ones – the parent sets out a whole breakfast spread with orange juice and pastries, and makes plates of egg and bacon on demand…If only we all had this kind of time in the mornings!

Well, you can get a proper brekkie each day!

The one way to do this is to get up at 4am each day and start frying eggs. The other, more sensible and sustainable way to ensure good morning nutrition is to prep your brekkie ahead of time.

Here are three options for you to try out.

Protein packed overnight oats

Ok – so this really isn’t just a fad. Overnight oats have, time and again, been proven to be extremely healthy. Loaded with a wonderful slow-release source of good carbs and protein, it is an affordable way to skip the unhealthy drive through breakfast meals and start your day off the right way.

The base recipe is easier than you think.

You’ll need:

• 1:1 ratio of raw rolled oats and milk or a milk alternative,
• ½ part of natural yogurt.
• part chia seeds
• Sweeten with a drizzle of honey if you feel like it and season with a small pinch of salt.
• Mix until well combined with no “dry spots” and refrigerate.

Top Tip: Overnight oats should “soak” for at least 4 hours to get the best texture, and jars of your base recipe can last in the fridge all week long.

Extra flavours:

In a separate container keep fresh cut fruit, extra seeds and nuts and any other ingredients you like. Chopped almonds, cinnamon and vanilla are all firm favourites. Adding a teaspoon of nut butter can give your oats a delicious flavour. We like adding a hand full of fresh blueberries and lemon zest or cinnamon and cubed apples for an apple pie vibe. Banana slices add natural sweetness.

If your plan is to keep your breakfasts healthy, skip these ingredients:

• Syrup
• Chocolate sauce
• Sugary yogurt
• High sugar dried fruits

Are you looking for something salty?

Try an air fryer breakfast “burrito”

Another game changer brought to us by the magic of air fryers. This is a simple savoury brekkie that’s easy to eat on the go and you can once again make them ahead of time.

You’ll need:

• Wholewheat wraps
• Scrambled eggs
• Cheese and dressings of your choice
• Veggies of your choice (onion, tomato, mushroom.)
• Aluminium foil

What next?

• Toast a basic wholewheat wrap
• Layer it with baby spinach, soft scrambled egg, crispy bacon grated cheese/crumbled feta or a smear of cream cheese. We like adding slices of lightly grilled tomato or mushrooms and a little bit of balsamic reduction. Fold your wrap into a “burrito” and wrap it tightly in aluminium foil. You can make these ahead of time and keep them in the fridge, just heat one each morning in your air-fryer and off you go!

Top Tip: Did you know you can actually freeze scrambled egg? If you want to do it this way, skip the baby spinach, cook the tomato well, and add a few drops of honey to your scrambled eggs. This will keep the taste and textures of your burrito fresh and delicious!

Have a look at this freezer friendly burrito recipe (9 min watch).

Smoothies on tap

If none of these options are ticking your brekkie boxes, at least treat yourself to a wakeup smoothie. This is a trick most smoothie stands and restaurants employ and there is a reason for it.

You’ll need:

• Fresh fruit of your choice
• Medium sized freezer bags, or freezer containers
• Milk or milk alternative
• Add-ons like yogurt, protein powder, nut butters etc.

What next?

Cut your fruit into small cubes and portion it into the bags/containers. (enough for one smoothie per bag/container.)

Freeze these and simply take out a portion each morning, add to your blender with your liquids and any add-ons you want and blitz it up. The frozen fruit will give you a delicious, frosty smoothie, perfect for those summer mornings when its already hot at 6am.

Top Tip: Frozen banana is a great way to get a silky, creamy texture without having to use high fat dairy. Make sure your banana slices are thick and enjoy the natural sweetness of this versatile fruit.

Eating breakfast each morning might sound like a schlep, but once you realize how much better it makes you feel during the day, you’ll be committed to filling up before heading out.

Want to take a healthier start to 2025?  The read our article on the difference between macro and micro nutrients.