Many people consider porridge or oatmeal to be the best breakfast one could have if they need energy during the day. They go from simple to complex, but the base is always the same: milk and oats. Porridge is great because the carbohydrates in it burn slowly, leaving you both energised and satisfied for a long period of time!

Preparation 

The easiest oats (if you have a microwave) are simple. Just microwave a bowl of oats with some milk (ratio of around 4:1) for a minute and enjoy! If you don’t have a microwave, you can also try overnight oats.These can be prepared (meal-prepped if you will) in advance, and are simply made by putting a similar ratio of oats and milk in some jars, then placing them in the fridge overnight, as their name say. If you have more time (and patience) in the morning, however, you can try my personal favourite, a traditional porridge. The process is quite simple. Take the bowl you plan to eat it in and fill it two thirds of the way with oats. Then, cover the oats with water, until there are just a few on top of the water and there is a thin layer between the oats. After  around two to three minutes, the oats will have soaked up the water, becoming softer, after which you can place them in a small pot. Add enough milk to almost cover the oats, turn the heat to medium high, and start stirring. It is important that you keep stirring, or the oats at the bottom will burn! After a while, the mixture will become a thicker consistency, at which point your porridge is ready! An alternative to this is just boiling water or milk and adding the oats later, then continuously stirring.

Toppings

To make the porridge more enjoyable (many people think it plain), you can add a variety of toppings and flavour. The most obvious one is chopped fresh berries, or a spoonful of jam for a fruity flavor. Porridge is also great with a tablespoon of peanut butter added, for a nutty flavor and some extra protein and healthy fats. For extra fiber and nutrients, chia seeds are also a popular addition. Finally, adding cocoa powder and maple syrup gives it a rich chocolate flavor, while cinnamon and apple pieces are more strudel-like. There are of course many flavor combinations, so get inspired by your favourite drinks, cakes and baked goods. 

When breakfast is more on the rush, most people opt for a simple cereal with yogurt or milk, depending on the type. This is a great on the go breakfast, and quite nutritious as it contains protein and healthy fats from the yogurt as well as carbohydrates from the grain, depending on the type. To make a bowl of cereal even better, there are great additions you can make. Chopped fresh fruits will add flavor and vitamins as well as sugars, and a spoon of peanut butter can make it even more tasty and nutritious. 

Not many people know however, that granola is really easy to make at home. This way, it is easy to adapt for different flavor preferences and eventually allergies or intolerances. A jar of homemade granola is also a great gift, and is easy to make in bulk, which is extremely useful for holidays or big events when a lot of people require presents. This is also a great option, as it is possible to make them holiday themed with flavors like cinnamon or pumpkin spice mix, as well as dried apples and other christmassy ingredients. There are many great recipes online for this, for example Donna Hay’s Christmas Granola.

Of course, toast is also one of the most eaten breakfast foods in history. As simple as a warmed up piece of bread and some topping, or as complicated as french toasts or croque madame/monsieur, it can also be a great option. However, this simple meal can be improved by adding sources of fiber, which help you feel full and help with digestion. Fibers are often ignored in comparison to other nutrients like protein, but are equally if not more important. Adding them to meals via seeds, nuts, fruit and vegetables really supports a good diet. In the case of toast, a simple switch to make is whole wheat or brown bread, which often contains a lot more fibers. Berries are also a great way to add fibers to toast. 

Although these are often reserved for the weekend, pancakes and waffles are often the most loved breakfasts. Different toppings can be added, and the batters can be changed for different textures. Pancakes range from flat french crêpes (or dutch pannekoeken), thicker american pancakes and the viral fluffy japanese pancakes. However, most cultures have their own version of this special food. There are many recipes online. My recommendation is to use baking powder if you intend your pancakes to be thick and fluffy, as it adds that element. Waffles are a bit more complicated, but also an amazing treat. To make them at home, a waffle maker or similar tool is needed, but if you really enjoy them, it might be a nice investment. Also with waffles, there are a variety of types and recipes, for example the famous Belgian ones. For both pancakes and waffles, the toppings are basically infinite. They can be both sweet and savoury, rich and light, simple or extremely elaborate. To elevate the nutrition, you can add toppings that include fiber, vitamins and protein. For a little treat however, a favourite of mine is taking a square of chocolate and melting it on a pancake while it is still warm, as a sort of chocolate spread that is however richer yet less heavy. To make pancakes on a busier day, Banana pancakes are also a great alternative. 

Banana Pancake Recipe:

Take a ripe or very ripe banana, and mash it in a bowl using a fork. Beat in one egg, and then add some flour (or protein powder if you so wish) until it has a thick but still liquid texture. Put 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan, and add the batter. Cook the pancake on both sides. This should make about two pancakes. 

A very typical French and Italian breakfast, the combination of a pastry and a hot or cold drink (most commonly coffee) is a delicious beginning of the day. Examples of pastries are croissants, pain au chocolats, and cinnamon rolls, which most people enjoy. While this is a really delicious breakfast and a great treat, it can however not be the most filling (although caffeine takes appetite away, it is not the same) and might not give as much nutrition. A good addition could be a fruit, whether fresh or in the form of a smoothie or juice, to add vitamins and fiber. 

Although less common in the modern day, the stereotypical English breakfast of eggs, bacon, beans and other savoury elements can still be found in hotels and some households. For some people, breakfast is strictly sweet, but the savoury option can be a great change once in a while. Eggs and beans are both extremely nutrient rich, and can provide you with the perfect start to a day. This is also a breakfast that is easy to tweak according to personal preference and allergies/intolerances. 

Although this article has mostly talked about the breakfasts of the western world, almost every country has its own cultural breakfast. I highly recommend researching what different cultures eat, as it can be a huge inspiration and learning moment. Especially when travelling, you have the opportunity to experiment with what you enjoy and can take from the traditions of different cultures and people. Food is one of the best ways to experience and understand other cultures, so exploring that starting by breakfast can add a new level to your trip or daily life if you choose to take inspiration.