Despite the well-documented drawbacks of skipping breakfast, about 30 percent of Americans still fail to fuel up in the morning, according to WebMD. And many of those who spend their days on an empty stomach blame the absence of comfort.
Earlier this year, the Washington Post pointed to research showing that even millennials find breakfast cereal too uncomfortable. And research cited in the Huffington Post shows Americans aged 18 and over who skip their first daily meal most frequently blame an absence of hunger or a very busy schedule.
However, several studies point to adverse health and cognitive effects of skipping breakfast. Consumer Reports indicate eating within two hours of waking up boosts your glucose metabolism or blood sugar throughout the day, which in turn increases your energy. “Don’t skip breakfast,” advises researcher Dr. Leah E. Cahill of Harvard Medical School. “Incorporating a wide variety of healthy foods into your breakfast is an easy way to ensure your meals provide enough energy and a healthy balance of nutrients.”
Experts recommend those who are used to skipping breakfast rather than optimizing very easy and convenient meals. Most recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in your fridge for those mornings when you are short on time and energy. They are made faster through Panasonic’s newest microwave that optimizes inverter technology for even cooking that works from the outside in.
Below are some easy microwave recipes for busy mornings:
Baked Banana Bread Oatmeal:
In a microwaveable cup, combine 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats, 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 crushed banana and a dash of ground flaxseed, cinnamon and/or honey. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stir and eat.
Savory French Toast in a Cup:
Simply cut a slice of white bread and soak it for 5 minutes (press down) in a cup containing beaten egg, 5 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons grated cheddar, 3 tablespoons cooked ham, salt and pepper. Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, then eat warm.
Warm apple muffins:
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave cup. Mix in the beaten egg, 3 tablespoons flour (almond or coconut work well), 1/8 teaspoon baking powder and a little maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Top with finely chopped apples, walnuts and butter. Microwave briefly. Grab it and go.
Delicious breakfast sandwiches:
Add to a cup 1 teaspoon melted butter, 1 tablespoon milk, egg and a few chopped onion, green pepper ham and hot sauce to taste. Microwave for about 30 seconds, then take out and add a toasted English muffin topped with a slice of your favourite cheese. Grab it, then enjoy the savory goodness.
Roll-up to go:
Spread the inside of a 6-inch tortilla with peanut butter, jam, half a crushed banana and desiccated unsweetened coconut. Roll it up like a burrito, wrap it in a loose paper towel and microwave it for half a minute before appreciating how it melts in your mouth.
