Being on a strict budget doesn’t mean you need to skip breakfast. In fact, skipping breakfast isn’t healthy for you and can really mess up your metabolism. It’s always a good idea to take the time to fix yourself something quick and easy that gives you a boost of energy at the start of the day.

You can save that money you were going to spend on a fast food breakfast by taking a little time to prepare an easy homemade breakfast that is healthier and tastes great. Give yourself an extra 10 minutes in the morning to make and eat breakfast. Your body and wallet will thank you.

Bagel Melts

Buy a bag of your favorite bagels either from the grocery store or your local bagel shop. Bagels come in so many flavors that you’ll never get bored and you can put anything on them.

Instead of the usual cream cheese, make a bagel melt with simple ingredients. Split the bagel in half and spread with mustard. Place slices of cheese, bacon (regular or Canadian) and tomato on top. Place bagel halves on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 4-6 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Breakfast Cookies

Bring some fun to breakfast by making breakfast cookies. There are several healthy breakfast cookie recipes online that are easy to make ahead of time. Both kids and adults will enjoy this morning treat.

Some favorites are banana oatmeal, carrot oatmeal and peanut butter. They can be made with wheat flour, brown sugar, raisins, nuts and even cereal.

Egg Sandwich

Eggs are cheap and very easy to whip up in the morning. You don’t have to be a good cook to make scrambled eggs. If you love those fast food egg sandwiches, make your own.

To make a sausage egg sandwich take a biscuit, English muffin or roll and slice it in half. Scramble one egg to taste. Prepare a fresh or frozen sausage patty according to directions. Butter and grill bread slices until lightly toasted. Place sausage patty onto bread and top with egg and cheese slice. Place remaining bread half on top.

Cereal

You should always have one or two boxes of your favorite cereal on hand for a fast breakfast. Cereal is so popular that manufacturers often make coupons available for various brands. Stores often will put certain brands on sale, so keep an eye out and stock up when the price is right.

Fruit Smoothie

Make use of that blender and throw together a quick fruit smoothie. Most smoothie recipes combine fresh fruit like berries, bananas, peaches, mango or pineapple with yogurt, milk, soy milk, sherbet or ice cream. Wheat germ or whey powder can be added for an extra energy boost.

Quick Bread

Quick breads are made with tasty ingredients like carrots, applesauce, pumpkin, squash and zucchini. These should be made ahead of time, as they need about 15 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes to bake.

You can spread your quick bread with honey, butter, fruit spread and cream cheese or eat plain.

Yogurt Parfait

Like those yogurt parfaits you see advertised, but don’t want to spend the money? Make your own at home. Grab a bowl and add spoonfuls of your favorite fresh or frozen yogurt. Chop up a granola bar or use bulk granola from the store and add on top. Sprinkle with fresh berries or thawed frozen berries or bananas. Enjoy!