A moment to yourself while eating a filling, nutritious breakfast is unbeatable. This glimpse of peace in the morning is the jumpstart to a productive day. 

Many people don’t have much time in the morning, which is why a quick and easy breakfast is important. Oatmeal is easily made in under five minutes, and adding a ripe fruit, smooth honey, a runny egg or other add-ins creates a buzzer-beater breakfast. 

Some misconceptions about oatmeal are that it’s secretly fattening, bland and not eaten for enjoyment. But, oatmeal is more than a plain, gluey-textured porridge. The plain base can transform into a sweet or savory dish in a few simple ways.  

As a student-athlete on the go, I’m always looking for ways to enhance my quick but nutritious breakfast option. Surprisingly, I’ve learned the slightest additions make the biggest difference. Ingredients such as yogurt and pumpkin puree can make oatmeal creamy, and whole grains, dried fruit or granola introduces a new texture. Here are four different ways to switch up those plain oats into something extraordinary. 

1. Explore the internet for recipes 

The fun thing about oatmeal is anything can be added to it, and it tastes good. Like many dishes, there are endless recipes for oatmeal. Waking up with a sweet tooth and not in the mood for the usual brown maple sugar or apple cinnamon oatmeal? There is a variety of chocolate peanut butter, banana bread or cinnamon bun-inspired recipes you can find on different blogs and social media sites, such as Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. An Instagram account I follow, Trace’s Oats, proves that oatmeal doesn’t have to be boring. 

Trace is an influencer who created a cookbook of creative oatmeal recipes and shares free recipe inspiration. Any kind of oatmeal can be found on their Instagram page. 

The main ingredient for many sweeter recipes is cocoa powder and a naturally sweeter fruit. On the savory side, the recipes are equally endless. Some staple toppings are avocados, cooked greens, tomatoes and eggs. Popular roasted vegetable add-ins are zucchini and squash, with a dash of salt, butter and garlic. 

2. Decide how you want to make it. 

No matter the circumstance, oatmeal will always be a quick breakfast. Soaking oatmeal in any desired liquid overnight creates a cold and rich pudding consistency that can also be heated up. If you want to get fancy, you can bake oatmeal with fruits and chocolate that melt the second your fork slices through it. Baked oatmeal is a popular way to make a healthier version of sweet treat cravings. Sticking with the basics never fails. Personally, I opt for oatmeal on the stovetop, but if I’m in a time crunch, I use the microwave.

3. Add in Protein

Adding protein makes a meal more filling and provides more energy throughout the day. Oatmeal provides fiber, carbohydrates, minerals and antioxidants. Usually, I add two egg whites to my oatmeal, which makes for a creamier base without the smell or taste of the egg. Stirring in yogurt on the stovetop with oatmeal is another way to make a creamy base. Your body will thank you for adding a probiotic to a healthy meal.

Looking for something even more savory? Tofu is a great addition, and it can be added in different forms; it can be sprinkled on as a topping or blended and mixed in. Mashed chickpeas, similar to tofu, add a puffy and soft base as well, and the natural nutty taste can be hidden with vanilla extract or fruits. However, protein powder is not a cheat code, it only adds to the protein. As an athlete, the convenience of protein powder keeps me full for longer and satisfies my sweet tooth.

4. Add food you genuinely enjoy 

Some people enjoy the simplicity of adding fruit to oatmeal, while others find it repetitive and boring. Different recipes that seem healthier will not taste better if you don’t genuinely enjoy eating the toppings. There is no reason to force yourself to eat something that you don’t like. Oatmeal is your blank canvas, and you are the painter – anything and everything can taste good. If you can do it on a pizza, why not try it with oatmeal? And yes, pizza-inspired oatmeal does exist.