Listen, we all know that feeling. Your alarm goes off, you hit snooze about three times, and suddenly you are running late. Breakfast? Yeah, that is probably not happening. But skipping breakfast is basically setting yourself up for a rough day.

Your body needs fuel to function, and we are not talking about that energy drink you grabbed on your way out. Or the coffee you quickly fixed in the lunch room immediately you got to work.

There is, however, good news. You don't need to be a chef or wake up at 5am to eat well. These Nigerian breakfast ideas take less than 10 minutes, they are nutritious, and they taste really good.

Why Protein and Fiber Matter

Now, we all know your body needs protein to keep you full and build muscle. Fiber like fruits, vegetables, oats, etc. keeps your digestive system happy and energy levels stable. Together, they are like premium fuel for your body. Research shows that 25 - 30 grams of protein at breakfast can change how hungry you feel all day.

Credit: Nigerian Foods

1. Bread and Egg with Tea (The Classic)

The most Nigerian breakfast ever. Fry or scramble two eggs, grab some bread (Agege bread hits different), and make tea. You can add a little twist to it. Add sliced tomatoes or avocado to your eggs. The protein from eggs keeps you satisfied, and whole grain bread adds fiber. In about 7 minutes, you have your meal before you.

2. Indomie With A Twist

Wait! Before you start your long argument of how noodles are not healthy options, just hear me out: Indomie can be healthy. Cook your noodles, throw in a fried egg on top, add diced

vegetables like carrots, green beans, and maybe some sardines. You have turned simple noodles into a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables. This will take about 8 minutes for that to be fully cooked.

3. Akara and Pap

Okay, so you are probably not making akara from scratch on a Tuesday morning. But if there is a vendor near you or you bought some the night before, microwave them and pair with some pap or custard. Akara is made from beans, so it is packed with plant-based protein.

Add milk to your pap for extra nutrition, and you have got a traditional breakfast that actually fills you up. This will take about 5 minutes whether you are buying or just reheating

4. Plantain and Egg Combo

Slice up some ripe plantain and fry it quickly while your eggs cook. The natural sweetness of plantain plus the savory eggs? Chef's kiss. Plantain gives you healthy carbs and fiber, while

eggs bring the protein. This combo is popular for a reason. It's delicious and genuinely nutritious. This will take you about 10 minutes.

5. Cereal

We are talking Golden Morn, cornflakes, oats or whatever you might prefer. But how about adding a twist to it. You can add some sliced bananas, a handful of groundnuts, and use just liquid milk instead of water.

The fiber from the cereal and fruit plus protein from milk and nuts makes this way more than just a kids' breakfast. It is quick, requires zero cooking, and honestly tastes great. This will take you just about 3 minutes to have a bowl, ready to eat, before you.

6. Yam and Egg Sauce

Cut your yam into smaller pieces so it boils faster. While that is happening, make a quick egg sauce with tomatoes, onions, peppers and other veggies. Yam is a powerhouse of complex carbs and fiber, and when you add eggs, you have got a complete meal that will keep you going till lunch.

7. Overnight Oats Nigerian Style

This one requires zero morning effort. Before bed, mix oats with milk, add some honey or sugar, and leave it in the fridge. In the morning, top with banana slices or any fruit you like. You can even add groundnut butter for extra protein.

It is creamy, filling, and literally ready when you wake up. It will take you about 2 minutes to prepare it the night before and in the morning, you have a ready-to-eat bowl.

Make It Even Easier

Want smoother mornings? Prep on weekends. When everything is ready, you can throw together breakfast in under 5 minutes. Keep shelf-stable items like oats, cereal, and Indomie stocked so you always have options.

You don't need to skip breakfast or settle for something that leaves you hungry an hour later. These Nigerian breakfast options prove you can eat well, eat fast, and eat food that tastes like home.

Find what works for your schedule and taste buds, try it for a week, and watch how much better you feel. Eating something nutritious is always better than eating nothing.

Now go make yourself some breakfast. You have got this.