15 Quick Meals For When You’re Running Late

You snooze your alarm one time too many – only to awake in a panic both hungry and late. With one sock on – and a disheveled shirt – you rush to get ready, but still, find yourself unable to ignore your hunger pangs. These 15 quick meals for when you’re running late – can help you get out the door in no time but satisfied all the same.

1. Smoothie

Fruit doesn’t always have to be eaten as a solid – because smoothies are just as good. The best part about this is you have countless options to choose from – to cater to your taste buds. All you need do is decide what fruits you want to use – and blend them up after. This takes but a matter of minutes – meaning you’ll be out the door in no time. Just make sure that you pick a healthy liquid base – such as unsweetened soymilk, or unsweetened almond milk – to get the most nutrients. 

2. Hot Pocket

When it comes time to eat breakfast – or lunch – hot pockets are the way to go. You might be running late – but can still easily carry them in one hand. Fortunately, they only take a few minutes to heat up so that you can head out a whole lot quicker. Not only that, but you have a variety of flavors to choose from – making for a good, quick meal – to hold you over.

3. Fruit

Fruit is not only delicious but provides vitamins and energy that are essential to your body. That’s why using fruit as a quick meal serves as beneficial because it can kick start your metabolism in ways that other foods can’t. Fortunately, such fruit can be put within a Tupperware container – and taken on the go in no time. In turn, the most preparation you’ll encounter will come through cutting the fruit – if needed.

4. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is simple enough to make – but even if you lack the time to make some fresh – leftovers can serve as the next best thing. Not only that but macaroni and cheese packs a good amount of protein – as well as carbs – allowing you to have a lot more energy than you would otherwise. This can be beneficial in helping you to tackle the day – even with the late start in mind. Fortunately, pasta brands like Annie’s are “organic and free of GMOs, trans fats, and added sugar.” These come ready-made too – which serves as an added plus.

5. Turkey and Cheese Sandwich

There has never been a quicker meal than a turkey and cheese sandwich. Not only that, but you get a nice amount of dairy, meat, and grain – especially if you choose white bread – which gives you added vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. Fortunately, this can give you a lot more time to get ready so that you aren’t at risk of being any later than you already are.

6. Peanut Butter Crackers

Peanut butter crackers are not only a great source of protein – but work perfectly for those in a hurry – especially if you have premade ones prepared. These might come as a packaged brand – such as Ritz – or they might be some you have made yourself. No matter what you choose, you must recognize the time – and pay close attention to it – so that you can decide on what to do. The later you are, the less likely you’ll be to stop and make your own. In this case, grab a 6-count while you’re on the way out the door.

7. Cereal

Cereal is not only grainy but rich in complex carbs. In turn, if you’re running late you can easily scarf down a bowl of cereal – putting your hunger pangs to rest. Not only that but if you don’t have enough time to eat at home – you still have the option of taking your cereal on the go. All you need do is make sure that’s sealed i- whether it be in a Ziplock bag, or something similar. You can then store your milk separately – in a closed lid container – and/or travel mug.

8. Breakfast Sandwich

Breakfast oftentimes gets the short end of the stick – especially when you’re rushing to get out the door. But even so, there are a number of quick breakfast sandwich meals that you might want to consider. Fortunately, you can make your own – like an egg and cheese muffin – or you can eat one brand made. One of the most famous is Jimmy Dean’s Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Biscuit – which is both delicious and filling – and easy to prepare.

9. Breakfast Bar

Breakfast bars serve as a good source of fiber and iron. In turn, they’re the perfect quick breakfast item – or snack – for when you’re in between meals. A good example of this comes in the form of granola bars – which consist of rolled oats, nuts, honey, and other such ingredients. Fortunately, these make for a great grab-and-go.

10. Toast

When you’re in search of food – to fill you up – bread is always the answer. In turn, as it begins to expand in your stomach – upon consumption – you will find yourself feeling full for a whole lot longer. Not only this, but you can choose whatever bread you like – in addition to the type of spread. In doing so, you can enjoy your quick meal to its fullest degree – by adding honey, jam, or other such ingredients.

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11. Ramen

Packaged ramen is historically known for being one of the best quick meals for when you’re running late. No matter whether your lunch break’s been cut short – or you’re eating between classes – you can grab a cup of these microwavable noodles and heat them up with ease. The most common brand is Maruchan, which is sold at an extremely affordable rate.

12. TV Dinners

“A TV dinner is a packaged frozen meal that usually comes portioned for an individual but may also be a single dish intended to be shared. It requires very little preparation and may contain a number of separate elements that comprise a single-serving meal.” In turn, this is the perfect quick meal to heat up at home – when you’re in a rush – or take with you on the go for later.

13. Yogurt

Yogurt is produced by the bacterial formation of milk and serves as a great source of protein, calcium, vitamins, probiotics, and so on. The best part about this is that – as many of us may know – it comes in a variety of delicious flavors. Fortunately, its sealed up container is perfectly spill-proof – making it a quick meal to take along with you.

14. Eggs

No matter whether they’re sunny side up, scrambled, hard-boiled, and so on – eggs are delicious and quick. In turn, this makes them a whole lot easier to make – especially if you want something both lightweight and filling. In fact, whole eggs are proven to contain a little bit of every nutrient you need – making for a quick meal.

15. Toaster Waffles

Waffles are easy to make. Fortunately, you can easily pop these in the toaster – while you’re getting ready. You can then eliminate two birds with one stone by not only preparing your food but getting dressed in the process – so that you can be out the door much quicker. Not only that, but waffles are delicious – along with other similar foods – such as pancakes.

With these 15 quick meals – for when you’re running late – you’ll no longer have to feel anxious when you’re short on time. Be sure to share and let us know your favorites in the comments below!

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