Two of my New Year’s Resolutions were fairly typical: eat healthier and exercise more. The problem is that healthy foods can be more expensive, challenging to make and often sacrifice flavor. Carving out time to exercise each day leaves me less time for school, work and friends. While important to my overall health, these resolutions can be hard to implement.

My solution is one of my new and all-time favorite breakfast recipes: Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal in a Mug. It requires minimal ingredients, most of which you will already have in your pantry. It’s packed with fiber, potassium and protein, helping you build muscle, burn fat and stay energized throughout your day. This three minute recipe has made my breakfast and snacking routine head and shoulders better. I can cook my own meal with minimal effort, instead of having to swing through a drive-thru or skip breakfast altogether. It’s something quick and delicious I can make before an early morning class or workout and still feel full until lunch time.

Feel free to top the finished recipe with pecans, walnuts or almond slivers for extra crunch and protein. If you’re wanting to make it healthier still, omit the honey, since the banana gives it a natural sweetness, and use natural peanut butter for less preservatives and fat. Almond milk, too, is optional, but is your healthiest option alongside soy milk or coconut milk.

If you have some ripe bananas lying on your counter, use them on this oatmeal because you will not regret it. If you are into thicker oatmeal, simply use less milk or microwave longer than the recipe calls for. Alternatively, if you prefer your oatmeal a little less dry, add an extra splash of milk before or after microwaving.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ⅓ cup instant oats
• 2 tablespoons almond milk
• Cinnamon
• Honey
• Banana slices

Directions:

1. Cut banana in half. Mash one half with a spoon in the mug, cut remaining half into slices. Set slices off to the side.
2. Pour oats and milk into the mug and stir until combined.
3. Microwave mug mixture for 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from microwave and stir in peanut butter. Stir in additional milk if desired.
5. Top with cinnamon and a drizzle honey.