For years, I’ve typically skipped breakfast, mainly because I like to get to work immediately after waking up, when the mind is still fresh. Plus, its easier to enter deep work mode in the morning hours than it is later in the day.

But recently, I’ve learned just how valuable a good breakfast can be. Starting the day with a meal has made me feel better, more energized, and more focused throughout the day.

As a result, my morning routine now includes making breakfast as a top item. But today, while spending nearly an hour preparing noodles and eggs, it felt like a significant waste of time. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I could be doing something more productive with my time.

I considered the alternatives. Ordering takeout would save time but might not be as healthy. Hiring a chef? That’s a luxury that might be out of reach for now. Let’s just not talk about some other things I considered.

I’m still unsure which path to take. What I do know is that I need to optimize my mornings to focus on things that are more productive — and breakfast might just need a little rethinking.