By Bob Greene for TheBestLife.com
I’m a big fan of breakfast—in fact, starting off each day with a healthy, balanced breakfast is one of the key guidelines on my Best Life plan. A morning meal jump-starts your metabolism, delivers some much-needed energy after a night’s rest and can help with weight loss.
Don’t think you have the time? Check out these five dishes, which you can throw together in five minutes or less.
Speedy Cereal
Be picky about what you pour into your bowl. Our guidelines: Opt for a cereal that has at least 4 grams of fiber, no more than 5 grams of sugar, and no more than 120 milligrams sodium per 100 calories. (Click here for a list of healthy cereal choices.) Top it off with fat-free or one-percent milk or calcium-enriched soy milk. To add more nutrients and flavor, top with some fresh fruit or a tablespoon or two of nuts. Or try this shortcut: Mix a few healthy cereals together, put them in a re-sealable plastic bag, and go.
Muffins in Minutes
As long as it’s whole grain—or at least half whole grain—and you don’t grab a mammoth muffin, this can be a decent choice. Opt for one with about 160 to 200 calories and at least 5 grams of fiber. Because whole-grain muffins are so hard to find (bran muffins don’t count; they’re usually white flour with added bran), try making a batch of your own over the weekend and freezing them—then simply pop one in the microwave on weekday mornings for a few seconds to soften it up. Try our popular Pumpkin Spice muffins.
Fuss-Free Fruit
Simply slice a grapefruit in half and enjoy. Round out your meal with a slice or two of whole-grain toast topped with nut butter and a glass of fat-free or one percent milk.
Smoothies in a Snap
Toss your ingredients into the blender, mix, pour and you’re all set. Combine your favorite fruit with a ½ cup fat-free milk or calcium-enriched soy milk and ½ cup low-fat yogurt. For bonus points, mix in some wheat germ or ground flaxseed. For a complete breakfast, add a tablespoon of nut butter.
Easy Yogurt
Yogurt is a triple threat: fast, portable and delicious. Cut calories by opting for plain yogurt and mixing in your favorite fruit, some chopped nuts and a drop or two of honey. For a delicious yogurt recipe, check out 4 Breakfasts Worth Waking Up For.
What’s your favorite in-a-hurry breakfast?
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