Fast, Healthy Breakfast Ideas

- Fruit and Cheese : Grab an apple, wrap 1 to 2 ounces of Cheddar in plastic, and toss 1/4 cup of fiber- and protein-rich walnuts into a resealable plastic bag.
- Peanut Butter Waffle : Instead of dousing a whole-grain or bran toaster waffle in syrup, cut the sugar and boost the protein and fiber by spreading it with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. You can also sprinkle on 1 tablespoon of raisins, sesame seeds, or extra peanuts for even more fiber, which helps deliver the meal's nutrients slowly and steadily.
- Plain Doughnut with Chocolate Milk : A plain cake-style doughnut is usually a better choice than a bakery muffin. At Dunkin' Donuts, for instance, an old-fashioned doughnut has 300 calories, while a corn muffin has 510 calories. Add fiber by eating 1/4 cup of almonds or dried fruit. Instead of coffee, try 8 ounces of low-fat chocolate milk.
- Strawberry Shake : In a cocktail shaker, combine a packet of vanilla or strawberry instant-breakfast powder (look for the no-sugar-added kind, such as Carnation) and 1 cup of low-fat strawberry cow's milk or soy milk. (You can also mix this the night before.) If you have time, use a blender to add strawberries or a frozen banana, for extra fiber, and a scoop of protein powder, such as GeniSoy Natural.
- Morning "Pizza" : You could have a slice of last night's pizza in the morning (it's preferable to filling up on sugar or skipping breakfast). Or you could try a more sophisticated spin: Take a slice of crusty bread, spread it with 3 tablespoons of low-fat ricotta, and add tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) and a little salt and pepper. Broiling is optional.
- Egg McMuffin : Yes, you read that right. If you must eat fast food in the morning, get an Egg McMuffin at McDonald's. At 300 calories, it's not an outrageous meal. Plus it has a good amount of lean protein from the egg and the Canadian bacon. To trim empty calories, remove the top half of the muffin. For additional fiber, add a fresh orange.
- Cereal "Sundae" : A bowl of fiber-rich bran flakes (about 1 1/2 cups) with 8 ounces of low-fat milk is nearly the perfect breakfast. Make it portable by replacing the milk with lemon or vanilla yogurt and mixing it in a to-go container. Increase the fiber and vitamins by adding 1/4 cup of nuts or fresh or dried fruit, such as chopped pecans or blueberries.
- Huevos Rancheros Rapidos : One of the most portable proteins is a hard-cooked egg, but it has no fiber or carbohydrates. So slice it, then roll it in an 8-inch whole-wheat tortilla with a piece of Canadian bacon or lean ham and, if you like, a 1/2-ounce slice of cheese. Add a tablespoon of salsa for a shot of flavor and a smidgen of vitamin C.