Breakfast Makeover II: The New Twist

What's the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning?

a. Argh! I overslept again!
b. Whose turn is it to take the kids to school?
c. What's for breakfast?

If you answered c, keep reading. In fact, keep reading even if you answered a or b. We need breakfast to jump-start our brains and muscles for a new day. Our morning meal also gets our metabolisms going and keeps us from bingeing the minute we see the office vending machine (two big bonuses for any dieter). And forget about not having time for breakfast, because starting tomorrow morning you can use these easy tips, eat healthy and still get out the door on time.

Ready in less than five minutes

Rushed for time in the morning? Try one of these delicious breakfasts that are ready to eat in less than five minutes:

1. Pour a bowl of high-fiber cereal with skim milk and add a piece of fruit or a glass of juice and you're on your way. Increasing fiber in your diet can help lower fat intake and cholesterol levels, not bad for a simple bowl of cereal. Look for cereal with at least five grams of fiber per serving.

2. Pop frozen multigrain waffles, pancakes or French toast in the microwave or toaster. I make a double batch of homemade pancakes or waffles on weekends and freeze the leftovers for a hot breakfast during the week. Instead of syrup, try spreading applesauce, peanut butter sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, or even yogurt over your pancakes.

3. Omelets literally take only minutes to prepare: While the pan is heating, whip together eggs, milk and dried herbs. Pour into a heated nonstick pan and cook. Serve with whole-grain toast and a glass of juice. If you're trying to eat more vegetables, include last night's leftover veggies in the egg mixture.

4. Instant oatmeal made with milk takes only two minutes to prepare. For more nutritional value and less sugar, use plain oatmeal and top with your favorite fruit.

Beat the heat with these breakfasts that don't need cooking

I rarely have time or energy to cook breakfast. A cold breakfast works just as well as a home-cooked meal, and these breakfasts taste as good as they make you feel.

5. Whip up a breakfast sundae: Scoop vanilla yogurt into a bowl and top with sliced bananas, diced pineapple and strawberries. Toss a handful of chopped nuts on top, and breakfast is served.

6. Leftover pizza makes anyone clamor for breakfast.

7. Try a sandwich for breakfast -- and hold the eggs and bacon. Spread a whole-grain bagel with peanut butter and add sliced turkey or ham, or layer hummus in a pita for a healthy start to the day. Don't forget a glass of milk.

8. Whip up a breakfast smoothie: Blend milk or yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit for a quick and delicious start to the day.

Breakfast on the run

Okay, so your morning routine is so hectic you don't have five minutes to spare and you wouldn't cook breakfast even if you did. Don't worry -- you can still eat breakfast. These simple, grab-and-go meals can be eaten on the school bus, in the car or on the train. Just make sure you eat them!

9. Grab a hard-boiled egg and a piece of fresh fruit as you rush out the door.

10. String cheese, whole-grain cold cereal (hold the milk) and a glass of tomato juice will make a well-balanced breakfast.

11. Pour high-fiber cold cereal into a disposable cup with a lid; top with skim milk and pack a plastic spoon. Don't attempt this one if you're doing the driving!

12. Spread peanut butter, tuna salad or shredded cheese in a tortilla; roll and eat.

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