Tuesday: Breakfast, Our Favorite meal of the day; it just makes things simple for eating this way.
- Katherine Victoria Vananderland
- Nov 7, 2021
- 9 min read
Nutrition Facts 1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
This quick and easy breakfast starts with a berry smoothie as the base. Fresh fruit and nonfat milk keep the bowl a low-cholesterol meal. For more flavor, top your bowl with sliced bananas, homemade granola and a little peanut butter for some serious staying power.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 5 min. Makes 2 servings
We turned one of our favorite smoothies into a smoothie bowl and topped it with even more fresh fruit and a few toasted almonds for a little crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ingredients
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup ice cubes
Optional: Sliced fresh strawberries, fresh raspberries, chia seeds, fresh pumpkin seeds, unsweetened shredded coconut and sliced almonds
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Directions
Place the milk, berries and sugar in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add ice cubes; cover and process until smooth. Divide mixture between 2 serving bowls. Add optional toppings as desired.
Nutrition Facts 1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 276 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of breakfast already made. Toss your low-cholesterol ingredients like oatmeal, almond milk and dried cherries into the slow cooker the night before and ease into your day with this creamy bowl. Top with sliced almonds for a serving of healthy fats
Ingredients
4 cups vanilla almond milk
1 cup steel-cut oats
1 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional almond milk, optional
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Directions
In a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray, combine all ingredients. Cook, covered, on low until oats are tender, 7-8 hours.
Stir before serving. If desired, serve with additional milk.
HEALTH TIP:Nutritionally, steel cut oats are about the same as rolled oats, so take your pick. Skip instant oatmeal mixes, which have a lot of added sugar.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 276 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
Power Berry Smoothie Bowl
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min. Makes 3 servings
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 172 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
For a tasty breakfast that will power you through the day, try this loaded smoothie bowl. It’s sweetened with fruit juice and packed with fiber-rich ingredients like spinach, strawberries and blueberries. It also contains ground flaxseed, which you won’t taste, but will boost your HDL level.
While you can't taste the spinach in these smoothies, you get all its nutrients with big berry flavor. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Ingredients
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1 container (6 ounces) mixed berry yogurt
1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
1 cup fresh baby spinach
1/2 medium ripe frozen banana, sliced
1/2 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Optional: Sliced fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, flaxseed and granola
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Directions
In a blender, combine the first 8 ingredients; cover and process for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into chilled bowls; top as desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 172 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
A fun twist on oatmeal, these healthy pancakes pack the fiber with whole wheat flour, oats and chopped nuts. Top with fresh berries, melted nut butter or homemade strawberry syrup if you’re feeling fancy.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min Makes 10 waffles
These waffles freeze well, so toast them all week long. For a fall version, substitute 1/2 cup pumpkin puree for 1/2 cup of milk. —Jeanne Stickell, Tucson, Arizona
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 packets instant maple and brown sugar or apple cinnamon oatmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups Whole Milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Maple syrup
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Directions
In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs and butter. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in pecans.
Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown. Serve with syrup.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
With just the right amount of sweetness, these yogurt and honey fruit cups are a light and refreshing breakfast that will satisfy your morning hunger. Opt for nonfat yogurt to cut down on saturated fat and use your favorite fruit
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min. Makes 6 servings
This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast from your breakfast table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ingredients
4-1/2 cups cut-up fresh fruit (pears, apples, bananas, grapes, etc.)
3/4 cup mandarin orange, vanilla or lemon yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
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Directions
Divide fruit among 6 individual serving bowls. Combine the yogurt, honey, orange zest and extract; spoon over the fruit.
Nutrition Facts 3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
Mean Green Smoothie Bowls
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Makes 6 servings
This delicious bright green smoothie bowl recipe contains powerful antioxidants. Top with cucumber slices and fresh parsley sprigs for a pretty presentation. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
Ingredients
2 medium green apples, chopped
2 celery ribs (with leaves), chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
8 sprigs fresh parsley, stems removed, chopped
1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup unfiltered or filtered apple juice
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons raw honey
Optional toppings: Sliced or chopped cucumber, sliced or chopped apples, minced fresh parsley and additional celery leaves
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Directions
Place all ingredients except toppings in a blender; cover and process until blended. Pour into chilled bowls; top as desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts 1 smoothie bowl: 79 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
When you need a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that won’t up your cholesterol level, whip up a pan of chicken and asparagus crepes. The filling is rich and savory with fresh asparagus, onions and mushrooms. Shredded chicken breast is a more cholesterol-friendly option than other breakfast meats.
Total Time Prep: 1 hour + chilling Bake: 20 min. Makes 12 servings
The crepes used in this recipe come from my mom's special recipe, and can be made ahead of time, refrigerated to assemble the next day. Cooked rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver when making this savory brunch specialty. —Mary Sloan, Brighton, Michigan
Ingredients
3 eggs
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
filling:
1-1/2 cups cut fresh asparagus (1-inch pieces)
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon Olive oil
2-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3 cups cubed rotisserie chicken
sauce:
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups Whole Milk
6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
2/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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Directions
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and butter. Combine flour and salt; add to egg mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Heat a lightly greased 8-in. nonstick skillet over medium heat; pour 1/4 cup batter into center of skillet. Lift and tilt pan to coat bottom evenly. Cook until top appears dry; turn and cook 15-20 seconds longer. Remove to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, greasing skillet as needed. When cool, stack crepes with waxed paper or paper towels in between.
Saute asparagus and onion in oil until tender. Add mushrooms and cook 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat and stir in chicken. Set aside.
For sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Spread about 1/2 cup filling down the center of each crepe; top with 2 tablespoons sauce and 1 piece of Swiss cheese. Roll up and place seam side down in each of two greased 11x7-in. baking dishes. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a bubbly.
Nutrition Facts 1 each: 117 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
If you need an easy, delicious weekend breakfast, add apple pancakes to your rotation. They’re quick and easy with a reduced-fat baking mix. Adding grated apple slices gives this dish serious flavor and a hit of fiber as well. Top with nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt for a healthy take on apple pie a la mode.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Makes 10 servings
My husband loves to wake up to a hearty breakfast. I lightened up a traditional pancake recipe I had in my files so we can enjoy the comforting flavor without all the fat and calories. —Fern Motzinger, Omaha, Nebraska
Ingredients
2 cups reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix
Sugar substitute equivalent to 2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 cup fat-free milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tart apple, peeled and grated
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Directions
In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix, sugar substitute, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In a small bowl, combine the egg substitute, milk and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients. Fold in apple.
Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a hot skillet coated with cooking spray; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until second side is golden brown.
Nutrition Facts 1 each: 117 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
Need a simple, impressive dish to bring to brunch? Breakfast banana splits fit the bill. They’re naturally sweetened with blueberries, grapes, kiwi and strawberries. Granola and nuts add fiber to cut the cholesterol. Top with maraschino cherries for a fun touch.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 10 min. Makes 2 servings
I can’t brag enough about this recipe. It’s elegant enough for a formal brunch, yet simple and nutritious. With different fruits and cereals, there are endless potential variations. Renee Lloyd, Pearl, Mississippi
Ingredients
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/3 cup each fresh blueberries, halved seedless grapes, sliced peeled kiwifruit and halved fresh strawberries
1/2 cup granola with fruit and nuts
2 maraschino cherries with stems
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Directions
Cut banana crosswise in half. For each serving, split each banana in half lengthwise and place in a serving dish; top with 1/2 of each remaining ingredient.
Nutrition Facts 1 serving: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
Cherry-granola french toast sticks are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Start with store-bought french toast sticks to keep things easy, then sliced bananas, granola and homemade syrup. Serve with turkey bacon for a salty bite of lean protein that keeps cholesterol down.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon dried cherries
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (12.7 ounces) frozen French toast sticks
1/4 cup granola without raisins
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Directions
For syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the cream, brown sugar, butter, cherries and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla.
Prepare French toast sticks according to package directions. Serve with banana, granola and syrup.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
This recipe was tested with Eggo French Toaster Sticks.
Autumn Power Porridge
Total Time Prep: 15 min. Cook: 30 min. Makes 4 servings
This rib-sticking porridge is made with oats and protein-rich quinoa. The additions of pumpkin, maple syrup, walnuts and dried cranberries make it a kid-friendly breakfast. —Jennifer Wickes, Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ingredients
3 cups water
3/4 cup steel-cut oats
1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3 tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
Milk, optional
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Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the water, oats, quinoa and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in the pumpkin, pie spice and agave nectar. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until water is absorbed and grains are tender. Stir in cranberries and walnuts. Serve with milk if desired.
Nutrition Facts 1 cup: 361 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 7g fiber), 9g protein.
These brunch-style portobello mushrooms are hearty, delicious and have the perfect portions of eggs and bacon baked right in. The mushrooms are rich in fiber and nutrients, and the gouda cheese adds serious flavor and warmth. Whip up one for yourself or a whole pan-full for a crowd.
Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen creamed spinach, thawed
4 large eggs
1/4 cup shredded Gouda cheese
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
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Directions
Place mushrooms, stem side up, in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Spoon spinach onto mushrooms, building up the sides. Carefully crack an egg into the center of each mushroom; sprinkle with cheese and bacon.
Bake at 375° for 18-20 minutes or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.
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