Healthy Breakfast Swaps

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Whether it's quick cold cereal before a busy workday, diner breakfast, or homemade brunch, a morning meal can rev up your metabolism after a nightlong fast. But studies show that consuming too large of a breakfast doesn't keep you from consuming more calories later in the day. Check out some breakfast swaps to give you enough energy until lunch but keep it healthy in the morning:

Instead of: Large muffin
Try: Cook up 1/2 cup oatmeal in 1 cup water. Once cooked, add 2 Tbs peanut butter and a sliced banana. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Why: Craving a sweet breakfast? This oatmeal is my go-to in my morning routine. It's sweet without the added sugar of a muffin. The peanut butter and heart-healthy soluble fiber in the oatmeal make it filling--keeps me going until lunch. There's also a whole day's worth of potassium in the banana (great post-workout!)

Instead of: Bacon, egg and cheese on a roll at the deli
Try: Bacon and egg whites with tomato on whole wheat
Why: If you're craving a standard NYC deli breakfast, don't sacrifice the flavor entirely. We all love bacon every once in a while. Instead, treat yourself to the bacon, but cut out the sodium and calories from the cheese and leave out the saturated fat from the egg yolk. Switch to whole grain and add a veggie for added fiber.







Instead of: Eggs Benedict with Hash Browns

Try: Eggs Florentine with side of greens
Why: Vegetables are a great start to the morning! Save some calories by substituting spinach for the ham. Skip the fried potatoes and opt for greens instead--with all the starch from the English muffin, I bet you don't even miss them! Asking for Hollandaise on the side to cut calories even more.