Quick Breakfast Brain Health

When you're headed out the door in a hurry, breakfast often becomes a grab-and-go affair. When you're short on time, it's easy to grab fast items that may not be the healthiest choices. To help you up your breakfast game, we've put together some ideas on how you can make quick breakfasts healthier.

Fast Food Tricks
When you’re pressed for time, it’s easy to make a quick stop by the drive through for your morning meal. Fast food is never the healthiest choice, but here are a few tricks that’ll help you make a fast food breakfast healthier.

• Choose Canadian bacon over sausage or bacon.
• Skip the hash browns. They’re packed with sodium.
• Go with plain coffee and ask for sweetener and cream/milk on the side to avoid pre-made drinks loaded with sugar and cream.

Up Your Toast Game
Instead of popping in that piece of toast and heading out the door, up your toast game by adding healthy toppings. Peanut butter is a great one, but avocado is even better. Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fats that help lower cholesterol, as well as fiber. Simply mash it right on your toast, top with a little lemon juice and olive oil, and sprinkle on a bit of salt and red pepper if desired.

Eggs in a Mug
Don't think you have time for eggs? Think again! They're so good for you and packed with protein and essential nutrients. No need to put them in a pan. Dump a couple of eggs, a little milk, cheese, and salt and pepper in a mug. Microwave for 2-3 minutes and you have a fast, healthy breakfast.

Next Level Waffles
Start by choosing bran or whole-grain waffles to have on hand. Instead of topping them with syrup, boost protein and fiber and cut sugar by adding a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter on top. Add some fruit, sesame seeds, or even some ground peanuts to add additional fiber, ensuring nutrients are delivered steadily and slowly to your system so you don’t have a midmorning crash.

Cold Cereal Reinvented
Cold cereal isn't always the healthiest breakfast food, especially if it's packed with sugar. Look for low sugar options to have on hand for busy mornings. Reinvent cold cereal and make it healthier by adding some Greek yogurt, which will pack in more protein and keep you feeling full longer. A handful of berries adds powerful vitamins and antioxidants to your cereal, as well as healthy fiber.