Breakfast Challenge Tip 2: The Number One Food You Should Eat for a Healthy Breakfast

One of the easiest ways to eat healthier is to have breakfast every day. Each day this week, we will post a new, easy tip to help you adopt this healthy habit for just one week.

Here’s today’s tip:

Tip 2: The Number One Food You Should Eat for a Healthy Breakfast

Oatmeal is as close to perfect as you can get for a breakfast food.

For starters, it’s quick (less than 5 minutes if you’re using the quick-cooking kind). It’s got 4 grams of fiber per cup and research suggests that increasing your intake of soluble fiber (a type of fiber found in oatmeal) by 5 to 10 grams each day could result in a 5 percent drop in “bad” LDL cholesterol. If you top it with fruit, like 1/4 cup of raspberries for example, it’s not only delicious, but you also tack on an additional 2 grams of fiber. That means you’re well on your way to that extra 5 to 10 grams of fiber with just your breakfast. AND it could help you lose weight in two way with all that wonderful fiber making you feel fuller longer. Here’s a simple way to make a bowl of oatmeal, and some topping suggestions to make it tasty:

Bring 1 cup of water (or nonfat or low-fat milk) and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats and reduce the heat to medium; cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.

Here are some topping suggestions:
 Dried fruit, Cinnamon,
 Toasted nuts,
 Fresh fruit,
 Plain yogurt,
 Jam,
 Applesauce, Ground flaxseed

Don't Miss: The Best Oatmeals at Fast Food Restaurants

For more Breakfast Challenge tips, meal plans and recipes, visit the Breakfast Challenge landing page.

TAGS: Hilary Meyer, Health Blog, Breakfast, Nutrition, Health, Breakfast Challenge