A heart-healthy diet is low in cholesterol, saturated fats and is full of vitamins and minerals to start your day. Still, many people skip breakfast in an attempt to lose weight, because mornings are rushed or simply from having no appetite early in the morning. According to the Cleveland Clinic, eating breakfast boosts energy levels, metabolism and alertness. A person who eats breakfast often eats less later in the day. The Cleveland Clinic adds eating breakfast is great way to add cholesterol-lowering fibers into your daily routine. A variety of quick breakfast options are simple to prepare and are good for your heart.
Egg Substitutes
Choose egg substitutes instead of whole eggs when cooking breakfast dishes such as scrambled eggs, omelets or quiches. Most grocery stores sell egg substitutes in the refrigerated dairy section. The substitutes are cholesterol-free and made of egg whites. The yolk of the egg, which contains about 213 mg of cholesterol, is removed. Additional flavoring, starches and dried milk are added. If you do not have egg substitute available, replace two egg whites for one whole egg in recipes. When baking breakfast muffins or cooking pancakes, ground flaxseed can replace eggs to reduce cholesterol. Ground whole flaxseed with a coffee grinder. Mix 3 tbsp. of ground flaxseed with 1 tbsp. water to replace one egg. Adding flaxseed to baked goods will turn recipes slightly more brown. Flaxseed is a heart-healthy alternative high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids decrease irregular heart rhythms, decrease cholesterol and slightly decrease blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
On-the-Go Foods
In many households, mornings are busy times as parents get ready for work and children head out the door for school. Even the busiest schedules can include heart-healthy breakfast foods. Fix instant oatmeal or bran cereal and add several slices of banana or strawberries for additional nutrition. Low-fat or skim milk are ideal because they are low in fat and cholesterol. Eating breakfast in the car is the only option for some. Bring along dried fruits and nuts mixed with dry cereal. Grabbing an apple and yogurt as you head out the door gives you two quick breakfast treats you can quickly enjoy in the car or at your work desk. Whole-grain muffins and toast topped with natural peanut butter are an additional heart-healthy treat.
Breakfast Smoothies
Breakfast smoothies are delicious and full of fiber, calcium and essential vitamins. Add a variety of fresh fruit such as blueberries, strawberries and bananas to low-fat yogurt in a blender. Mix with a splash of milk or several ice cubes to create a thinner consistency. Ground flaxseed, oatmeal or protein powder are additional ingredients that enhance breakfast smoothies. To sweeten your smoothie, add a bit of natural honey.
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