Healthy Heart Breakfast Menu

Eating from a healthy heart breakfast menu can lengthen and improve the quality of your life. Breakfast literally means "breaking the fast." Many hours usually pass from when a person eats their last meal or snack till morning, so eating a healthy heart breakfast provides fuel for the day.

1. Shop for healthy heart breakfast menu choices. Having the right foods in the house is key to actually eating foods that are good for you. Stock up on yogurt, low-fat cheese and milk, peanut butter, whole-grain cereals and breads, and fruit rich in vitamin C such as oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries.
   
2. Eat as soon as possible upon waking. Feeding the hungry stomach of yourself or children is important to getting a good start to the day. Starting the day off right sets the tone for what to eat the rest of the day, so make it a healthy heart breakfast. After sleeping all night, bodies and minds need nutrition to fuel them and eating a healthy breakfast does the trick.
3. Choose the right breakfast menu. Selecting the right foods for a healthy heart breakfast menu is key. Eat some of each of the following foods each morning for a healthy heart breakfast:  protein, such as low-fat cheese or milk, peanut butter, or yogurt; complex carbohydrates or carbs, such as whole-grain bread, muffin, or cereal; food that contains vitamin C like berries or citrus fruit; and a small amount of good fat, such as a handful of almonds or peanut butter spread on toast, to help you feel satisfied all morning. Fat helps your body absorb nutrients and repair cells, but be sure to choose good fats, which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Foods with good fats include nuts, canola, olive, safflower, sunflower, corn, and soy oils, avocado, and salmon and other fish oils. 
   
4. Stay on track by eating breakfast each morning. Remembering and making time to eat a healthy heart breakfast is an excellent habit that can last a lifetime. Fueling your body first thing before starting your day will make the day better and you stronger. Eat healthy foods that will reduce the risk of heart disease and lower high cholesterol.

Tips:  In a hurry? Make a quick healthy heart breakfast smoothie using one-half cup of fruit juice or whole fruit, one or two ice cubes, a dash of vanilla, and 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk. Mix in a blender and drink immediately.

Reference:

Brighten Up With Breakfast