Breakfast is an important meal and one of the easiest to do right. I eat oatmeal at least 5 mornings a week. It’s my breakfast of champions, and it’s gets my day off to a healthy start in less than five minutes. What’s more virtuous than that?

Add the following ingredients to a cereal bowl, cover with 1/3 cup skim milk or water, microwave for 3 minutes, and voila. A fast, healthy breakfast packed with a good mix of protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, filling fiber, and great taste. Top with fresh fruit such as banana slices and a drizzle of honey for added sweetness if you desire.

1/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 oz  nuts (5 walnut halves for example)
1/2 apple, chopped
1 T dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries
shake of cinnamon or nutmeg

To avoid boredom, be creative and try different combinations of nuts, fruit, and spices. Try dried cranberries and cashews; fresh pineapple, a sprinkle of dried ginger or shredded coconut, and hazelnuts; dried cherries and pecans.

The options are endless.