Breakfast is probably the most important meal of the day. After all, you literally break a fast, fueling your body for the day ahead. Many people skip breakfast, especially if they’re trying to lose weight, when in fact a more sensible strategy would be to skip dessert or late-night snacks. Unfortunately, skipping breakfast sets us up to grab anything and everything when hunger pangs finally kick in. So begin your day right and spend a little time eating a healthy, low fat breakfast, even if it means a little planning ahead.

Low Fat French Toast

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

8 slices of day-old sliced whole grain bread
1/2 cup egg substitute (equivalent to 2 eggs)
3/4 cup nonfat milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preparation:

In a wide bowl or dish combine egg substitute, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Dip bread in egg mixture making sure both sides are soaked. Heat griddle or nonstick skillet, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, on medium-high. Alternatively, heat oven to 450 degrees and spray a cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

Place bread slices in skillet or griddle, or on cookie sheet and cook until both sides of bread are golden brown. Around 3 minutes for each side will suffice.

Top with confectioner’s sugar and fresh fruit or maple syrup.

Low Fat Strawberry-Mango Buttermilk Smoothie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large, ripe mango
1 pound ripe strawberries
1 small ripe banana—preferably frozen
1 cup low fat buttermilk
1 6-ounce pot fat-free vanilla yogurt
2 tbsp honey (optional)

Preparation:

Cut mango, strawberries and frozen banana, and place in blender. Add some buttermilk, vanilla yogurt and 2 tbsp honey. Blend until smooth.

Makes 4 servings

Make time for a low fat breakfast everyday and your body will thank you for it, though it may take some time for you to realize it.