3 Healthy Breakfasts You Can Make in Under 10 Minutes

It's important to eat breakfast. A good breakfast increases metabolism, reduces morning grogginess, and helps prevent lunchtime overeating. For those short on time, a drive-through doesn't have to the be only option. Many healthy breakfast foods are quick to prepare. Here are three great options if you're watching your waist as well as the clock.

Healthy Breakfast Idea #1: Scrambled Eggs

Eggs are rich in protein and vitamins. Using two egg whites per every whole egg retains the pretty yellow color while reducing fat. To make scrambled eggs, spray a nonstick skillet with no-stick spray and place it over medium-low heat. Separate two eggs into a bowl, retaining the whites and discarding the yolks (if you find separating eggs difficult, you can use packaged egg whites, which are available at most supermarkets). Crack a third egg into the whites and beat with a fork. Add salt, then poor into heated pan and stir gently with a heat-proof spatula until just set. Serve with toast or a piece of fruit.

Time-Saving Tip: You can prepare the eggs the night before. After you beat them, put them in a container with a tight-fitting lid. In the morning, all you'll have to do is pour them into the pan.

Healthy Breakfast Idea # 2: Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the best healthy breakfast foods, as it contains lots of fiber, few calories, and can even help lower bad cholesterol. Many stores now carry cannisters of quick-cooking oats. To make apple-cinnamon oatmeal, prepare plain oatmeal according to the package directions. Then, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce for every person you are serving (many stores carry single-serving applesauce containers, which prevents a large jar from sitting in the fridge and growing fur). Sprinkle on a half teaspoon of cinnamon per person and add sweetener to taste.

Time-Saving Tip: You can use the microwave. Most quick-cooking oats come with microwave-prep instructions, so you won't even have to wait for water to boil on the stove-top.

Healthy Breakfast Idea # 3: Berry Smoothie

Berries are one of the best sources of cancer-fighting antioxidants. To make a healthy breakfast smoothie you can pour into a glass and head out the door with, start by pouring a half cup of low-fat milk into a blender. Add a half-cup of plain low-fat yogurt and a cup of frozen berries (blueberries are one of the best choices), plus any sweetener you'd like. Puree on high until combined. Those who cannot consume milk products can make this smoothie by eliminating the yogurt and using a cup of soy milk and half a ripe banana cut into bite-size pieces.

Time-Saving Tip: You can measure the ingredients the night before. Mix the milk, yogurt and sweetener and put them in a sealed container in the fridge. Measure the berries and put them in a sealed container in the freezer. Then the next morning all you have to do is dump everything in the blender and push a button.