Breakfast on the Run

Breakfast on the run isn't easy. We know one multitasking woman who admitted to balancing a bowl of cereal between her legs, shoveling in mouthfuls as she drove to work. She wore printed skirts so the milk spots wouldn't show!

Fortunately, eating a good, speedy breakfast can be a lot less hazardous and doesn't require a special wardrobe. It takes a little pre-planning; but running late is no reason to skip the most important meal of the day.

In fact, nutritionists recommend eating breakfast if you want to lose weight. Jackie Newgent, RD, says, "Eating breakfast fills you up so you're less prone to snacking. It also provides you with important nutrients to fuel you for the rest of the day."

Munching on the road
Despite the proof, most of us devote almost no time to breakfast. Fact is, most of us eat it on the go. Researchers say that a large majority of Americans eat breakfast in their cars. This isn't ideal, but if you must eat on the go, try to get the most mileage out of your food. Here are five healthy, mobile suggestions:

1. Fruit. The possibilities are endless! Try apples, bananas, pears, peaches, or nectarines. Fruit is low in calories and contains some of the fiber necessary for a healthy diet. Eating it early in the morning will give you a head start on your five recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables.

2. High-fiber toast. Just pop bread in the toaster before you head into the shower, and grab it on your way out the door. Spread a little peanut butter on top for a good dose of protein.

3. Breakfast or cereal bar. All you need to do is unwrap them. But use your mobile Barcode Scanner to scan the label before you buy; some are about as nutritious as a candy bar.

4. Hard-boiled egg. Mother Nature outdid herself with this one. Eggs are highly nutritious, full of protein and a good source of Vitamin B-12 and riboflavin. And they're easy to cook ahead of time, then just grab and go.

5. Smoothie. Toss this 1/2 cup of nonfat yogurt, a banana, four strawberries and 1/2 cup apple juice into the blender the night before and refrigerate. When you wake up in the morning, just add ice and blend until smooth.

Dining at your desk
If you'd rather eat at your desk, here are three easy meals:

1. Oatmeal, cream of wheat or grits. It's simple to keep packets of these in your desk. Just add hot water and you're set. All three are high in carbohydrates and fiber and relatively low in calories.

2. Breakfast sandwich. This is worth it for the high nutritional payoff — and you can make ahead, keep in the fridge and reheat. Toast a light, high-fiber English muffin, top it with three scrambled egg whites, onions and a strip of turkey bacon. You're getting fiber, protein and carbohydrates all in one.

3. Low-fat yogurt. It's a classic healthy stand-by you can just grab from the fridge. Yogurt is also a good source of calcium. Bulk it out with fresh fruit such as strawberries or chopped apricots.