Nuts and berries, oh my! Make breakfast more interesting

By Emily Kulkus

Sunday, April 17, 2016 | 2 a.m.

Ask most nutritionists, and they will tell you that breakfast is an essential component of a healthy diet.

But if breaking the fast means pouring a bowl of cold cereal day after day, it might be difficult to get excited about eating first thing in the morning.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Kick your breakfast up a notch to make that all-important first meal one you’ll be psyched about.

OATMEAL

Yes, oatmeal. Fully acknowledging that even the color of oatmeal is B-O-R-I-N-G, it’s time to start thinking of oatmeal as a canvas. Using quick oats as your base, you can make endless combinations that are healthy and delicious.

Add... Strawberries, bananas and blueberries, obvious choices for fruit

Add... Pineapple, kiwi or melon for a more exotic flair

Add... Chopped walnuts or almonds, sunflower seeds or dried fruit to add a little crunch and texture

Add... A spoonful of peanut butter for protein

Add... A tablespoon of honey or agave for sweetness

• If you’re feeling super adventurous, consider making savory oatmeal by adding avocado, black beans and/or vegetables. And don’t forget the shredded cheese or sour cream on top.

TOAST

If toast is a staple of your morning routine, consider switching it up from top to bottom. Bread products come in about a bazillion forms these days.

• Swap your bland bread for cinnamon raisin, honey wheat or multigrain for a little variety.

• Stock your shelves with a variety of toppers, perhaps a different one for each day of the week.

Add... Nut butters such as cashew or almond, Nutella or other dessert-like spreads

Add... Interesting jellies such as apple or hot-pepper-infused flavors

Add... Flavored cream cheeses

Add... A little “glue,” aka honey, to stick on nuts, fresh or dried fruit and/or pumpkin or sunflower seeds

• Combine sweet and savory flavors such as pear and cheese or honey and avocado on toast for easy gourmet flair.

SMOOTHIES

These family friendly drinkable meals are easy to prepare, can be made healthy and offer endless flavor combinations so no one gets bored. Don’t overthink it, as a great smoothie doesn’t need a million ingredients.

• Dust off that blender and keep it on the counter to remind yourself of the easy-peasy power of smoothies.

• As long as you have a few basics, such as fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt or milk and ice, you’re in business.

Add... Protein powder or peanut butter for added nutrition

Add... Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor complexity

EGGS

Add... Lunchmeat such as ham, turkey or salami to fried eggs for added protein and flavor

Add... Salsa to scrambled eggs for a Tex-Mex meal

MORE IDEAS

• Make a big batch of waffles, then throw them in the freezer. They can be toasted or microwaved for on-the-go eating or used to inspire endless topping combos.

• A web search yields dozens of recipes for egg muffins. Make three types — cheese, veggie and meat — 12 at a time using one muffin tin for easy and yummy variety.