Tired of the same old breakfast or forcing down the same boring oatmeal every day? Try the combos below…YUM!

1. Bananas, Walnuts & Cinnamon
2. Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries and/or Blackberries) & Almonds
3. Peanut butter
4. Apples, Raisins & Walnuts
5. Milk & Protein Powder for an extra mega protein boost!

Use old fashioned or steel cut oats (not flavored instant oatmeal packets, which have tons of added sugar/salt…empty calories). Usually I mix oats and water first and microwave for 90 seconds. Then I add some almond milk or skim milk and toppings (choose from above) and put back in the microwave for 90 more seconds. The exception is when I am using berries, I add those on top once the oatmeal is ready. *Tip…if you don’t have access to a microwave you can just add hot water to the oatmeal and mix in a scoop of peanut butter.

A friend emailed me on Friday. She was in a dilemma at Starbucks. She ordered the oatmeal and wasn’t sure if she should pick the nut packet (100 cal, 10g of fat) or the dried fruit (100cal, 0g fat) as a topping.

She went with the nut packet and I told her I think it was a great call. Extra protein and healthy fats! If she had worked out beforehand I would have said to go for both (although I’m not sure if the dried fruit at Starbucks has added sugar in which case I would say skip it!).

What’s your favorite oatmeal topping or healthy breakfast idea?