MyPlate Makes A Great Breakfast

Whole grains:• Shredded wheat• Oatmeal• Whole-grain cereals low in sugar• Whole-grain toastWhole grain foods are the best base for a healthful breakfast. Oats contain soluble fiber which helps lower cholesterol. They even have an approved health claim allowed on food labels by the FDA. MyPlate and Dietary Guidelines call for at least 3 one-ounce servings of whole grains each day.Vegetables:• Fresh vegetables in season: broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach• Beans/legumesVegetables can be a part of breakfast, too. Put them in egg white omelettes or make a breakfast burrito with low-fat refried beans and tomatoes.Fruit:• Whole fruit: bananas, oranges, berries, melons• Dried fruit• Frozen or canned (without added sugar)• 100% fruit juiceFruit is an important element of any heart healthy diet. MyPlate calls for at least 2 cups of fruit each day — get started with breakfast!!Dairy:• Lowfat light yogurt• Skim milk• Fortified soy milkDairy foods were an important element in the DASH diet. MyPlate calls for 3 cups of milk or milk equivalent foods each day. Make sure you pick ones that are fat-free to avoid artery-clogging saturated fat.Heart-Healthy Protein:• Egg whites• Nuts and nut butters• Beans/legumes• Lean breakfast meats (beware of sodium)FMI visit choosemyplate.gov