Quick and Healthy Recipes/You Ask, I Answer: Heart-Healthy Waffles

Over the past few weeks I've received a handful of e-mails asking me to post some easy, quick, and nutritious breakfast recipes.

"I want to have a healthy breakfast on the weekends, when I don't have to run out the door after heating up some oatmeal in the microwave. I don't like to cook, so I don't see myself making vegetable omelettes. I'm getting tired of cereal," writes Danielle Rowd of New York, NY.

Melody Lee of San Francisco, CA says that although she loves "brunching with my friends on the weekends, it's starting to get expensive. I'm vegan, and I'm always having the same things for breakfast: cereal, a Lara bar, or a fruit smoothie."

Hopefully, this recipe will help them -- and you.

All you need is a toaster (or toaster oven). This is a perfect example of how some creative mixing and matching can yield a tasty and healthy breakfast.

INGREDIENTS:

2 whole grain frozen waffles (some brands I recommend: Nature's Path, Van's, Lifestream)
1 banana (sliced)
4 tablespoons plain, fat-free yogurt (preferrably Greek; if vegan, try soy yogurt)
10 - 14 walnut halves

Toast the waffles.

Once done, evenly distribute remaining ingredients on them.

Enjoy! This is one tasty and filling breakfast I don't even need maple syrup for, since the banana adds the perfect sweet touch, while the yogurt and walnuts provide a variety of textures.

NUTRITION FACTS:

425 calories
1 gram saturated fat
9 grams fiber

A good source of: fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, calcium, and potassium.