5-Minute Microwavable Power Breakfasts

Skipping breakfast is a recipe for weight gain. If you deprive yourself in the early part of the day, your hunger may mount until you overindulge later on. Instead, start your day off right with one of the three quick and healthy power breakfasts from Amy Hanten, aka “The Cooking Mom."

1 whole wheat pita
1 tablespoon low-fat cream cheese
1 teaspoon garlic
½ cup baby spinach
3 thin slices tomato
1 egg

Spread one side of a whole wheat pita with low-fat cream cheese. Add antioxidant-rich spinach. Then pile on the tomato slices, which are high in vitamin C, and add garlic. Crack an egg into the center of your pizza and microwave on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Use the whole egg because the yolk contains zinc and selenium, which are important immunity-boosting minerals.

¼ cup bulgur
¾ cup apple
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup water
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon walnuts

Skip the oatmeal and try bulgur, which has twice the fiber. Mix all your ingredients together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Finish off your dish with Greek yogurt and walnuts. The fiber in bulgur can help slow digestion, as well as the absorption of sugar, and thereby help prevent mood swings.

2 eggs
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons black beans
2 tablespoons bell pepper
2 tablespoons low-fat cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon salsa
¼ sliced avocado

Beat eggs and water together in microwave-safe bag. Add beans, peppers and cheese. Seal the bag and lay it flat in the microwave. Cook for 1 minute. Open bag and slide omelet onto plate. Top with salsa and avocado. Peppers and salsa contain capsaicin, a fat-burning compound that signals your brain that you’re full.