Fast, easy and healthy breakfasts should be everybody’s goal. But for time-pressed guys, this often means getting stuck with the same old bowl of bran-injected cereal every morning; it doesn’t have to be this way. Try switching it up with one of these fast and flavorful power-breakfasts and make sure the next time you pick up a box of Lucky Charms, it will be strictly for the toy inside.

1- Banana-mocha smoothie
Serves two
This smoothie provides an essential morning nutrient (caffeine), along with some calcium and other ingredients that provide lasting energy. All it takes is a few minutes and a blender.

Ingredients:
2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
? cup brewed coffee
2 bananas
4 tsps cocoa powder
4 ice cubes

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

2- Hot oatmeal
Serves one
Oatmeal, whether instant or regular, is almost twice as filling as other breakfast foods, and due to its high content of soluble fiber it will help your body ward off fat and reduce cholesterol. Try a bowl of oatmeal with some brown sugar and one of the following toppings for an energy and flavor boost:

To boost antioxidants, add ? cup fresh or frozen blueberries.
To boost calcium, add ? cup chopped almonds.
To boost heart-healthy omega-3s, add 1 tbsp ground flax seeds.
For healthy teeth and gums, add ? cup dried cranberries.

3- Frittata
Serves one
This just-for-one frittata recipe is lightning fast to prepare. It’s also healthy, super tasty and packed with veggies. Serve this dish with a side of whole-wheat toast and an orange.

Ingredients:
Vegetable-oil cooking spray
? cup diced red bell pepper
1 ? cups of loosely packed fresh baby spinach
1 whole egg
3 egg whites
2 tbsp crumbled feta
Salt and pepper

Directions: Coat an eight-inch skillet with cooking spray and place on a burner with the heat on high. Add the bell pepper and cook for five minutes, until it’s tender. Add the spinach and saute for two minutes; the leaves should wilt, but remain bright green. In a bowl, combine the egg and three egg whites and whisk. Add the feta and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables; reduce heat to medium and cook until the eggs set. Remove from heat. Place a plate, upside down, on top of the skillet and invert, allowing the frittata to transfer to the plate. Spray skillet again and replace the frittata to brown the other side -- about one minute.

4- Power pancakes
Serves two
For the super-busy guy, store-bought pancake mixes are a healthy cooking godsend. Here’s how to pump one up for even more surefire healthy results. For an additional protein punch, side your flapjacks with back bacon or yogurt.

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