By Emily McLaughlin

Plan your breakfast tonight — maybe even make your breakfast tonight! This will ensure that you are not tempted by that sugar Pop Tart hiding in your cabinet tomorrow morning. It will also help you keep from splurging on that coffee-house muffin when you grab your cup-of-jo. A healthier, happier you starts with breakfast!

Eating a nutritious breakfast will help set the tone for the rest of the day. Choosing hearty, whole grains for carbohydrates, non-fat Greek yogurt for protein and fruits and berries for sweetness will ensure that you choose healthier options through the day.

If you know me, you know that my favorite option for breakfast is warm, filling oatmeal. Not only is oatmeal inexpensive, but it is versatile too. Here are my two favorite oatmeal breakfasts, one sweet and one savory:

Chocolate, Strawberry and Protein-Packed

1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal

1 scoop of Muscle Milk Light (Chocolate Flavor)

1 cup water

1/4 – 1/2 milk of your choice (I love almond milk)

Sliced strawberries

Mix oatmeal, protein and water together — microwave for 2-3 minutes (or as instructed by package). Remove from microwave, stir in milk. Top with strawberries. Yields one serving. ~300 calories.

Eggs Over Oatmeal

1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal

1 cup water

1 whole egg (add 1 egg white if you think that this will not fill you up)

1/4 sliced avocado

2 tbsp salsa

Dollop of Greek yogurt

Mix oatmeal and water together — microwave for 2-3 minutes. In a frying pan, cook eggs as desired (I like to cook them on the ‘well’ side of over-easy). Top oatmeal with egg, avocado, salsa and Greek yogurt. Yields one serving. ~350 calories.