Recipe: Breakfast on the Go (from Student's Go Vegan Cookbook)

BREAKFAST ON THE GO

"You've heard it before- "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Ever wonder why? Studies show that people who eat breakfast have an easier time concentrating, are less likely to overeat during the course of the day, and have more strength and endurance in the late morning. There is also evidence that eating breakfast revs up your metabolism and increases the rate at which your body burns calories all day long.

If you don't have time to eat because you don't want to sacrifice sleep time, you may be onto something. The scientific literature on sleep points out that getting enough shut-eye also plays a big part in how a person feels and performs. To be alert, think clearly, and feel energetic, it may be necessary to eat breakfast and get a good night's sleep. The following fast-food breakfast ideas can help you do both."

- Spread a bagel with natural-style peanut butter.

- Morning is an ideal time to eat beans. They are protein-packed powerhouses that provide energy for hours. Cover a warm flour tortilla with refried beans, spoon on salsa, and roll it up for an easy carry-along meal. Top whole-grain toast with a helping of baked beans or chili.

- When you make whole-grain pancakes or waffles, make more than you need; freeze the extras and reheat them in a toaster for a fast meal.

- Cook more for dinner to create on-purpose leftovers, and eat them for breakfast.

- Whip up a fruit smoothie.

- Sip a cup of warm miso soup.

- Just about any fresh fruit can be eaten without utensils on the run.

- Enrich ready-to-eat cold cereal by adding sliced fresh fruit and nuts or seeds.

- Make a pot of hot cereal in the evening and refrigerate it. In the morning, spoon out a portion and reheat it in the microwave.

Source: Student's Go Vegan Cookbook by Carole Raymond