1. Oatmeal

Not only does oatmeal count as a whole grain, but it’s also low in calories and fat. What more could you want for a weight loss meal plan? Oatmeal has a mild flavor, which means you can dress it up however you want. So, it’s healthy and you can change up the taste whenever you want. In other words, it’s perfect if you’re trying to shed some stubborn pounds. Try a bowl of oatmeal with a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh blueberries. Or try a sprinkle of brown sugar, a bit of cinnamon and some raisins. Bananas with chopped walnuts and strawberries with Greek yogurt are other tasty ideas.

2. Bagels

Yes, you read that right! Even if you want to lose weight, you can still have a bagel for breakfast. The trick is to choose a thin bagel, rather than those hefty ones you can get at the coffee shop. Spread one with a thin smear of peanut butter and top it with sliced bananas. You’ll have a filling and nutrient packed breakfast in mere minutes.

3. Cereal

All cereal is not created equal, but there are many options out there that work well for a weight loss meal plan. Look for one that has fewer than 200 calories per serving and very little fat and sugar. A high-fiber cereal will satisfy your appetite and keep you full until lunchtime. Top your cereal with skim milk and sliced fruit to make your morning meal even healthier.

4. Omelet

You might not consider eggs a weight loss food, but they are relatively low in calories and if you use just the whites, you can have a yummy breakfast with very little fat. Simply whisk two or three egg whites together and cook them in a non-stick skillet, scraping the edges until the eggs are set. Fill the omelet with sliced vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes and bell peppers and a small bit of shredded cheese. Fold it over and enjoy.

5. Toast

A slice of boring dry toast isn’t what I call a yummy breakfast. But you can make it fancy and still keep your calorie intake under control for weight loss. Top a slice of toast with a thin smear of ricotta cheese, a drizzle of honey and some sliced grapes, strawberries or pears.

6. Smoothie

Don’t drop everything and head to the nearest smoothie bars. The ones in those places can top thousands of calories. Instead, make your own smoothie at home. You’ll be able to keep it healthy and save some money at the same time. That sounds like my kind of breakfast! Throw a cup of frozen fruit in your blender, add a scoop of low-fat Greek yogurt and enough skimmed milk to cover the fruit. Puree the mixture and glug it down. Strawberries, bananas, watermelon, kiwis, mango and peaches are good choices to try in any combination.

7. Waffles

If you’re a toaster waffle kind of girl, much like myself, you can still create a breakfast for weight loss and enjoy your favorite. The key is to choose a low-fat, whole grain option. Toast the waffle and top it with Greek yogurt and sliced strawberries. Or spread it with a tablespoon of peanut butter and layer on a scoop of applesauce.

Tell me you don’t skip breakfast. I’m a big believer in starting the day with a healthy meal. Which one will you try first?