Did you know that people who regularly skip breakfast tend to have higher levels of LDL cholesterol? Get reacquainted with the most important meal of the day with these low-cholesterol breakfasts.
19 Low-Cholesterol Breakfasts
Updated on Jul. 30, 2024
Berry Smoothie Bowl
Nutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 155 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
This quick and easy breakfast starts with a berry smoothie as the base. Fresh fruit and nonfat milk keep the bowl a low-cholesterol meal. For more flavor, top your bowl with sliced bananas, homemade granola and a little peanut butter for some serious staying power.
1/19
2/19
Loaded Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking to branch out from your daily oatmeal habit, spice things up with a breakfast quinoa bowl. Quinoa is rich in fiber and protein to keep you full all morning long. It’s then topped with chopped nuts and seeds to give your body healthy fats to up your HDL level.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 475 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
3/19
Overnight Peach Oatmeal
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol, especially LDL. This bowl gets an extra dose of fiber from the peaches and sliced almonds too. Try adding a fresh smoothie on the side for an even more delicious fruity flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 163 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.
4/19
Pear-Stuffed French Vanilla Toast
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
French toast is a healthy breakfast? Yes, with a few easy tweaks this decadent favorite can be a low-cholesterol go-to. Pears are rich in fiber to lower your bad cholesterol. Try substituting whole wheat bread for more fiber and nutrients.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 701 calories, 38g fat (16g saturated fat), 339mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
5/19
Rise and Shine Parfait
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Overslept and no time for a healthy breakfast? This one comes together in seconds and is as delicious as it is healthy. Nonfat yogurt cuts down on saturated fat, and the fruit and granola add fiber. Try topping with a sprinkling of chia seeds to boost your healthy cholesterol.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 259 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
6/19
Overnight Cherry-Almond Oatmeal
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of breakfast already made. Toss your low-cholesterol ingredients like oatmeal, almond milk and dried cherries into the slow cooker the night before and ease into your day with this creamy bowl. Top with sliced almonds for a serving of healthy fats.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 276 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
7/19
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegan pancakes are made from whole wheat pancake mix, mashed banana, oats and walnuts. They are high in fiber and healthy fats. Try serving with a side of fresh berries or a nonfat yogurt parfait.
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 155 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
8/19
Garlic-Herb Mini Quiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
45 mini quiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Think you have to avoid eggs if you want a low-cholesterol breakfast? These garlic-herb mini quiches are perfectly portioned and only contain two eggs in the entire recipe. Serve with a side of fresh fruit and roasted asparagus.
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini quiche: 31 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
9/19
Power Berry Smoothie Bowl
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a tasty breakfast that will power you through the day, try this loaded smoothie bowl. It’s sweetened with fruit juice and packed with fiber-rich ingredients like spinach, strawberries and blueberries. It also contains ground flaxseed, which you won’t taste, but will boost your HDL level.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 172 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
10/19
Soul-Satisfying Oatmeal Waffles
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun twist on oatmeal, these healthy pancakes pack the fiber with whole wheat flour, oats and chopped nuts. Top with fresh berries, melted nut butter or homemade strawberry syrup if you’re feeling fancy.
11/19
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With just the right amount of sweetness, these yogurt and honey fruit cups are a light and refreshing breakfast that will satisfy your morning hunger. Opt for nonfat yogurt to cut down on saturated fat and use your favorite fruit.
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
12/19
Chicken and Asparagus Crepes
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When you need a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that won’t up your cholesterol level, whip up a pan of chicken and asparagus crepes. The filling is rich and savory with fresh asparagus, onions and mushrooms. Shredded chicken breast is a more cholesterol-friendly option than other breakfast meats.
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled crepe: 264 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
13/19
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made these oatmeal banana cookies when I was young. Now my children like making them just as much as I did, and we quadruple the recipe to serve our large family. You can't eat just one of these goodies packed with chocolate morsels. —Jaqueline Wilson, Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 97 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
14/19
Zucchini Tomato Frittata
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You don’t have to give up eggs when sticking to a low-cholesterol diet. This recipe keeps the cholesterol and saturated fat down by using egg substitute and low-fat cottage cheese to get that creamy texture. Fresh veggies and spices brighten up this dish while adding nutrients. Pair with a fruit smoothie for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 138 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 484mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
15/19
Breakfast Parfaits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These breakfast parfaits up the ante with fresh ingredients that go way beyond berries and cereal. Juicy pineapple adds tons of sweetness naturally. Raisins and almonds add fiber, and the nuts provide healthy fats to boost HDL. Serve with a soy latte for a leisurely meal or breakfast on the go.
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 277 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
16/19
Breakfast Banana Splits
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a simple, impressive dish to bring to brunch? Breakfast banana splits fit the bill. They’re naturally sweetened with blueberries, grapes, kiwi and strawberries. Granola and nuts add fiber to cut the cholesterol. Top with maraschino cherries for a fun touch.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 96mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
17/19
Quick Oatmeal Raisin Pancakes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Oats and egg substitute keep these rich pancakes cholesterol-friendly. Try topping them with some fresh strawberries, homemade granola and a dollop of nonfat yogurt.
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 274 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
18/19
Brunch-Style Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These brunch-style portobello mushrooms are hearty, delicious and have the perfect portions of eggs and bacon baked right in. The mushrooms are rich in fiber and nutrients, and the gouda cheese adds serious flavor and warmth. Whip up one for yourself or a whole pan-full for a crowd.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 265 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 1058mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
19/19
Waffles with Peach-Berry Compote
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 waffles (1-1/2 cups compote)
From the Recipe Creator:
You won’t believe how good these waffles are for you. They sneak in fiber-rich whole wheat flour and flaxseed in the batter and are then topped with a sweet mixture of peaches, blueberries and strawberries. Add a side of nonfat yogurt and tea for a weekend-worthy brunch any day of the week.
Nutrition Facts:
2 waffles with 1/4 cup compote: 251 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
