Heart Healthy Breakfasts: How to Make Vegan Style French Toast and Pancakes

In my family, along with many other American families, heart disease is prevalent. My father has a pacemaker and has recently undergone a triple bypass.

Witnessing his health problems and knowing our family medical history, I decided to change to a lifestyle full of exercise and healthy food. I won't lie! Switching to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle can be difficult, but the health benefits greatly outweigh any discomfort that comes with change. According to research, the cholesterol level for most vegans is 133 (compared to 210 for meat-eaters). It is a helpful number to keep in mind, as there are no documented cases of heart attacks occurring in individuals with cholesterol under 150.

You don't have to stop what you are used to all at once. Switch out one meal. I suggest trying new breakfast ideas. As you start your day with healthier food, you will notice the difference in your energy level and mood. Starting your morning this way will make you want to eat healthier throughout the day.

I have been searching for alternatives to known artery clogging meals, particularly ones for breakfast. Giving up a morning of eggs, cheese-covered hashbrowns, bacon, butter and biscuits can be a challenge, but not impossible.

One of my favorite breakfast meals is French Toast. I was absolutely certain that I was not going to find anything as taste-fulfilling. Finding replacements is easy, but often times the taste is acquired. This is not one of those times. I can happily give you the following recipe:

Vegan French Toast

1 C of vanilla soy milk

2 TBS Wheat Flour

If wheat allergies exist, white flour can be used.

1 TSP cinnamon

4 Slices of bread

Whisk the soy milk, wheat flour, and cinnamon together in a medium sized bowl.

Place a slice of wheat bread into the mixture.

While bread is soaking, spray some zero calorie cooking spray, or use fat-free "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter." to "grease" the pan. Let the pan heat for a couple of minutes.

Continue on as you would normally cook French Toast.