10 fast fruit breakfastsby Christine Rickerby

Make getting out of bed worth the effort with these 10 healthy ways to start the day

1. Smoothies

Nothing tastes better, first thing in the morning, than a fresh fruit smoothie. All you need is a blender, fruit juice, fresh fruit and some optional ingredients like yoghurt, protein powder or dried fruit. First, pour 350ml orange, apple or pineapple juice into the blender. Add 115g roughly chopped fresh fruit (bananas, peaches, pineapple, mango, berries and apricots work well). Add 3 tbsp yoghurt, a few dates, a spoonful of raisins or your favourite protein powder to the mix. Blend until thoroughly mixed, and drink. Once you have the technique mastered you can prepare your smoothie in about five minutes.

2. Fresh fruit salad

This variation on the standard fruit salad is tasty and filling. Assemble a few of your favourite fruits, such as pineapple, mango, banana, berries or apple. Cut them up into bite size pieces and toss with some fresh mint or coconut. Top with fresh yoghurt, and enjoy. You can make the salad the night before you eat it, but if you use apples, be sure to coat with lemon or orange juice, to prevent browning.

3. Hot cereal

Liven up your porridge or oatmeal with a sprinkling of brown sugar, chopped dates, raisins or almonds. Oat-based cereals have a low glycemic index, which means they are gradually absorbed and digested by the body. So, having a bowl of your favourite oatmeal or porridge in the morning will keep you energised, and stave off hunger until lunchtime.

4. Stewed fruit

This is great for a quick breakfast, during the week, because you can prepare it over the weekend and keep it in the fridge. Cut up three apples and a pear, and add some dried fruit, like raisins, sultanas or apricots. Add 115ml apple juice or water and simmer on low heat until tender. Flavour with a tablespoon of sugar or honey to taste, and add a pinch of cinnamon or powdered ginger. Eat with yoghurt or cottage cheese, or spoon over hot or cold cereal.

5. Frozen berries

Keep frozen berries in the freezer, and defrost the night before you want to use them, by setting a portion out in a bowl. You can use them in yoghurt, sprinkled on muesli or in smoothies. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.

6. Fruity French toast

French Toast is an exciting way to eat your daily bread. For one serving, mix a large egg or two small ones with a spoonful of milk or cream. Whisk together until blended. Melt a little butter in a frying pan, dip a piece of bread in the egg mixture, making sure both sides are covered by mix, and fry until set. Turn over and cook the other side until set and light golden brown. Top with fresh fruit, poached fruit or berries.

7. Baked apples

This is a perfect autumn or winter breakfast. In a bowl, mix a spoonful of butter or margarine, brown sugar and raisins. Add a pinch of cinnamon for flavour. Next, remove the core from your favourite kind of apple. Fill the centre with the mixture and bake at 350F/180C/gas mark 4 for about 30 minutes or until soft. Top with cream cheese or cottage cheese.

8. Fruit crêpes

Buy pre-made crêpes and freeze with some parchment or waxed paper in-between each crêpe. Take one or two out (depending on your appetite) and thaw overnight. Alternatively, defrost on the morning you want to eat them, in a microwave oven or in a frying pan with a little butter. Heat up and fill with fruit, preserves and cottage cheese.

9. Homemade applesauce

This classic comfort food may also be made in advance and eaten during the week. Take 6 apples, then core, peel and cut them into chunks. Add a handful of raisins and 115ml apple juice. Bring to a boil and simmer until cooked. A spoonful of lemon juice will enhance the flavour. Spice up this recipe by adding cinnamon, ginger and a dash of sugar.

10. Orange yoghurt

Empty a large container of yoghurt into a bowl and mix in 115ml orange juice, 1 tsp vanilla and 100g fluid honey (to taste). Then, finely grate the skin of the orange into the mixture. Sprinkle some dried coconut, chopped nuts, raisins and dates on each serving.