The new year may be a time for resolutions about dieting and losing weight. But let’s face it. It’s not easy to stay away from sweets and all those things we want to devour during the holiday season.

We all want to ditch the promises we make to ourselves and friends that we’ll eat healthy, exercise, and all that. But you don’t have to make a choice between healthy eating and great taste. In fact, it’s not difficult to eat your cake, sort of speak, and have it, too.

Here’s a nutritious and delicious breakfast you can make for the whole family on Christmas morning or anytime of year. It will help you and the kids start your day the right way — with something that will pep you up until it’s time for lunch.

Even better, oatmeal pecan waffles are a snap to make. Don’t let the picture you see above fool you. They’re not just healthy and delicious, they’re also quick and easy.

Here’s what you need for pecan waffles

For the waffles:



1 C whole-wheat flour

½ C quick-cooking oats

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp sugar

¼ C unsalted pecans, chopped

2 large eggs, separated (for pancakes, see note)

1½ C fat-free (skim) milk

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

For fruit topping:



2 C fresh strawberries, rinsed, stems removed, and cut in half (or substitute frozen strawberries, thawed)

1 C fresh blackberries, rinsed (or substitute frozen blackberries, thawed)1 C fresh blueberries, rinsed (or substitute frozen blueberries, thawed)

1 tsp powdered sugar

You can also try other berries of your choice and can substitute with frozen and thawed berries

Here’s what to do:

Preheat waffle iron.

Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, oats, and pecans — all in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine milk, vegetable oil, and egg yolks in a separate bowl. Mix well.

Now, take the liquid mixture and add it to the dry ingredients. Stir all of it together but be careful not overmix. You want to make sure that the mixture remains a bit lumpy.

Whip egg whites — to about medium peaks and then fold egg them into batter.

You’re almost done. Next you want to pour the batter into preheated waffle iron. Cook until the waffle iron light tell you that it’s done. Or just do it the old-fashioned way. Wait until steam stops coming out of the iron. Remember, waffles are perfect when they’re crisp. That means you want to make they’re well-browned on the outside but still have a moist and fluffy inside.



Finally the fun part, put fresh fruit and a light dusting of powdered sugar on the waffles. Actually, this is the fun part: serve and take all the compliments that come your way.

And here’s a tip: If you decide to make pancakes instead of waffles do not separate eggs. Just mix whole eggs with milk and oil.

So how many servings does this make? At least four.

Here’s the health info: Calories 340, Total Fat 11 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 107 mg, Sodium 331 mg, Total Fiber 9 g, Protein 14 g, Carbohydrates 50 g, Potassium 369 mg