I have hereditary high cholesterol. Even though I exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, my cholesterol numbers have been rising each year, with no sign of the numbers going in the opposite direction. I decided to take action by discussing my options with my doctor and ultimately starting on a statin to lower my cholesterol. I also altered my diet even further, by eliminating dairy, nearly eliminating all sugar (I’m not gonna lie, I can’t live without my dark chocolate!), reducing my meat consumption, and increasing my fish intake. I’ve become even more label-conscious and have added in more whole grains and beans so that my diet is high in fiber. This is all in addition to the vast amount of fruits and vegetables that I regularly eat.
This new challenge has forced me to become more creative in the kitchen so that I can replicate my favorite staples, but not sacrifice the flavor. I love French toast. It’s been a favorite of mine since childhood. I used to enjoy cutting the toast into neat and even sized pieces before dipping each one in syrup. I’m a little OCD when it comes to my French toast. I don’t like it soaking in the syrup until it gets soggy. Each piece needs even distribution from a brief dive into the maple sweetness. I have tested out a few healthy breads to recreate my weekend breakfast treat. Here is my recipe:
Cholesterol-Friendly French Toast
Ingredients
- 2 slices of Trader Joe's sprouted grain bread OR Martin's whole wheat potato bread
- 1/4 cup New Barn unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 egg white
- sprinkle of cinnamon
Directions
- Step 1 Whisk the almond milk, egg white, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl that’s large enough to accommodate the bread.
- Step 2 Heat up a pan with avocado oil or grass-fed butter.
- Step 3 Dunk the bread in the egg/milk bath on both sides, and fry in the pan until both sides are golden brown.
There are endless possibilities to dressing up the French toast. I like to add sliced almonds and bananas, or raspberries and strawberries. You can even slather on some peanut butter and drizzle with honey or syrup.
Look, it’s not the fluffy challah French toast that you find at your favorite diner, but it’s a healthy way to have an indulgence without the guilt. Enjoy!
Tamar Blazer is an attorney-turned-twin mom, with a passion for her family, friends, writing, good food, home decor and laughing. When she’s not lamenting on her lack of sleep, you can find her doing one of the too many projects she likes to take on, usually with a twin on either side.
