A microwaved half-serving of plain oatmeal, topped with a tablespoon or so of wheat germ, plus about 1/4 cup of shredded wheat cereal, with low-fat buttermilk poured over all.

Sometimes I sprinkle cinnamon on top. Sometimes I add a small orange or, rarely, I add a can of kippered herring or a sliced tomato. It's usually just plain oatmeal with wheat and buttermilk, however. If I try to move away from the cereal/buttermilk choice, I begin to feel deprived.

Now, at a hotel buffet, it's a whole different matter. If they have grits or if they have biscuits and sausage gravy, and buttery scrambled eggs. . . .

And in Europe, I like cold cuts and cheese and a high-quality bread.

Breakfast is the best meal of the day, any of the above.