Why 11? Because 10 seemed so predictable. Don’t use just any English muffin. Skip refined white versions and for goodness sake, steer clear of the 100 calorie ones which contain over 50 ingredients. Any fiber or nutrients in white and “light” muffins are added in a lab. Remember, first and foremost you should eat food.

The type of English muffin I prefer is a sprouted grain version – usually found in the freezer section with the “healthy” organic foods. They may contain 20 to 40 more calories than your white versions, but they also provide 8 g of complete protein and 6 to 8 g of real fiber (not lab fiber). The ingredient lists usually feature only a mixture of sprouted grains, yeast, water and sea salt – all things you recognize as food. Sprouted grain muffins are heartier and more filling, I actually feel like I’ve eaten something after finishing one. Ezekial and Food For Life are two good brands.

English muffins are not just for breakfast, try them in one of these ways:

1)      Almond Butter and Banana Sandwich: Top a toasted muffin with 1 tbsp. of almond butter and ½ of a sliced banana for snack time. Use apple or pear slices for a change in flavor.

2)      Roast Beef and Radishes: Top a toasted muffin with slices of natural (no nitrates/nitrites added) roast beef, sliced radishes and a spoonful of Dijon mustard.

3)      Turkey and Avocado: Fill a toasted muffin with slices of natural deli turkey and sliced avocado

4)      Ham, Swiss and Asparagus: Make an open-faced sandwich by piling natural ham, a few chopped asparagus spears and a slice of low-fat swiss onto each half of a muffin and popping under the broiler to melt the cheese.

5)      Tuna Melt: Create a healthy tuna salad with 3 oz. water-packed tuna (I like Whole Foods 365 chunk light), 1 tbsp. light mayonnaise, lemon juice and chopped celery. Place on each half of an English muffin, top with a slice of provolone or mild cheddar and melt under the broiler.

6)      Pizza: Elevate your pizza beyond spaghetti sauce and generic shredded cheese. Top each half of a muffin with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. Melt under the broiler.

7)      Turkey Burger Bun (or a bun for a bison burger, chicken burger or salmon burger): Big nutritional improvement over the $1 for 12 white-bread refined buns.

8)      Hummus: Instead of using hummus as a dip, use it as a sandwich spread and top with slices of tomato, cucumber and roasted red pepper.

9)      Homemade Egg Sandwich: Skip the drive-through and poach an egg in a cup of water in the microwave for 90 seconds. Drain on a paper towel and place on an English muffin with shredded cheddar and a slice of natural ham.

10)   Soup Cracker: Instead of saltines, use a toasted sprouted grain English muffin to dip into your soup – it is especially good with split pea or lentil.

11)   Bread Crumbs: Okay, I was running out of ideas. Grind the suckers up and use them in your meatloaf or meatballs, or as a healthy, whole-grain breading for baked chicken nuggets or fish sticks.