India, Nov. 4 -- Breakfasts across households often look similar, whether it is a bowl of cereal or a stuffed paratha. These meals can be carb-heavy. Excess carbohydrates, especially refined carbs, can cause blood sugar spikes, followed by energy crashes and cravings soon after. Frequent blood sugar spikes can also become a concern for heart health. So, what constitutes a heart-healthy breakfast, and what are its components?ALSO READ: Why diet and exercise need to work together for sustainable weight loss

The answer lies in which dishes you opt for, how you choose to prepare them and what you pair them with. Even familiar breakfast staples can get a healthy upgrade once a few simple changes are made.

We asked Dr Mitesh B. Sharma, a card...