If eating cold breakfast is not a choice, that means we have to go for hot breakfast like pancake, oatmeal, porridge, eggs, etc. We all know that whole grain is good, but little do I know that I have to soak or ferment the grains before cooking. For pancakes or quick bread, soak the flour in buttermilk or yogurt for 12 to 24 hours in room temperature before cooking. For oatmeal, soak the oats in acidic water for 7 hours or more. The soaking and fermenting process will partially break down gluten and protein, hence easier for us to absorb. Also, the process will neutralize enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, a substance that block the absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc. This is another drawback of boxed cereals, the grains probably are not soaked before processing. By the way, eating bran and wheat germ is not recommended.