Most parents understand the importance of feeding their kids breakfast for sustained energy throughout the school day and right on through to their after school activities. But you might have trouble getting your children to eat a morning meal that’s actually good for them – especially if you take a trip together down the grocery cereal aisle where they’ll be tempted by all those high-sugar, junky offerings in kid-friendly packaging. Don’t fret — here are 10 ideas for healthy, nutrient-packed breakfasts that are simple to create and fun to eat.
Chocolate Oatmeal
Chocolate Oatmeal
A bowl of oatmeal is a fantastic, fiber-rich breakfast for people of any age, but some kids may complain that it’s too boring or tasteless. Serve up my Chocolate Oatmeal — it’s a delectable take on the original, and I bet the idea of “chocolate for breakfast” gets your kids running to the kitchen! To make, prepare half a cup of oats with 1 cup water or skim milk, according to package directions. Stir in cocoa powder, a little sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract into the prepared oatmeal, and then top with your children’s favorite fruits like berries or half a sliced banana. This energy-boosting breakfast will keep them — and you — feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
Fruity Breakfast Milkshake
Fruity Breakfast Milkshake
What kid doesn’t love a milkshake? This healthy version — actually a fruit smoothie in disguise — is packed with plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and a shot of energizing protein. In a blender, combine 3/4 cup milk (use skim, soy, or almond milk), half a banana, a cup of frozen mixed berries, and 3 to 5 ice cubes. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour the Fruity Breakfast Milkshake into a glass and slurp with a fun straw — or use a travel cup and straw for a quick and creamy on-the-go meal!
Health Style Toaster Treat
Health Style Toaster Treat
Store-bought breakfast pastries are popular because they’re such an easy, grab-and-go breakfast — and kids love them for their dessert-like fruity flavor. My Health-Style Toaster Treat have all the portability and sweetness of the real thing, but none of the processed sugar and empty calories. Cut a slit in a whole-grain pita to create a pocket. Spread 2 tablespoons of natural nut/seed butter (such as peanut, almond, soynut, or sunflower) on the inside of the pocket and stuff with fresh fruit — try thinly sliced banana, apple, purples grapes, or strawberries. Seal it up and take a bite!
Tasty Trail Mix Tasty Trail Mix is a super child-friendly, crunchy concoction that’s easy to eat while kids are trekking to school. In a sealable plastic sandwich bag, combine 1 cup of any whole grain cereal (such as Multigrain Cheerios, Kashi Heart to Heart, Cascadian Farm Cinnamon Crunch, or LIFE) with 2 tablespoons of whole nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans), a few tablespoons dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots), and 1-2 tablespoons semi sweet chocolate chips. Seal the bag and shake it around to blend the different ingredients together.
Cheezy Egg Wich
Cheezy Egg Wich
Avoid the drive-thru menu in favor of this Cheezy Egg Wich, which can be made right at home and has more nutrition and far less fat than most fast food options. Scramble 1 whole egg with 2 egg whites in a skillet coated with oil spray. Toast a whole grain English muffin and layer the bottom half with 1 slice Canadian bacon, 1 slice tomato, the scrambled eggs, and 1 slice reduced-fat cheddar cheese. Top with a squirt of optional ketchup or salsa, and the second half of English muffin. Super-simple and 100 percent yum!
Ricotta Pineapple Waffle
Forgo the empty calories in sugary syrup and butter and instead serve up your family’s Sunday morning waffles with this “sweet as candy” Ricotta-Pineapple Topping. Mix together ¼ cup part-skim ricotta cheese with ¼ cup crushed pineapple canned in its own juice. Spread the mixture over the top of a toasted whole grain waffle and enjoy the decadent, delicious flavor. Bonus: This nutrient-packed combo also delivers a hit of protein and calcium.
Happy Toast
Simple and easy, Happy Toast is an adorable breakfast that your little ones will just love to help you create. First, spread nut butter on a toasted slice of whole grain bread. Place two banana slices for eyes, raisins on the bananas for eyeballs, and use a thin line of jelly for the eyebrows. Use one strawberry, blueberry, blackberry or raspberry for a cute nose, and a few cheerios for the smile. Voila! Children will have a blast creating their own edible happy faces — and you’ll feel good knowing they’re eating a yummy treat that’s packed with nutrition for their growing bodies.
Intro
Most parents understand the importance of feeding their kids breakfast for sustained energy throughout the school day and right on through to their after school activities. But you might have trouble getting your children to eat a morning meal that’s actually good for them – especially if you take a trip together down the grocery cereal aisle where they’ll be tempted by all those high-sugar, junky offerings in kid-friendly packaging. Don’t fret — here are 10 ideas for healthy, nutrient-packed breakfasts that are simple to create and fun to eat.
