Monday, April 19, 2010

Simple, Healthy and Quick Ideas for Breakfast

A typical school day morningthe alarm goes off and everyone is rushing around trying to get ready.  It can be chaotic trying to get everyone cleaned, dressed, collected, fed, and out the door on time.  With the fast-paced busy lives that we live many of us end up eating on the run and just grabbing whatever is handy.

But our moms were right – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It will determine if kids will be full of energy, alert, and ready to learn or sluggish, sleepy, and disconnected, which in turn affects their moods and ability to learn in class.

Here are some suggestions to add to your personal list of favorite standbys for quick and nutritious breakfast foods.
·        Instant oatmeal with chunks of dried fruit added as it heats, served with a glass of milk.
·        Cold cereal.  You can find nutritious ones by reading the labels.  If your children are used to the sugary ones, gradually switch them over by combining the healthy one with the sugary one and reduce the amount of the sugary one over time.  You can slice half of a banana or other favorite fruit on top.
·        Yogurt—but be aware that some are loaded with sugar.  It’s best to choose a plain or vanilla yogurt with live cultures and then add your own fruit that you have prepared.  All you have to do the night before is smash some fruit with sugar to taste.  It’ll be ready in the morning. My kids love a yogurt parfait—in a clear glass, layer a little jam on the bottom, vanilla yogurt, cut up strawberries or blueberries, and then granola on top.
·        Milkshake or smoothie.  It’s easy to put milk in a blender with a peeled, frozen, ripe banana and other fruits of your choice.  Blueberries, peaches, strawberries are all yummy choices and add a little vanilla.  Or you can find some good mixes at the store.  Our family likes yogurt shakes from Stonyfield Farms.
·        If I have a little more time, I’ll make a breakfast burrito.  I put leftover Spanish rice, eggs, avocado and cheese in mine, but there’s no limit to the fillings.
·        There are some healthy breakfast bars available, but again
you have to read the labels.  Some are worse than eating a candy bar.
·        On the weekend when you have more time, you can make a large batch of pancakes or waffles. You can individually wrap them in wax paper, freeze them and then reheat them during the week.
·        Muffins also work really well if you make them out of mostly whole grain, less sugar, and add fruit.   And if you want less fat, use a fruit sauce, like applesauce for part of the oil. You can freeze them individually and thaw them. 

This list is just a start... I know every family has their favorites.  Please share your favorite breakfast stand-bys with me! 

Did you know? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans says that children aged 2-6 require about 1600 calories a day.  Children 7 and up and teenage girls require about 2200 calories a day.  Teenage boys need about 2800 calories per day.   The more who
le grains, fruits and vegetables you can fit into your way of eating the better the human body will work.  A good breakfast will set your children up to have a good day at school and a long, healthy life to enjoy.

No comments: