Back to School Breakfasts

Good morning!  Rise and Shine!  Wakey Wakey!  Ready to start the day?

While there are different ways to start the day, starting with a hearty breakfast is always a good idea.  Some folks are ready to eat right away, while others need some time to wake up in the morning.  Eating some sort of breakfast is so important in the morning to get our brains and bellies functioning. It also helps kids focus, important for our school-aged kids who are working hard at school.  Breakfast will also give us energy to be fueled until lunchtime and can ensure we are adding important nutrients to our day. 

Guidelines for breakfast:

1. Ideally should include at least 3 food groups.  However, some breakfast is better than no breakfast….2 food groups is ok. 
2. No electronics at the breakfast table.
3. Be a good role model, enjoy breakfast alongside your child.
4. Plan out meals so you are sure to have ingredients on hand.
5. Ensure carbohydrates are on the plate.  This gives our bodies energy!

I have time in the morning to enjoy my breakfast:

1. Apple slices topped with yogurt (apple donuts!), sprinkles and granola
2. Fruit and yogurt parfait topped with granola/nuts
3. Oatmeal topped with nuts and dried fruit (add ground flax seed for an added fiber punch!)
4. Eggs, bacon/sausage, and fruit (enjoy on a biscuit, bagel, or sandwich bread)
5. Quick bread (pumpkin, orange, or apple, etc) or muffin with yogurt and fruit
6. Breakfast banana split - sliced banana, topped with yogurt, coconut and a sprinkle of chocolate chips

Dashboard Diner:

1. Waffle sandwich with peanut butter and jelly
2. Ham or turkey and cheese sandwich
3. Smoothie made with yogurt, frozen fruit (could add a nut butter, veggie, or oats for a 3rd food group) (can be made in advance and kept in freezer or fridge)
4. Make ahead egg and spinach muffins with toast
5. Overnight oats (to include dried fruit and nuts)

What to do in a time crunch:

1. Granola bar, cheese stick or yogurt tube, and bag of cut up apples
2. Whole wheat tortilla wrapped around peanut butter and a banana
3. Slice or two of cold pizza
4. Grab-and-go pre-made protein shake
5. Trail mix and shelf-stable milk carton

Additional Resources:

The Family Nutritionist: https://myfamilynutritionist.com/breakfast-ideas-for-kids/

Happy Healthy Eaters: https://happyhealthyeaters.com/?s=breakfast

MJ and the Hungryman: https://www.mjandhungryman.com/