Happy Back to School Day! For many parents across the country, it’s the beginning of a brand new school year. It’s time to start new habits, and one of the best things that you can do to help your children get the day off to a good start is to serve a healthy breakfast. I don’t know about you, but when I mention healthy breakfast to my kids, they often think of sticks and twigs and other unappetizing options so I have to get creative with my before school meals.
Instead of a bowl of cold cereal, which often won’t fuel your child until the end of first bell, make one of these amazing choices, high in protein and flavor.
- Create your own trail mix by mixing dry, high fiber cereal, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and roasted edamame for protein. An added bonus is you can toss some of this mix into a baggie and pair it with a drinkable yogurt, like those from Stonyfield Farms, to make a travel-friendly and filling breakfast.
- A hard boiled egg paired with a vegetable/fruit juice blend (I like V-8 V Fusion) and a string cheese.
- A fruit, veggie and yogurt smoothie. I’d often heard that spinach is a good additive for a smoothie, but was worried about the taste. I’m happy to report that one handful blends with no garden fresh aftertaste and it’s now a standard in all of my smoothies. Plus, kids will think it’s cool to drink a green smoothie.
- A whole wheat tortilla filled with egg beaters or egg whites, fresh spinach, chopped tomatoes, low-fat cheese and tofu sausage or turkey bacon makes a portable, filling breakfast that hits all of the food groups.
- When in a real rush, I’ve sent my kids to school with a spoonful of peanut butter/soy butter/sunflower butter and half of a whole grain bagel or English Muffin.
- Believe it or not, grilled cheese, that staple of the lunch box, is equally yummy for breakfast. Paired with a fruit, such as applesauce or a banana, and a glass of milk, it’s a think-outside-the box solution that can break up those morning doldrums. Use whole wheat bread to keep your kids energy up for a full day of school.
- I stash a few protein bars for true, running-out-of-the-house-15-minutes-late emergencies. Look for bars that have at least 7 grams of protein, no more than 2 grams of saturated fats, and have about 300-350 calories for a meal replacement. Power Bars, Cliff Mojo, and Builder Bars all meet those requirements and taste good, which is an important benefit.
Also Read:
How to Make a Healthy Smoothie