They say "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" for a good reason! Your morning meal helps break your overnight fasting period and replenishes your glucose supply as well as other nutrients that will boost your energy levels and alertness during the day.
But in the morning rush of getting to work, daycare, or school, it is easy to grab something quick that might not provide your body with the nutrients it very much needs.
Plus — as I well know as the father of five girls — children sometimes don't feel hungry in the morning and want to skip this important meal.
But teaching your children to eat a healthy breakfast every day helps them build an important habit for life.
What’s for breakfast?
Looking for easy breakfasts that your children will love and that will give them fuel to succeed during the day? Try these four easy but nutritious breakfasts:
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Egg cup
Spray the inside of a mug with nonstick spray. Whisk two eggs with a little fat-free milk, and pour into the mug. Stir in pieces of low-fat cheese, ham, and veggies. Microwave for about 2 minutes, until the eggs are set (time may vary depending on the strength of your microwave).
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Pineapple sundae
Scoop nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt into a clear glass. Top with pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges (canned in their own juice and drained). Sprinkle with shredded coconut. (You can do this with any fruit to mix it up and make it fun!)
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Quinoa bowls
To save time, pre-cook quinoa and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, combine 1 cup cooked quinoa with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of milk (cow, almond, coconut, or oat milk are all fine choices!). Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup. Top with granola and cut-up fruit.
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Green smoothies
Use this formula for perfect smoothies every time: 3 cups greens, 2 cups liquid (milk, fresh juice, or even water) and 1 to 2 cups of fruit (fresh or frozen). Kids will love this concoction, and you'll love how much goodness they're getting first thing in the morning!
Michael Bonneville is the co-publisher of Macaroni KID SE Orlando and Macaroni KID Winter Garden-Ocoee, with his business partner, Jill Todd. He is also a teacher, motivational speaker, coach, and fitness trainer.