Many families are on the go and schedules are hectic, but it is important to remember breakfast. When possible, do not leave home without it (whether you eat it quick at home, or take it with you for a little later in the morning).
We have all heard it before; breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is true for many reasons, but studies have shown that students (and adults) who eat a healthy breakfast are better able to focus throughout the day, are less likely to be absent and have more energy throughout the day. For students in school, breakfast can improve test scores and decrease behavior problems.
Eating breakfast first thing in the morning, before school or leaving for the day for work can be a challenge. The goal for breakfast is to include at least three foods groups. A popular breakfast meal is pancakes. They are easy to prepare and can be topped with different fruits or other toppings to meet your family's tastes. In addition, leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated in the microwave or toaster for a quick breakfast or snack. Pancakes can also be used as a part of a breakfast sandwich/wrap. Top a pancake with peanut butter and wrap it around a banana with a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Yogurt parfait (layer yogurt, fruit, nuts, and/or granola)
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a piece of fruit
- Egg and cheese sandwich
- Oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts
- Crackers and cheese with a piece of fruit
- Granola bar, banana and milk
- Frozen waffles or pancakes topped with peanut butter and fruit
- Scrambled eggs wrapped in a tortilla and topped with cheese
- Egg sandwich with spinach and cheese
Fruity Whole Wheat Pancakes
- ½ cup skim milk
- 2 Tablespoons margarine, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour (½ cup whole wheat and ½ cup all-purpose flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ cup blueberries, strawberries, bananas or your favorite fruit
Directions:
- Wash hands with soap and water. Break eggs into a clean, large bowl. Be sure to wash your hands after handling the raw eggs. Add milk and margarine. Mix well.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and sugar to the milk mixture. Stir just enough to wet the flour. Add more milk, if necessary, to make the batter about as thick as heavy cream.
- Gently mix in your favorite fruit. Cook pancakes on a lightly greased griddle or frying pan.
- Cook until the pancakes are full of bubbles and the under-surface is lightly browned. Lift with a spatula and flip over. Lightly brown the other side. Top with your favorite fruit!
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Nutrition Information:
Sources:
Power Up with Breakfast, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
