Although it may not feel like the end of summer, the calendar is reading August which means that it is time to start preparing for going back to school. The transition out of summertime is never easy but one way that you can start preparing is to put together a list of easy, nutritious back to school breakfasts. Eating breakfast is crucial in order to send kids to school energized and ready to learn. Benefits of eating a healthy breakfast in the morning include: more energy, improved concentration, better grades, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Now that it has been established that eating breakfast is important, it is also necessary to note that not all breakfasts are created equal. Better breakfasts include whole grains, protein or dairy, and a fruit or vegetable. This will provide youth with sustained energy with complex carbohydrates as well as key vitamins and minerals. Let's now review some simple back to school breakfasts that can easily be made before school, that are nutritious, and delicious.
Berry Good Overnight Oatmeal
For those of you who like to plan ahead, try making overnight oats the night before for an easy grab and go breakfast. Simply add ½ cup of oats, ½ cup of milk, ½ cup of low fat yogurt, and ½ cup of fruit to a container. Mix together and place in the fridge for an easy, nutritious breakfast.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
A calcium rich breakfast that is great for breakfast on the go is a smoothie! Combine fat free milk, yogurt, frozen fruit, and a banana in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy on your child's way to school for a portable, nutritious breakfast.
Banana in a Blanket
Portable is truly key on hectic mornings, but when that breakfast also only has three ingredients you know that it is a winner. Banana blankets are a crowd favorite and can easily be taken on the go. With whole grains, peanut butter, and banana this breakfast is full of long lasting energy, plant based protein, and a serving of fruit.
Mini Quiche Cups
Without a doubt a favorite back to school breakfast are mini quiche cups because you can make them once and enjoy them for multiple meals! Loaded with protein and vegetables, this is an easy breakfast that will keep kiddos going throughout the day.
Although stopping to eat breakfast on busy mornings may sound impossible it is important meal of the day. Try one of the recipes above for your back to school breakfasts!
Sources:
Power Up with Breakfast, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Breakfast: Key to Growing Healthy, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
