It might be true that any breakfast is better than no breakfast at all but when you are a child, a daily breakfast of sugary cereals, donuts and empty calories is not a plan for success. Kids need nutrients for breakfast that will help get them through the day without feeling like they have burned out before morning recess or third period French. A healthy breakfast for kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Parents who are on the go can still help kids achieve this must have start to the day without missing their morning meeting or making kids late for school.
What is a Healthy Breakfast for Kids?
As with any meal you eat, you should pick a variety of foods which includes fruits, veggies, whole grains, protein and dairy products. This doesn’t mean eggs, toast and potatoes anymore. A healthy breakfast for kids can be as traditional or non-traditional as you like. The key is to hit as many food groups as possible and limit the amount of refined sugar and empty calories that your child gets first thing in the morning. A healthy breakfast for kids can even include classics that are normally featured during other meal times that are given a breakfast twist.
Whole Grains are a Good Start
Whole grains fill you up and give your body valuable fuel. Oatmeal, quinoa, whole grain bread and bulgar are excellent choices for a healthy breakfast for kids. Eating a meal rich in whole grains is actually easier than many people think. Fill a whole grain tortilla with steamed brown rice, scrambled egg and cheese for a filling and healthy breakfast burrito that you can even make ahead a time, freeze and defrost in seconds in the microwave. Add in a little salsa to increase a child’s servings of veggies for the day. Whole grains are an excellent source of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that are a part of over all good health according to health professionals so naturally they make a great breakfast for kids. Paired with a juice that is a medley of fruits and veggies will cover all of your food groups and create the perfect healthy breakfast for kids.
Why Breakfast is so Important
When you wake in the morning your body has been in a state of rest or “fasting” for hours. When you eat in the morning shortly after getting up, you not only help get your body into a rhythm for the day, but also when a child has a healthy meal they will avoid burn out in the later part of the morning. Healthy breakfast doesn’t have to be time consuming or include processed foods. Kids need a good meal to stay awake, have energy and feel full. If you make it fun and a priority in the morning, kids will too. Looking for ideas for healthy breakfast recipes or healthy breakfast ideas for kids? Read our article on this topic to get your kids breakfasts on the fast track to healthy.