Breakfast represents the most important meal of the day, especially for kids. A well-balanced breakfast provides the basis for overall health, optimum energy levels and learning potential. According to MayoClinic.com, a healthy breakfast includes whole grains, low-fat protein, low-fat dairy as well as fruits and vegetables. On the days you don't have time to prepare breakfast for the kids, consider these easy and healthy breakfast snacks that will help get their day started.
Morning Smoothie
Keep an assortment of berries in your freezer to make this frosty breakfast snack that will satisfy the kids on warm summer mornings. This easy Wake-up Smoothie from "Eating Well" magazine's website provides nutrition in the form of vitamin C, fiber, potassium and soy protein. Simply blend calcium fortified orange juice and plain low-fat silken tofu with frozen berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries.
Bagel Alternative
The website for "Bon Appetit" magazine suggests using whole grain flatbread instead of bagels for a kid-friendly breakfast snack. Spread low-fat cream cheese on the flatbread and garnish with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, berries or fruit. Let the young ones come up with their own healthy topping combinations. This easy breakfast snack provides essential protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains and vitamins.
Extreme Granola
A breakfast of energy-packed granola gives your kids nutrition from each of the healthy breakfast food groups. The granola will take time to prepare, but the result is a quick breakfast snack for your busy family. The Epicurious website recommends using almonds, pecans, dates and raisins. You can replace any of these with your family's favorite nuts and dried fruits. Rolled oats, butter and a binding agent, such as maple syrup, cane syrup or honey, round out the ingredients for this kid-friendly granola.
Super Easy Snacks
The Meals Matter website offers a number of breakfast snack ideas that require little or no prep work. Last night's leftovers can provide a nutritious breakfast. The website suggests trying soup and crackers, tortillas and melted cheese, or even chicken drumsticks for a change of pace. The old standards like a glass of juice and a bowl of cereal may seem uninspired, but make an ideal breakfast -- as long as you select varieties that contain no added sugar. Wheat toast and peanut butter supply the kids with an excellent source of protein and fiber. Serve up a hard-boiled egg and a whole grain bagel --- add a piece of fruit and your kids will be satisfied until lunch.
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