Healthy Breakfast Options For Kids

When a person wakes up after a night's sleep with no food intake, the body begins to look for food to replenish its fuel stores. This is why breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day. People of all ages should have breakfast, including children. Children who have breakfast are better able to concentrate and do better in school than children who do not have breakfast.

Traditional Breakfast

It is important to have foods from a variety of food groups. Protein, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and dairy can be incorporated into breakfast meals. Scrambled eggs, omelets, french toast and oatmeal can all be served with fruit and a glass of milk, fruit or vegetable juice. These are the more traditional options for breakfast, according to Kids Health. The drawback to these breakfast ideas is that they take time to prepare and many parents do not have extra time in the mornings. These breakfast ideas can be reserved for the weekends when there is more time to cook and enjoy these meals.

Quick Breakfast Ideas

Cereal and milk, doughnuts and pastries are common breakfast meals because they are quick and easy. However, cereals that are marketed toward children are often filled with sugar and have little nutritional value, according "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies." Doughnuts and pastries are also filled with sugar and fat that provide no nutritional value. Whole-grain toast or a whole-grain bagel with peanut butter provides protein and carbohydrates. Cream cheese on whole-wheat toast or on a bagel with slices of fruit on top are also options that require little preparation. For children who do not like breakfast foods, leftovers, grilled cheese sandwich or peanut butter and jelly make a wholesome breakfast.

Breakfast on the Road

There are times when adults and children over sleep or are running late, rushing out the door and getting breakfast while on the way to school. Selecting breakfast foods that have lower calories and fat such as an English muffin with egg and low fat cheese are a healthier option than pancakes with syrup. Yogurt with granola and fruit are also sold at some fast-food chains and provide a nutritious breakfast. Smoothies made with real fruit and protein and are low in sugar can also provide a nutritious breakfast.