A Healthy Children's Breakfast Menu That Includes Vitamin A & Vitamin C

Jam-packed schedules and last-minute searches for shoes, homework and gloves make mornings hectic for many families, but make sure you squeeze in time to prepare a healthful breakfast rich in vitamin A and C for your children. Numerous studies find a direct link between the nutritional habits of children and their performance in school. Kids that eat a nutritious breakfast have better concentration skills, higher attendance rates and a decreased risk of obesity.

Applesauce and Banana Pancakes

Pancakes are a kid-friendly breakfast option, but regular versions often contain large amounts of butter, shortening or oil. Replace the butter or oil in your recipe with an equal amount of cinnamon applesauce. Combine the applesauce with eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and mashed bananas. Increase your child's daily fiber intake by using whole wheat flour. Top each cooked pancake with vanilla yogurt and fresh strawberries. Serve with a glass of juice rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice.

Spinach and Strawberry Breakfast Sandwich

Sandwiches aren't just for lunch. Spread a small amount of low-fat cream cheese on one slice of whole-wheat bread. Top with spinach leaves and strawberry slices for an open-faced sandwich that contains vitamins A and C, respectively. A small glass of whole milk helps meet daily calcium needs and provides additional vitamin A, a nutrient that helps keep eyes and skin healthy.

Fresh Produce Smoothie

Drinking a fresh smoothie is one of the easiest ways to combine several different food groups. Blend low-fat yogurt or soy milk with chopped strawberries, spinach, peeled apple slices, slivered carrots and wheat germ for a sweet, frothy breakfast drink. Wash, chop and peel your produce the night before to cut down on preparation time. An orange juice, milk and ice blend is another option for an easy-to-make smoothie filled with vitamins.

Egg White Omelet With Vegetables

If you have some extra time, let the kids help make their own omelets. Hand each child a small plastic sandwich bag filled with raw egg whites. Let them choose from an assortment of healthful mix-ins, such as chopped broccoli, diced carrots or tomatoes, sliced onions and turkey breast cubes. Have them place each ingredient in the bag, seal the top tightly, and shake until well-blended. Prepare each omelet in a skillet lightly drizzled with olive oil, and top with shredded cheese. Serve with a glass of orange juice or grapefruit juice.

Fruit Kabob

Not every family has time to sit down together and enjoy a healthful breakfast, but you don't have to send your kids off with sugar-filled toaster pastries or cereal bars. Fruit kabobs are easy to assemble and perfect for on-the-go munching. Fill wooden skewers with sliced strawberries, apples, bananas and cheese. A mini bottle of grapefruit juice provides additional immune system-boosting vitamin C.