Breakfast is often the meal that parents have less time to prepare. With busy morning work and school schedules to contend with, it is often difficult to find time to prepare healthy breakfasts on busy days. Breakfast does not have to be a three course affair to be satisfying and healthy. Breakfast meals for kids can be simple. Any breakfast choice for kids can be adapted to fit particular tastes.
Quick and Healthy Breakfast Staple Foods
Preparing healthy breakfasts for kids will be much easier if some basic breakfast food staples are added to the weekly shopping list. Stocking up on the breakfast foods that children like the most, can also be a safety net when mornings are hectic and time is short. These favorite breakfast foods can be considered a reserve or a back-up plan.
Kid-Friendly Breakfast Staples
-Eggs
-Milk
-Dry cereal (keep a variety in the cupboard)
-Frozen waffles/panckaes/french toast sticks
-Maple syrup
-Fresh fruit
-Yogurt
-Oatmeal (single serve)
-Grits
-Wheat bread (preferred)
-Bagels
-English Muffins
-Pancake Mix (just add water)
EXTRAS: Jam/jelly, cream cheese (flavored or regular), cheese, granola, bacon, ham, sausage, whipped cream
Five Basic Breakfasts
Egg Delights: Eggs are one of the easiest breakfast foods for creating interesting breakfast meals for kids. The top kid-favorite egg breakfast meals all take less than five minutes to prepare.
1. Cowboy Eggs: This healthy egg dish for kids requires a few slices of bread (wheat is best) and a couple of eggs. To make Cowboy Eggs, begin by poking a half-dollar sized hole in each slice of bread and pulling out the bread portion. Lightly butter the bread slice, which should now have a “hole” in the middle. Use some non-stick spray on a medium skillet or frying pan and turn the stove on to a medium heat. Place slices of bread on the skillet and break one egg into each “hole” in the bread slices. Let cook until eggs begin to firm, then gently flip over to cook the other side of the bread. Cook for a minute longer and then serve. Kids can poke a hole in the middle to break the yolk part.
2. Super Scramble: Break about 2 eggs per serving into a small mixing bowl and add a dash of milk. Beat eggs with a whisk or fork until bubbles appear and the eggs begin to “fluff.” Turn stove on to a medium heat setting and prepare a medium sized skillet or frying pan with a light coating of non-stick cooking spray. Pour eggs into pan and scramble in the pan as they cook. When almost firm, add some cheese (shredded or small pieces) to the pan and let melt as eggs finish cooking. When eggs are firm, remove from stove and plate.
**Additional ingredients may be added to the egg mixture as desired such as peppers, mushrooms, or ham
Quick Serve Waffles & Pancakes
3. Fruit Topper Waffles & Pancakes: This is one of the quickest breakfast meals to prepare for busy mornings. Frozen waffles or “just add water” pancake mixes can be fancied up with fruit toppings and a dollup of whipped cream. These at home favorites are just like the ones found on the menu at Denny’s.
Breakfasts in a Bowl
4. Oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfast foods for both adults and children. Luckily, Quaker Oats, and many store brands, sell 10 packs of instant oatmeal that take under two minutes to prepare. Instant oatmeal is offered in many different kid-friendly flavors such as Apples and Cinnamon, Cinnamon and Spice, and Maple and Brown Sugar. A double packet of instant oatmeal might be needed for older children, since the packet sizes seem to work best for children under six.
5. Grits have long been a favorite breakfast for many southerners. Instant grits might be frowned upon by some, but they make a great quick breakfast for kids. Single serving packets, as well as cartons of instant grits are sold in most grocery stores. To prepare instant grits, just add the recommended amount of water and microwave or cook on the stove.
6.Dry Cereals: Most cereals sold today have a significant amount of vitamins and minerals packed inside. There are a variety of cereals available that are considered very healthy for children. Adding milk to cereal adds even more health benefits, and most cereals will give kids a sense of fullness and energy to start the day. For added savings, look for grocery sales or generic brands that match a favorite cereal. Avoid offering children only cereals with higher sugar content by providing a variety of cereals for them to choose from.
Add some fruit to cereal for more nutritional value. Corn Flakes or other “flake” cereals go great with fresh strawberries. There are even cereals on the market that have dried fruit right in the cereal now, and this may be a good choice when seasonal fruit is limited in your area.
Really Quick Breakfasts
When time is extremely short, kids can still have a healthy breakfast on the go. Some of the best quick breakfast choices require only a few minutes in the toaster. Pre-made breakfast foods like Pop Tarts often have higher sugar content than a homemade alternative.
7. Bagels: The best bagels are usually found at a New York City deli, but grocery stores also carry a variety of refrigerated or frozen bagels that can be handy on busy mornings. Bagels can be toasted and served with butter, cream cheese, jam, or peanut butter toppings.
8. English Muffins: Another quick breakfast idea is a toasted English Muffin with butter ot jam. English Muffins are lighter than bagels and many younger children have an easier time eating them.
9. Toast: Toast may not be the ideal full breakfast, but a few slices of whole wheat toast can go a long way for kids. Kid-friendly toppings include flavored jams and jellies, peanut butter, and cinnamon and sugar.
