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Quick and Healthy Homemade Breakfast Ideas for Busy School Days

Nothing says “I love you” like a delicious, nutritious homemade breakfast to start your child’s day off right, but mornings can be super hectic making “homemade” the last thing on parents’ minds. These make- ahead and/or super quick breakfast ideas combine ease and nutrition so you can all start the day right.  Some are made or prepped the night before, others the weekend before. If your student likes to cook, involve them in the prep for some quality bonus time together.

Make ahead breakfast burritos

Make your own breakfast burritos when you have time (like the weekends!), wrap them in tin foil and freeze them for up to 3 months. Fill your burritos with your favorite healthy combination of scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, breakfast sausages or bacon, chopped veggies and cheese. On busy mornings, simply remove the tin foil, defrost and heat them in the microwave. You can even eat them on the run-no utensils required!

5 minute avocado toast

Avocados are currently enjoying enormous popularity due to their reputation as a “superfood.”1 They are a good source of protein, Vitamin C, Folate, Vitamin K, Vitamin B and healthy fats2, and they are super easy to prepare. To make avocado toast, choose a healthy, whole grain crusty bread or English muffin and pop in the toaster. While toasting, peel and slice the avocado into a bowl.   Add some salt, pepper and lime juice and roughly mash. Simply spread the mixture onto the toast, and you have a delicious and healthy breakfast you can take on the go. If you have a little extra time and are feeling inspired, add extra toppings like eggs and cheese.

Baked breakfast cups

On days when you have more time, pour your favorite breakfast ingredients into muffin pans and bake to create breakfast cups that you can freeze for up to six weeks. They are easy to re-heat in the microwave, and you can turn them into sandwiches for easy, on-the-go meals. Make up your own creation, or check out this recipe from A Mind”full” Mom for more inspiration.

Overnight oatmeal

Oats are among the healthiest foods a person can eat, helping your growing child feel fuller longer,  while providing important vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, protein and fiber. 3 While instant oatmeal packages are fast, they can be loaded with sugar, sodium and preservatives. A great alternative is to make your oats the night before, store them in the fridge, and they’re ready to eat in the morning. Check out this video from Quaker Oats for some great overnight oatmeal recipe ideas.

Smoothies

Smoothies are best prepared the morning of, but as long as you’ve prepped with all the right ingredients, all you have to do is throw them in the blender, transfer to a “to-go” cup, and hand them to your student as they walk out the door. The key is to maximize the natural flavors of the fruit and not go overboard with added sugar. Ingredients to have on hand are frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, nut butters, leafy greens and almond milk.  Check out this healthy smoothie recipe from Cooking Light.

Breakfast breads

Pump up the nutrition in classic favorites like banana bread and zucchini bread by experimenting with different flours and powerhouse add-ins, like walnuts. Breads can be stored in plastic for up to four days, or sliced and frozen for up to three months. For healthy recipe ideas, visit wholeliving.com.

 

References:
1 Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Dreher ML, Davenport AJ. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2013;53(7):738-50. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2011.556759. Review. PMID:23638933
2 “Avocados, Raw, All Commercial Varieties Nutrition Facts & Calories.” Nutrition Data Know What You Eat., nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1843/2.
3 “9 Health Benefits of Eating Oats and Oatmeal.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-oats-oatmeal#section12.