When trying to help your family eat healthier, like anything else in life, the best place to start is at the beginning. The first meal of the day is also the most important because without it our bodies aren’t fueled and ready for what the day may bring.
By starting out healthy you’re paving the way for more healthy meals throughout the day as well. Even if you, or your other family members, are prone to grab a high calorie snack or fast food style lunch, you’ll be one step ahead by eating a healthy breakfast. Just remember, skipping breakfast is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Instead of omitting breakfast or filling up on sugary foods each morning, try some of these ideas for a healthy breakfast menu in your household each and every day of the week.
1. Oatmeal – Especially Steel Cut Oatmeal – There’s nothing quite like a piping hot bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter day to get you started on the right foot.
2. Smoothies – Blend your favorite fruits with protein powder, oatmeal, a bit of low-fat milk or yogurt, and drink your breakfast in the car or on the bus. The possibilities are endless as far as flavors go. You can even add some of your favorite vegetables to help get in the recommended 5 servings per day.
3. Non-Fat Yogurt – With fruit or without fruit, yogurt is a great addition to just about any breakfast. It’s full of calcium and fat free yogurt can actually work as a substitute for higher fat content foods such as mayo and cream cheese.
4. Fresh Fruit – Mix it up in a salad. Cut it up in your cereal, or eat your favorite kind by itself. Fruit is great no matter how you eat it. For those who like cottage cheese, mixing it with your favorite fruit is a great breakfast option that doesn’t take forever to prepare.
5. Cold Cereals – Whole grain cereals are what you want here like those by Kashi. Skip the sugary coated kid cereals. The benefits include a healthier heart and decreased risk for diabetes, among many others.
6. Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Toast – Peanut butter is a great source of protein and the whole wheat is a healthier option than white toast. Most kids love peanut butter and will jump at the chance to eat it for breakfast instead of with jelly for lunch.
7. Omelets or Scrambled Eggs – Eggs are a great source of protein and mixing them with your favorite veggies or peppers give them a boost compared to just eating them plain or worse, frying them. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese for added appeal to little ones.
8. Granola – Granola is a great source of fiber and other essential vitamins. Be careful though some granola can be very high in fat. Eat in moderation and you’ll be just fine. You may also make your own. See a recipe for granola here.
Start your family out right each and every morning with a healthy breakfast. It’s the most important, but it can also be the healthiest without a lot of hassle or time. Enjoy the variety that the options above, along with others give you.