Licensed Preschool Provider’s Ideas for Quick Breakfast
As a parent, you’ll know how hard it can be to get your preschooler to eat healthily. Luckily most licensed preschool providers serve nutritious lunches everyday, but breakfast time can still be a real challenge. Cereal or other quick snacks like doughnuts might seem like the easiest option if you are pressed for time. Yet, this won’t give your preschooler enough energy to get through the day.
Here are a few ideas for quick but nutritious breakfasts that will leave your children happy, healthy and able to achieve their best potential:
On-the-go breakfasts
No matter how rushed you are, it is important that your child still eats breakfast. Granola bars are great for when you’re running late or if your child isn’t hungry before you have to leave. Just make sure that they are low in sugar and try to pack protein-rich foods like yoghurt or nuts as well. Another option is to make traditional breakfasts like scrambled eggs and simply let your child eat in the car. Smoothies are quick to make and very easy to eat on-the-go. To prepare a delicious smoothie, simply blend together a banana, a cup of milk, and a tablespoon of honey and peanut butter. You could also scoop some plain yoghurt into a bowl topped with some nuts, honey, and your child’s favorite fruit.
Make meals in advance
If you have time over weekends, it is a good idea to make and freeze healthy muffins or quiches. Breakfast will be so much easier as you just have to heat them. Zucchini, carrot, and apple muffins are delicious, but there are hundreds of great recipes that are easy to find online. You could also buy frozen muffins, waffles, French toast, or pancakes for busy mornings. However, try to choose whole-wheat options, as they will keep your child fuller for longer. You can also save time by hard-boiling eggs in advance. This is a great way to include protein in your kid’s diet and the eggs should last up to a week if you store them unpeeled.
Other fun breakfast ideas
If you do have some time to make breakfast, there are meals that won’t take longer than 20 minutes to prepare. Breakfast pizzas are really easy to make and they are sure to become a household favorite. Simply top a whole wheat English muffin with some tomato, cheese, and any other toppings and microwave it for 30 seconds. Whole-wheat bagels with low-fat cream cheese and raw veggies are delicious and quick. You could also fill tortillas with eggs, cheese, leftover chicken, or any other protein. These ideas are easy to play around with and you can create many variations.
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, but it doesn’t have to be the most stressful. With these great tips, you can prepare nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Moreover, you can make it fun for your child to eat a healthy breakfast. Whatever you decide to make, try to include foods from each food group (protein, dairy, grains, healthy fats, fruit, and vegetables). It is also important to choose foods that are low in sugar, but rich in fiber and nutrients.
If you want more advice on how to make quick but healthy meals, be sure to contact a nutritionist at your licensed preschool provider. They will gladly show you how to create a diet that promotes your child’s growth and development.