Healthy Eating and Children - Breakfast Ideas

More than ever, the link between mood, healthy eating and children are being investigated. Healthy nutrients are known to prevent disease, increase energy and boost brain power. However, getting children to adhere to a healthy eating schedule is another matter!

Without a powerful breakfast, children can be listless and subsequently, a morning spent at school can be a wash out. Protein in the morning gives your child (and you) a wake up call. The amino acids in protein provide a brain boost as they help manufacture the necessary neurotransmitters needed for mental clarity. Carbohydrates by themselves can be too calming. Your child could be yawning by 10:30 a.m. with a breakfast of only toast and jam, or a waffle and syrup.

Online Nutritionist Gives Breakfast Ideas:

1 or 2 eggs, 1 slice of whole grain toast, a little butter or almond butter, and ½ cup of berries

Vegetable omelette and a slice of whole grain toast or scoop of brown rice

½ - ¾ cups cooked oatmeal mixed with 2 tbsp. of rice or whey protein powder, milk or yogurt. Sprinkle on almonds or pumpkin or sunflower seeds

Turkey breakfast sausage (organic) with 1 egg and whole grain toast and a little butter.

A slice of mozzarella or havarti cheese on a slice of whole grain toast. Include a small piece of fruit or berries.

Brown rice with beans, add melted cheese

Home made muffin or one from a health food store - (whole grains, low sugar). Add a handful of almonds or pumpkin seeds or a slice of cheese.

Bowl of cereal with milk, soy milk, or almond milk. Cereal - no or low sugar; choose grains other than wheat for a healthy change. Add berries and sunflower seeds or almonds.

½ - 1 cup of cottage cheese - ½ - a whole small banana or other fruit and a if still hungry, add a slice of whole grain toast with butter.

For nutrition health benefits that include enhanced brain power, relaxation and a happier mood, try these simple, tasty, yet powerful breakfasts for your children (or yourself!).