Tweens Need a Balanced Breakfast
A Head Start with the Most Important Meal of the Day
You have probably heard many times before that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is so true when you are talking about kids, too. Your tween needs a good balanced breakfast each morning to help fuel the day. If you are struggling to get past the sugar-laden breakfast cereals and toaster pastries, then consider these quick and healthy breakfast alternatives.
Breakfast Pizza
What kid wouldn’t love to have pizza for breakfast? You can let your child indulge and know that he is getting the nutrition he needs. You can even make this in advance and freeze individual slices to heat up in the morning. Start off by making a pizza crust from a mix (or use your bread machine or buy one already ready). Top with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon crumbles, and low-fat cheese. If you have a veggie eater, you can consider making a pizza with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted. You now have a tasty and nutritious breakfast.
Yogurt Parfait
Kids generally like yogurt, especially with all the different flavor varieties available. Use vanilla yogurt and make a layered parfait. Spoon the yogurt in a bowl or cup, layer with granola and fruit slices. This is a great breakfast for you and your kids, and you can make it the night before if you are facing a busy morning. You can even buy low-fat yogurt if you prefer.
Whole Grain French Toast
Whole grain French toast is a snap to make and healthy, too. Once again, you can make this ahead of time and freeze. Use your favorite whole grain bread and dip into a mixture of egg, skim milk, and vanilla. Coat a pan with cooking spray and cook until the bread is crunchy. Top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and strawberry slices.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Whole wheat bagel sandwiches are tasty and easy to make. Simply cut the bagel in half and toast. Add lean ham and low fat cheese for a quick and healthy sandwich. You can also add eggs, if you desire. An alternative for this bagel sandwich is to spread on some low-fat cream cheese and add strawberry slices for a nice change. You can also do the same thing with a whole wheat English muffin. Peanut butter and banana slices go great on a toasted English muffin, too. Another great idea is to use frozen whole grain waffles and create a yummy sandwich.
Homemade Baked Goods
As you know, muffins and quick bread slices for breakfast is easy to serve, but the kinds that you buy at the store are loaded with refined sugar and flour. Make your very own by using whole wheat and replacing the sugar with honey or part applesauce. Find your favorite recipe, such as banana bread and see what you can do to make it healthier for your tween.
Serving a balanced breakfast is important to you. Having a variety is important to your tween. When you break away from the traditional cereals and toaster pastries, you will feel good about what your tween eats, and he will appreciate the change. It's a win-win situation.
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