What are some quick, simple “go to” breakfasts to have on hand? Here are 10 ideas to choose from.
Cereal, milk and fruit.
Choose a low sugar/high fiber cereal such as Shredded Wheat (Post), Fiber One (General Mills) GOLEAN Cereal (Kashi) All-Bran (Kellogg’s). Have these by themselves or mix with another cereal to boost the nutrients. Add low fat/skim/soy or almond mild and top you’re your favorite fruit.
Greek Yogurt Parfait.
Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier and has twice the protein of regular yogurt and has fewer grams of carbohydrates too. Top it with fruit, low fat granola and nuts for extra crunch and an even extra boost of protein.
Smoothie.
Smoothie combinations can be endless depending on your tastes and imagination. Try combining a handful of ice cubes, organic low fat or almond milk, a banana, a packet of vanilla Carnation Instant Breakfast mix and a tablespoon of peanut butter for a delicious peanut butter smoothie. You can alternate with a strawberry banana version using organic low fat milk, a handful of strawberries, half a banana and ice. For a beautifully colored smoothie, try milk, almond milk or low fat yogurt with some quality whey protein powder (made from grass fed cows) and add in a handful of blueberries, raspberries or blackberries. Another option-a creamscicle smoothie. Just add milk or vanilla almond milk with a quality vanilla whey protein powder, add a splash of orange juice and a few ice cubes.
It’s a wrap!
Fill a whole grain tortilla with low fat cheese and apple or pear slices.
Egg-ceptional!
Make hard boiled eggs the night before then peel and refrigerate for the morning. Serve with low fat cheese and whole grain toast. Or, make an egg white omelet and throw in the vegetables you know your family will eat for a low fat, high quality protein breakfast.
Protein bars.
With so many brands to choose from, look for options high in protein and low in carbohydrates and sugar. A few brands to try are Larabar, Zone Perfect, Kashi or Luna.
Waffle sandwich.
Toast 2 whole grain waffles and top with peanut or almond butter and a few slices of banana.
Fruit and cheese.
Choose your favorite fruit, add an ounce of cubed cheese, a piece of string cheese or a wedge of low fat cheese and you’re out the door with a nutrient dense, healthy breakfast that took seconds to prepare.
Steel cut or old-fashioned oatmeal.
Enjoy a serving of oatmeal and add chopped almonds or walnuts and sprinkle with cinnamon. You can also sprinkle in a teaspoon of flaxseed for an additional health boost.
Whole Grain/low sugar muffin.
Add a glass of almond or organic low fat milk. Look for muffins where sugar isn’t one of the first three ingredients. Have with low fat milk or Greek yogurt.
Want to get breakfast made even quicker? Print this article and leave it in your kitchen. Simply choose one each day of the school week and move down the list for a variety of quick, healthy and simple options the whole family will love.
