I often get into a breakfast rut, but oddly enough I resort to breakfast when I’m in a dinner rut. Makes perfect sense, right?
I got some pretty good tips and tricks while participating in the Kellogg chat on The Motherhood last week. Did you know that breakfast should provide approximately 20% of your daily energy and nutrient needs? I also learned about the ever changing Dietary Guidelines. It should come as no shock that this year the Guidelines focus on obesity, poor diet, and limited physical activity and the association each of these has with chronic disease in this country. If you’ve ever stepped foot in a doctor’s office or waited in line at SeaWorld you’d see how true this is. Americans are full of sugar but missing out on some key nutrients like dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and potassium. A banana sliced into a bowl of whole grain cereal with low fat milk would be an easy antidote and super simple breakfast! Note that my breakfast for dinner (aka “brinner” in our house), involves a hot meal. I’m not a cereal for dinner kind of girl.
I got great ideas to help me squelch the breakfast rut. I’d love to hear your tips and tricks too. With two Starvin’ Marvin boys at the stroke of 8:00, I have little time to dally to get some grub on the table. And I just can’t succumb to the toaster treats or drive thru at Krispy Kreme, regardless how much my sweet tooth begs.
Some Breakfast Tips:
I always add dried fruit, walnuts/almonds, and flax seed to my cereal. I don’t weigh or measure anything, but I do make sure the dried fruit doesn’t have added sugar.
Fresh fruit + Cereal = No Brainer
Whole grain waffles, fruit, and turkey sausage make a school day breakfast seem like a weekend meal.
Try some Greek yogurt on waffles instead of syrup.
I like to sprinkle some granola on toaster waffles with a healthy pile of berries and a dollop of vanilla yogurt.
Peanut butter and jelly. It’s not just for lunch anymore.
Mix fruit, dry cereal, and yogurt for a breakfast parfait.
Ham or turkey rolled up with some cheese, toast, and fruit starts your day off with a full, happy belly.
Make a quiche the night before and serve a slice for breakfast. It’s tasty hot or cold. Try this one made with Corn Pops! Seriously. http://onceamonthmom.com/corn-pops-quiche-recipe/
So what’s your favorite mad morning rush breakfast?
Resources:
Kellogg “Fiber Tracker” www.KelloggsNutrition.com
Recipe ideas from Kellogg: http://www2.kelloggs.com/RecipeLanding.aspx
Meal plans from Kellogg: http://loveyourcereal.com/FiberAndWholegrain.aspx
Disclosure: I was compensated by Kellogg and TheMotherhood for my time to participate on the live chat. All opinions are my own.
i guess my italian breakfast (espresso) isn’t cutting it . but seriously ( and I have a hard time stomaching breakfast) I have now have now found granola from the local co op I really like and eat it with (good and healthy) strawberry yogurt. Kids go crazy for kiwifruit and cereal. often a cheesestick on the way out the door as well.