“Study after study shows that kids who eat breakfast function better … do better in school, and have better concentration and more energy.”* That’s reason enough to not only stop skipping breakfast, but to be sure we’re starting our day off right with something wholesome enough to properly fuel our bodies! I’ve got three quick and simple ways to do just that even for those busy weekday mornings when you’re flying out the door…
On-the-go Breakfast Ideas
- Homemade Waffles
Did you know that homemade whole-wheat waffles freeze beautifully? Simply make a double batch for breakfast on the weekend and freeze the leftovers between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-proof bag. Then on busy weekday mornings you can either reheat in the microwave or just eat them frozen right out of the bag (and on the way to school if you’re having one of those kinds of days!). -
Overnight Oats
This make-ahead breakfast is so nice to have on hand – and I speak from experience! I’m honestly not a big oatmeal person myself, but my 6th grader is and she’ll scarf these down like there is no tomorrow. Another one that can easily be eaten in the car on the way to school. :) (This recipe is one of the few “blog favorites” you’ll find in my new Fast & Fabulous cookbook!) -
My Favorite Green Smoothie (recipe below)
While this one can be thrown together in no time it can also be made the day before. The bananas will change color slightly, but amongst all the brightly colored fruits and veggies the difference is minimal. You can also freeze smoothies farther in advance (with no color change at all) just like you would a popsicle!
I also had the chance to share these ideas on the Charlotte Today show this morning. You can check out the segment here if you’d like!
My Favorite Green Smoothie
Ingredients
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 bananas, the riper the better (sweeter)
- 3 cups frozen fruit, in chunks (mix of mango, pineapple and peaches)
- 1 cup coconut water, could sub plain water
Instructions
-
Combine all ingredients together in a blender and puree until smooth. Serve within 24 hours or freeze for later.
Recipe Notes
We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
*According to Marcie Beth Schneider, M.D., FAAP on HealthyChildren.org
Japanese Meatball & Ramen Noodle Bowls (courtesy of Blue Apron)
Looks delicious and healthy. Love smoothies for breakfast or as a meal replacement.
I would add 6 or 7 eggs to this, and fullfat milk or yogurt/kefir instead of water — for PROTEIN and much needed fat to keep their brains working all morning. No midmorning slump. You could also have an oz of cheese to munch with it for calcium.
Please feed ur kids adequate PROTEIN for every breakfast!
Baby greens are great subs for spinach, with a mild taste. Or dandelion greens, beet greens–both mild.
Ty, that was very smart!!! I was wondering how to make it more filling without the fat!
Fat is good for you. Fat keeps you full. Fat makes your brain work. Children especially, n.e.e.d. fat.
Got Fat? ;)
I don’t really like smoothies before, but when you prepare it like this, it can really change your mind
Me too! This is a game changer :)
Do you have any recommendations of what can be used instead of the two bananas? Unfortunately, my kids just don’t like the taste.
Frozen pineapple seems to work well for us to gain the same consistency. Cutting the sweetness with whole fat milk, cream, or something similar works if needed.
avocado works well too
At first I thought its only a regular recipe. But it changed my mind after i try this delicious recipe. Not only delicious, It’s really a healthy green smoothie. I drinks it on breakfast last 1 week and incredibly i lose almost one and half of my body weight.