How to Make Kid-Friendly Breakfasts

by Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

April 12, 2011 • 0 comments

Need help with some make ahead kid-friendly breakfasts? Studies show that kids who eat breakfast learn better, do better on standardized tests, and are less likely to have behavioral problems at school. Yet, a recent study(1) found that nearly 60% of parents admit their children ages 3-17 skip breakfast, with more than half of U.S. moms wishing their child ate a more nutritious breakfast. Here are some nutritiously delicious breakfast ideas that can be prepared the night before so you and your family can be out the door in no time.

No Fuss, No Mess When You Carry in a Cup

No time to cook? No problem. Seneca Farms Oatmeal & Fruit cup is a perfect quick-fix nutritious breakfast for kids and adults who have trouble finding time for breakfast in the morning – it’s quick, healthy and great tasting with no trans fat or cholesterol. No need to add water or milk, just microwave for 45 seconds and eat.

Breakfast sundaes are quick, easy to prepare and travel well. Layer frozen blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries with Greek yogurt and sliced almonds in a clear plastic to-go cup.

A homemade breakfast snack mix is another nutritious choice. Toss together raisins, pistachios, and cinnamon raisin bagel snack chips for a balanced meal in a cup or bag. Pair with a mini jug of low-fat milk.

Think Outside the Breakfast Sandwich

Fresh fruit and cheese kabobs are fun to make and fun to eat. Skewer chunks of fresh strawberries, grapes, and Colby-Jack cheese cubes on skewers or long toothpicks.

Cutie Quiche Cakes are delicious and kids will never know there’s squash in them. Eggs, squash puree, bacon or ham, and whole wheat bread help create these slightly sweet miniature quiches that can be made ahead and even frozen. Make ahead and just zap in the microwave for breakfast. Get more recipes like this from No Whine with Dinner by Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD and Liz Weiss, MS, RD.

If you Must, Grab a Healthier Granola Bar

Reading the label is especially important when choosing energy or granola bars. First look at the first ingredient on the list – it shouldn’t be sugar, brown rice syrup, glucose, or sugar under any other name. Instead look for whole food ingredients such as oats, dried fruit or nuts, which offer other vital nutrients. Look for a bar that contains at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. Brands that meet these guidelines include: Clif Bar Kids, Kashi Chewy Granola Bars, Kashi TLC Crunchy Granola Bars, and Clif Crunch Granola Bar.

(1) The 2011 Children’s Nutrition Survey, conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of Seneca Farms.

Disclosure: At the time this post was written, Michelle worked closely with Seneca Farms and Wonderful Pistachios. She was not compensated for this post.