Quick & Easy Back-to-School Breakfasts

As the new school year approaches, mornings can become a whirlwind of activity. Ensuring your kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast can be a challenge, especially when their food preferences seem to change daily. Having a few go-to breakfast options that are both quick and balanced can make all the difference in maintaining their energy and focus throughout the morning.

Understanding Your Kids’ Preferences

It’s important to recognize that kids can be unpredictable with their food choices. One day they might love scrambled eggs, and the next day they can’t stand the sight of them. To navigate this, try to keep a variety of breakfast staples on hand. This way, you can easily switch up their meals while ensuring they get the nutrients they need.

The Breakfast Structure: Protein, Complex Carbs, and Healthy Fats

A balanced breakfast should include a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This combination helps stabilize blood sugar levels, providing a steady stream of energy and helping kids stay focused until lunchtime.

Protein: Essential for growth and repair, protein also helps keep kids feeling full longer. Great sources include eggs, Greek yogurt, nut butters, and lean meats.
Complex Carbs: These provide sustained energy. Opt for options like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. For example, overnight oats made with rolled oats are a better choice than instant oatmeal because they digest more slowly, helping to avoid mid-morning energy crashes.
Healthy Fats: Necessary for brain development and overall health, healthy fats can be found in foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and certain oils.

Balancing Blood Sugar with Slow-Digesting Carbs

Keeping blood sugar levels stable is key to maintaining your child’s energy and attention throughout the morning. Slow-digesting carbs, like those found in whole grains and certain fruits, help prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.

Healthy Staples to Keep on Hand

Stocking your kitchen with healthy staples can make preparing quick and nutritious breakfasts much easier. Here are some essentials:

Whole Grain Breads: Opt for brands like Dave’s Killer Bread, which are packed with fiber and nutrients without pesticides.
Organic and Natural Nut or Seed Butters: Choose those with no added sugars or oils. Look for brands that only have 1-2 ingredients: the nuts/seeds and maybe salt.
Organic Rolled Oats: Brands like One Degree Foods offer organic rolled oats, which are perfect for slow-digesting carbs. These oats are also certified gluten-free and glyphosate-free.
Organic Berries: Keep a variety of fresh or frozen berries on hand. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Pasture-Raised Eggs: These eggs are higher in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients compared to conventional eggs.
Greek Yogurt: A great source of protein and probiotics. Opts for organic, plain Greek yogurt to avoid a ton of added sugar.
Chia Seeds: High in fiber and omega-3s, they can be easily added to many dishes.
Avocados: Packed with healthy fats and versatile for many recipes.
Fresh Fruits: Bananas, apples, and other fruits provide natural sweetness and essential vitamins. Opt for organic for anything that doesn’t have an inedible peel or consult the EWG’s dirty dozen.
Protein Powder: If your kids won’t eat eggs or any other type of typical protein, adding protein powder to smoothies or overnight oatmeal is a great way to add some flavor and pack in the protein.

Mix and Match Breakfast Ideas

Here are some mix-and-match ideas using the healthy staples outlined above:

Avocado Toast Variations

Classic Avocado Toast: Whole grain bread (complex carbs) + mashed avocado (healthy fats) + Greek yogurt on the side (protein).
Protein Boost Avocado Toast: Whole grain bread (complex carbs) + mashed avocado (healthy fats) + scrambled or fried egg (protein).
Nutty Avocado Toast: Whole grain bread (complex carbs) + mashed avocado (healthy fats) + sprinkle of chia seeds (protein) + drizzle of nut butter (healthy fats).

Overnight Oats Combinations

Berry Delight Overnight Oats: Rolled oats (complex carbs) + dairy or nut milk (protein) + Greek yogurt (protein) or protein powder + chia seeds (healthy fats) + mixed berries (complex carbs).
Banana Nut Overnight Oats: Rolled oats (complex carbs) + dairy or nut milk (protein) + Greek yogurt (protein) or protein powder + chia seeds (healthy fats) + sliced banana (complex carbs) + chopped nuts (healthy fats).
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats: Rolled oats (complex carbs) + dairy or nut milk (protein) + Greek yogurt (protein) or protein powder + chia seeds (healthy fats) + diced apple (complex carbs) + sprinkle of cinnamon.

Smoothie Mixes

Green Power Smoothie: Spinach (complex carbs) + banana (complex carbs) + Greek yogurt (protein) or protein powder + almond butter (healthy fats) + dairy or nut milk (protein).
Berry Banana Smoothie: Mixed berries (complex carbs) + banana (complex carbs) + Greek yogurt (protein) or protein powder + chia seeds (healthy fats) + dairy or nut milk (protein).
Tropical Smoothie: Spinach (complex carbs) + banana (complex carbs) + Greek yogurt (protein) or protein powder + dairy or nut milk (protein) + a few chunks of pineapple or mango (complex carbs).

Greek Yogurt Bowls

Berry Yogurt Bowl: Greek yogurt (protein) + mixed berries (complex carbs) + chia seeds (healthy fats) + drizzle of honey (optional, for sweetness).
Nut Butter Yogurt Bowl: Greek yogurt (protein) + sliced banana (complex carbs) + spoonful of nut butter (healthy fats).
Apple Cinnamon Yogurt Bowl: Greek yogurt (protein) + diced apple (complex carbs) + sprinkle of cinnamon + chopped nuts (healthy fats).

Egg and Toast Combos

Simple Egg and Toast: Whole grain bread (complex carbs) + scrambled or fried egg (protein) + a side of avocado slices (healthy fats).
Egg and Nut Butter Toast: Whole grain bread (complex carbs) + scrambled egg (protein) + a light spread of nut butter (healthy fats).
Egg and Berry Toast: Whole grain bread (complex carbs) + scrambled egg (protein) + a side of fresh berries (complex carbs).

Quick Oatmeal Ideas

Classic Oatmeal: Cooked rolled oats (complex carbs) + dairy or nut milk (protein) + mixed berries (complex carbs) + chia seeds (healthy fats).
Banana Nut Oatmeal: Cooked rolled oats (complex carbs) + dairy or nut milk (protein) + sliced banana (complex carbs) + chopped nuts (healthy fats).
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: Cooked rolled oats (complex carbs) + dairy or nut milk (protein) + diced apple (complex carbs) + sprinkle of cinnamon + almond butter (healthy fats).

What’s your go-to quick and easy school breakfast? Let us know in the comments!