Easy & Healthy Breakfasts on School Days

Balanced breakfasts help improve functionality, energy levels, and concentration. Since most breakfasts are loaded with sugar and lacking in protein, your child may see some drastic results with a better breakfast.

Fruit and veggie smoothies: Quick to drink! Mix with nut or seed butters for protein, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese if tolerated, or even protein powder.

Overnight oats made with uncooked oatmeal, a little bit of milk and yogurt (dairy free, if needed). You can add other ingredients such as chopped or shredded fruits, peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter if nut allergies are present), chia seeds, hemp hearts, and coconut flakes to your overnight oats.

Homemade granola bars can even be made the night before and they can provide enough to last the whole week!

One breakfast recipe I love to make is banana pancakes that are made using one ripe banana and one egg. Two ingredients-that's it! Mash the banana into the bowl then mix in the egg until combined. Heat the pan with a little no stick spray then cook the batter just like you would a regular pancake. I like to eat mine with a little bit of peanut butter spread on top!

Bonus Tip: Mind the juice! Aim for the whole fruit instead, which will prevent drastic spikes in blood sugar. Start by offering less juice and begin to dilute each cup with 1 tablespoon of water gradually each week.

Marina Bedrossian is a Northport, NY dietitian nutritionist who helps people with holistic nutrition solutions and food sensitivities. Visit this page to schedule an appointment and don’t forget to join the private Facebook group “Ingredients For Healthy Families” more information here.