Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It fuels your mind and body and has a huge impact on how you feel, so making healthy breakfast choices is very important.
However, doing this isn’t always easy when you have a family to feed. Maybe there’s a picky eater, maybe there are food allergies to account for, or maybe you’re just in a rut. Whatever your situation, doing this is easier than you might think. Here are five ideas for using everyday meal staples to make family-friendly, nutritious and delicious breakfasts.
1. Oatmeal
When you think about oatmeal, chances are you’re envisioning a bowlful of warm, stick-to-your-ribs cereal. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s well worth exploring different ways to prepare it.
Whip up a batch of homemade granola or baked oatmeal for easy, healthy and tasty grab-and-go options. Pair your breakfast with a mug full of quality tea from your Irish tea box, and the morning will be well on the way to a great start.
Prepare a plain batch of oatmeal and set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize it to their liking. Dried or fresh fruit, nut butter, sweetener, toasted nuts or seeds, spices and even savory items will take plain cereal to a great breakfast in no time.
2. Eggs
Not only are eggs a popular breakfast choice, they’re also easy to prepare as well. This makes them a no-brainer for the breakfast lineup. Similar to oats, there are countless options for ways to serve them.
Breakfast casseroles are a great way to ensure you have breakfast on hand for a few days. They’re delicious, filling and can be very healthy. It’s important to be mindful of its ingredients. Think low-fat milk and cheeses, plenty of vegetables and lean or plant-based proteins.
For the mornings you have more time, an omelet station would be a fun way to get everyone involved in breakfast prep. Try traditional recipes along with newer versions featuring ingredients such as spicy black beans or sweet potatoes.
3. Yogurt
Have you ever noticed how popular yogurt is? It’s more than just good for you. It plays well with both sweet and savory foods, making it a must-have food.
Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to incorporate yogurt into your breakfasts. They can be packed full of healthy fats and protein, a cold and refreshing treat that’s low in fat and calories, or they can be somewhere in between. If you have little kids, add in as many fruits, vegetables and healthy fats as you can to ensure they’re getting all they need to stay healthy and satiated.
You can also try frozen yogurt bites, which can make breakfast feel more like a treat. Topping a toaster waffle with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a few fresh berries makes for a perfectly balanced meal, and fruit and yogurt parfaits are always a winner (with your homemade granola, of course).
It’s worth noting that not all yogurt is the same. Knowing what to look for in a good yogurt will ensure you’re making the best choice for your family.
4. Baked Goods
Is there anything more traditional than the bakery-style muffin or a steaming stack of pancakes? While they are delicious, they typically aren’t the healthiest option. And when you’re feeding your family, what you want is breakfasts you can feel good about serving on repeat.
The good news? You can still enjoy your favorite baked goods but prepare them in healthier ways, and chances are your family won’t even notice.
5. Vegetables
Do you eat vegetables at breakfast? If not, now’s a great time to make the change. While you might not think to include them, there are countless tasty ways to go about it. As a bonus, there’s no sugar crash to worry about afterward.
Try a tasty beet and potato hash under fried eggs or mixed with quinoa for a savory and satiating start to your day or toss a few handfuls of spinach into your favorite smoothie.
There are so many ways you can nourish your whole family each morning and there is something for everyone. Now the only question is, what will you make your family for breakfast tomorrow?
