Easy Kid Approved Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Like many parents I have found that my kids eat a big breakfast and smaller lunch and dinner. This made me realize how important it is for me to make sure they are getting not only something to fill their belly but something that packs a nutritional punch. 
I try to make sure that they get a fruit at every breakfast. Protein is also a must. I don't know the science behind it, but if my kids eat protein with breakfast they have better concentration, behavior and more energy (maybe we can do without the last one). 

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a favorite around here. Just be cautioned, if you are buying the pre-made packets you are adding a lot of unnecessary sugar to your kids breakfast.  I like to use regular old fashioned oats.
​For just the kids, I microwave 1.5 servings in our 4 cup measuring cup for 2 minutes. It needs to be a larger container or you will have an oatmeal mess in your microwave.
​After it's done, I put it into their bowls and we add in some yummy stuff. One thing I do try to do is add something with protein. Between the oatmeal and protein, we have a lot more staying power. 
You can also do overnight oats. Add 1 part oats to 2 parts of the liquid of your choice (milk, almond milk, soy milk, yogurt, etc.) Add your mix ins and leave in the fridge overnight. You can eat them cold or zap them in the microwave if you want them hot. 

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Some of our favorite mixes are: 

• Nut butter and frozen berries 
• Vanilla Greek Yogurt with cranberries 
• Mashed banana and chopped pecans (make sure they are chopped small for younger kids) ​

Eggs 

Eggs are a great way to add a lot of protein in a kid friendly way.  We love just simple scrambled eggs, on school mornings we will have scrambled eggs with a side of fruit and whole wheat. It is easy, and not sticky, so it's easy to get out the door quick. 
To keep things from getting boring I add things into our eggs. I instead of turning our eggs into an omelet I just mix what we want into the scramble. This adds something different, while not taking the time to make the perfect omelet, or multiple ones. We often mix in left over veggies from the night before (mushrooms and broccoli seem to be a hit around here. As well as ham, turkey, or cheese. 

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Some other ways we like our eggs are: 

• Eggs in a Basket 
• Quiche - This is a great make ahead meal that is good hot or cold. 
• Omelets 

Yogurt

We love whole milk Greek yogurt around here. We buy it plain and add different things to it. Our son  asks for it on a regular basis. We normally eat it with berries mixed in. We sometimes add a bit of honey or pure maple syrup to sweeten it (but not for the under 1 crowd).  

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Some other ways we like our yogurt are:

• Nut butter and jam 
• Chunky apple sauce and cinnamon 
• Granola (I love the recipe from 100 Days of Real Food) 

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