The alarm goes off, and suddenly you’ve gone from sleeping peacefully to running around the house in a mad dash to get the kiddos ready for school, while getting yourself ready for the day ahead. It’s no wonder that parents often lament that there’s little time for making a healthy, homemade breakfast everyone will love. (Seriously. Who has time for that!?) That’s why it’s always great to find easy, fast and filling breakfast options to fuel your family’s day — like 5-minute pancakes packed with protein or overnight oats, customized to everyone’s taste preferences. Try the kid-friendly breakfast recipes below and upgrade your weekday morning routine!
Protein-Powered Pancakes
This is not your average pancake. This recipe requires no flour, no added sugar and is full of protein to help keep you full and prevent that mid-morning crash. Bonus: they’re delicious!
Ingredients:
*Makes 10-12 medium sized pancakes
2 bananas, mashed
2 cups quick oats
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
4 eggs
2 tsp baking powder
Dash of cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
*Optional: Chocolate chips, berries, sliced apple, coconut, granola, etc. for topping or cocoa powder for a chocolate batter
Directions:
1. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except milk and use hand mixer or blend to thoroughly mix.
2. Add milk and mix well.
2. On a heated, lightly greased griddle or skillet, drop 1 ladle full of batter per pancake. Sprinkle 5-8 chocolate chips on each pancake if desired.
3. When bubbles have stopped filling in on each pancake, flip and cook other side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until batter is gone.
4. Top with more chocolate chips, or with fresh berries, sliced fruit, granola or any other healthy add-on.
Other (Healthy) Kid-Friendly Breakfast Options
During the week, it can be difficult to make time for breakfast, but there are still easy, fast options to choose from that will keep you full and off to a healthy start for the day!
Fruit Smoothie
Smoothies are a great option for a family with different tastes. Start with a base of 1 single serving container Greek yogurt, ½ cup milk and ice. Then add any combination of bananas, strawberries, spinach, blueberries, mango or pineapple and blend! This on-the-go drink is packed with fiber, protein and other important nutrients your body needs to be healthy and keep you satisfied.
Overnight Oats
It may seem like a foodie fad, but there’s a reason so many are obsessed with overnight oats. Busy parents will love that this meal requires no preparation in the morning. Before going to bed, add ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 Tbsp chia seeds, a drizzle of raw honey and fruit of choice to a glass jar or other container. Stir well and let it sit in the fridge overnight; the oats will absorb the liquid to make a cold cereal. By including chia seeds, you are adding healthy fats, protein and fiber and a pleasantly thick texture. Want to customize breakfast for the whole family? Try these flavor combinations:
• Cherry Cordial – top with cherries and chocolate chips
• Tropical Blend – add diced pineapple, shredded coconut
• Carrot Cake – mix in shredded carrot, walnuts and raisins
• Peaches and Cream – top with sliced peaches and granola
• Chunky Monkey – add peanut butter and sliced banana
Trail Mix
An alternative to your typical breakfast, trail mix is full of protein, fiber and healthy fats to keep you energized all morning! What’s more: it’s portable, perfect for those days when the morning rush means eating on the run. To avoid the added sugar and oils found in pre-made mixes, try building your own. Begin with a mix of raw nuts and add dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots or mango. Then mix in oats, granola or another whole-grain cereal for a good source of fiber.
Breakfast Sandwich
This classic handheld breakfast is always a great option. Start with a toasted, whole-grain English muffin and a fried egg, then personalize it with toppings: avocado, cheese, spinach, tomato or turkey bacon. Here, you get fiber benefits from the whole grain bread and any veggies added and protein from the egg. Avocado will give you an added bonus of healthy fats to keep you satisfied until lunchtime.
For more a.m. meal ideas, check out all breakfast recipes.