Back to School Series... Breakfast

Breakfast this week will be exceptionally hurried... out with the old and in with the new routine but on a major time crunch! A hearty breakfast will energize the youngsters to last through the busy school morning until lunchtime. Although I admit, I tend to gravitate towards low-sugar boxed cereals as they are convenient and fast to eat and quickly gets the kids out the door, I realize as they are getting older, they really need more! The focus on protein, fibre and fruit will be a more satisfying and nutritious morning meal that is not just pushed  until weekends when there`s more time. Preparing the night before or giving myself that extra ten minutes in the morning will make the difference between offering a quick pick-me-upper or a breakfast of champions!

My family loves oatmeal-  quick oats that take ten minutes to cook up and I had the kids on it when they started eating solids. Don`t do instant packs as they are chock-full of sugars, salt and artificial colouring! Oats are one of the healthiest grains you can choose-  high in fibre, which can reduce bad cholesterol and help you stay full longer. They also enhance the body’s immune response and stabilize blood sugar, and it`s gluten free.

Cook quick oats according to package instructions. I always add half water and half milk for the required amount of liquid.  There are two ways I typically do it... After it`s ready I portion the oatmeal in bowls, add a little brown sugar or good real maple syrup (not pancake syrup guys!) and top it with raisins and chopped apples. Sometimes I add chopped toasted almonds or walnuts and a tsp. of ground flax seeds. A sprinkle of healthy cinnamon makes it that more appetizing!

The second way, is adding a beaten egg(s) to the cooked oatmeal by pouring it in a slow swirly stream when it just finishes cooking. Leave it on the hot stove and cover with lid for a few minutes. Give it a nice stir to make sure the egg(s) are cooked before serving. A little brown sugar on top or maple syrup sweetens it and makes the bowl really comforting and tasty!

Smoothies are awesome! A banana, some strawberries, yogurt, milk and a Tbsp. of heart-healthy seeds such as chia, hemp or ground flax is a great quick-to-make breakfast bevy! Add whatever fruits you enjoy- I also like to add chopped apples and/or pear! Oat and hemp milks are good for lactose-intolerant or dairy-free kids. Or use soy or almond milks as a nice flavourful protein milk alternative.

My family especially loves the combination of banana and blueberries and I always make sure to serve them with a side of sautéed fruit, all smothered in maple syrup, from Quebec of course! This recipe yields the fluffiest pancakes ever! Make extras for Sunday brunch and have leftovers for a quick yummy breakfast Monday morning!

Best Ever Banana Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

These two delicious loaf breads can be made the day before to easily serve up a slice with a cup of milk the next morning! This zucchini bread sneaks in healthy goodness from zucchini, carrots, whole wheat flour, flax seeds and Greek yogurt as well as yummy kid-approved flavours such as dried cranberries, raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg.

The intoxicating sweet aroma of freshly baked banana bread... need I say more? This recipe in particular yields the most gorgeous bread- deep rustic brown crust, super moist, full of rich banana flavour and not greasy. I especially love the copious brown banana flecks lacing throughout the bread- so beautiful and appetizing!

Some other quick and nutritious breakfast ideas could include:

- hard-boiled egg and wholemeal toast
- scrambled eggs on whole wheat toast
- a whole wheat tortilla covered in nut butter and wrapped around a banana
- a wholemeal toast with peanut/almond butter and fresh fruit on the side
- whole wheat bagel with a slice of cheese
- homemade granola mix with rolled oats, dried fruit, nuts and seeds
- whole grain English muffin with low-fat cream cheese and strawberries
- Greek yogurt and fresh fruit topping sprinkled with ground flax seeds or hemp seeds and maple syrup
- muesli with milk or yogurt
- homemade blueberry banana or carrot raisin bran muffins

Breakfast was the third instalment to the back to school series with my collection of family-favourite meal mains and simple sides. The next week I will continue to answer that question which will be on your mind... What's For Dinner?