Healthy Breakfast Food Options to Feed Your Kids

Even though breakfast is widely believed to be the most important meal of the day, there are plenty of people who will argue its validity. However, when your children are growing and developing, breakfast really is one of the most important meals. Think of food as the fuel that gives them energy to be productive throughout the day. If they have nothing in their system, that's a quick way to become faint, malnourished and more. Instead of choosing cereals that are filled with artificial ingredients, consider the following healthy breakfast food options to feed your kids.

1. Green Smoothie

A delicious green smoothie tends to be a major hit with children because you can stuff a ton of greens into the mix without sacrificing the taste. Depending on the type of green vegetable you use, your children won’t even know. A great combination involves spinach, bananas and other fruit like mangos, berries or pineapple. For additional fiber, add flaxseed meal or chia seeds. A nutrient-dense green smoothie can easily keep a child full until their first snack or lunchtime.

2. Sweet Potato Hash

Since sweet potatoes are so rich in nutrients, replace them with regular potatoes in the form of hash browns. Once you've chopped up the sweet potatoes, saute them in a frying pan or bake them in the oven. Eat them as a side to scrambled eggs or breakfast meat.

3. Toast Variations

For a classic breakfast, many people love to combine a piece of toast with scrambled eggs and sausage. However, modernize the toast combinations. Many people love the taste of avocado toast. By mashing up some ripe avocados, add a fried egg and some seasonings. You can also add other toppings such as tomato pesto, grated cheese or arugula. If you have a child who has more of a sweet tooth, they might love peanut butter or nutella on toast. On top of the spread of choice, add banana slices.

4. Acai Bowl

An acai bowl is a lot like a smoothie except it's in a bowl. Acai berries have tons of nutritional benefits. You can also make them pretty by adding toppings like chia seeds, pecans and coconut flakes. To have some fun with the smoothie bowls, you can prepare fruit toppings that your children can add on their own.

5. Egg Frittata

Pull out your muffin pans. Coat them in non-stick cooking spray. In a bowl, combine a number of eggs, seasonings and vegetables. Peppers, onions and spinach are great choices. Add your choice of cheese. It's also okay to add meat like turkey bacon. Once you've combined the ingredients, pour them into each muffin pan. They only require a few minutes in the oven. Allow your children to enjoy these frittatas along with a piece of whole wheat toast.

6. Pancakes/Waffles

Pancakes and waffles are staples within the breakfast menus everywhere. However, most options are filled with white flour. White flour isn’t the most nutritious option to use. Instead, expand the palettes of your children while providing a delicious option by making the best muesli pancakes or waffles. These pancakes will have a high amount of nutrients while still having a great taste. If you use high-quality mixtures, you don’t have to use a lot of syrup to sweeten the pancakes. Top the pancakes or waffles with homemade fruit compote mixtures. This will allow you to control the sugar content as your children continue to enjoy a classically beloved meal.

7. Oatmeal

Instead of using instant oatmeal, consider some different options like overnight oats. Overnight oats are convenient because they're easy to assemble, healthy and don't require a ton of work in the morning. In a mason jar, add steel-cut oatmeal, almond milk or another dairy-free milk of your choice and fruit. Fruit toppings like berries, peaches or bananas typically work well in oatmeal. Add a sprinkle of seasonings such as cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor. Once these ingredients are combined in a mason jar, cover the lid and let them sit overnight. The following morning, your children can enjoy them cold or hot.

The earlier you start this process, the better off your children will be. If they don't already have the taste buds for healthier meals, it might take some transitioning time before they get used to certain flavors and textures. However, their taste buds will adapt. Most important, their bodies will benefit from the nutrients you're providing at the start of each day.