Did you know that September is National Better Breakfast Month? Neither did I, until I started my annual search for healthier breakfasts for my kids.

It’s appropriate to recognize National Better Breakfast Month at the start of the school year when parents like me are scrambling to find healthy food options for the kids. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 

And the connection between a good breakfast and academic performance can’t be overlooked.

  • Students who skip breakfast are not as alert or attentive and have lower processing and problem solving abilities than classmates who eat breakfast.
     
  • Not eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products is associated with lower grades.

Furthermore, who isn’t familiar with the obesity problem in the United States? A study showed that when the diets of adults were examined, more breakfast eaters tended to have a BMI (Body Mass Index) under 25. Adult eating habits are formed in childhood, which is why I’m searching for healthy alternatives to sugary breakfast cereals and frozen waffles.

What Makes Up a Healthy Breakfast?

Think variety and nutrition. Dairy or meat/meat alternative foods, fruits or vegetables, and whole grains are good options for the first meal that starts the day. There are lots to choose from. Check out this list of breakfast selections and pick a combination that gives your kids a great start to their day.

1. Nut Butters

Put natural peanut butter on whole grain toast or a bagel. Substitute spreads like soy, sunflower, and almond butter are also great sources of protein.

2. Fruit

Cut up fruit on Sunday night so kids can quickly grab them throughout the weekday mornings.

3. Yogurt

This is a great source of protein and calcium. Just be cautious of those with a high sugar count.

4. Eggs

Hard boil some eggs at the beginning of the week for a fast grab-and-go option.

5. Granola

You can find lots of homemade granola recipes that are easy to make and eliminate a lot of the sugars and processed foods.

6. Smoothies

Smoothies are easy to make, and easy to consume. Add some yogurt or peanut butter for a protein boost. Mix and match ingredients to find a favorite flavor combination.

7. Homemade Trail Mix

Dried fruits plus nuts makes a healthy meal for the hike or the breakfast table.

8. Oatmeal

It’s a hearty, healthy breakfast that keeps kids’ bellies full until lunchtime. Add-ins like brown sugar and fruits give it a sweet flavor.

9. Juice

Look for ones low in sugar.

I’m still going to swing by the frozen breakfast aisle to pick up that box of waffles, but my goal is to diligently get my kids to see them as a weekly breakfast bonus treat instead of a daily breakfast item. Wish me luck.

Share with us some better breakfast recipes that your kids are enjoying.