Easy Morning Fixes for the Time-Pressed Mama

This is the second week of school for my little man and I have to admit that while I was worried it would be hard to get back into the school routine, it hasn’t been that difficult. Since my son started riding the bus this year, we even have to get up thirty minutes earlier…and that’s only giving us thirty minutes for him to get dressed, eat and brush his teeth before the bus arrives! I’m a “sleeper” so waiting until the last possible minute to get my little guy up is what I do. (He needs all the sleep he can get since they don’t take naps in Kindergarten.)

Due to the extended day (getting up earlier and no naps), we discovered last week that it was important for my so to go to bed a little earlier than usual. We also found that feeding him a little breakfast before he goes to school and eats the school breakfast helps him get through the day too. However, being short on, I have to have quick breakfast options that are also packed with nutrients. Here are the quick and easy morning fixes, I’ve come up with that seem to be working quite well:

• Eggs – This is my favorite go-to breakfast for my son. Partly because eggs are really good for him with all the protein they contain, but also in part because he loves them and never complains about eating them. For the fast-paced mornings at our house, they work great because I can have scrambled eggs whipped up in less than five minutes. My son isn’t much of a bread person, but some mornings he asks for toast with the eggs – which is fine too because it is also quick and easy to fix.
• Fruit Smoothie – This is another great breakfast that can be made in less than 5 mintues and still give the kids they need to make it through the morning. In fact, this is actually what I prepare for myself in the mornings! Here’s how I make our morning smoothie: Simply combine and blend the follow ingredients in your blender: ½ cup frozen strawberries, ½ cup frozen mango, ½ cup frozen blueberries, 2 scoops protein powder (I use vanilla), 1 T. honey, 1 T. chia seeds, 2 T. plain greek yogurt and 1.5 cups water.
• Granola Bars – I’m sure you’ve seen the boxes of granola bars on the cereal aisle next to all the sugary pastries and cereals. These are not the granola bars that I feed my son. I used to, but then I started reading the label and saw all of the additional ingredients. That’s when I decided to make my own. By making your own granola bars, you are able to ensure that you and your kiddos are getting a great nutrient-rich on-the-go meal in the morning, even if you wake up late and have only a few minutes before the bus arrives! Here’s the homemade granola bar recipe I use.

I didn’t use to be a believer in the statement that breakfast is an essential part of the day and the most important meal of the day, but I am now. However, the trick is eating nutritious foods for breakfast and not filling up on sugar (most cereals, pastries, etc.). This is especially true for kids.

The breakfast ideas above are all quick, easy and full of protein and other essential nutrients. Not only will they provide you and the kids with the energy they need to get through the mornings, but they are healthy too – an added bonus for those of us trying to get fit for those holiday dresses!