breakfast

Breakfast and Snack Smoothies the Whole Family Will Love

Smoothies are a great way to start the day or to enjoy as a mid-day or evening snack. They are so easy to prepare and can help teach kids about the importance of adding fruit and other healthy ingredients into our diets and how to carefully chop and dice foods if they are old enough to do so. Working with kids in the kitchen is also a creative way to teach them about teamwork and patience. Plus, you’ll wind up with a tasty drink that makes the time together all the better. Check out these 4 smoothie ideas you won’t be able to resist!

Berry Protein Power Smoothie

We could all use more fruit in our diets with their array of important vitamins, fiber and nutrients, and protein keeps our bellies full and muscles powered up. As you make this smoothie, you can teach your kids which vitamins are in the fruits and why it’s important to eat an array of colors of the rainbow. A berry smoothie is a favorite and is very simple to whip up. Make 2 servings by combining 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of raspberries (both can be either fresh or frozen), 1 medium banana cut into small slices, ½ cup of milk, skim milk, soy milk, or almond milk, 1 cup of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, and 4-5 ice cubes in a blender. Blend until the consistency is thick, but smooth. Pour into tall glasses and you’re ready to sip away!

Nut Butter Chocolate Smoothie

Note: If you or your child is allergic to peanuts, do not use peanut butter for this recipe. You can use sunflower butter, almond butter, soy butter, or another nut butter which your family enjoys. Teach your kids that nut butters can be a good source of protein for their growing bodies. For this yummy recipe which will also make 2 servings, combine 4 tablespoons of nut butter, 1 cup of any type of milk, 3 tablespoons of sweetened cocoa powder, 1 sliced up medium banana, 4-5 ice cubes, and 1/8 cup of chocolate syrup in a blender and blend until thick and smooth. Pour it up and enjoy!

Cinnamon Apple Pie Smoothie

There’s nothing like that homey feeling of apples and cinnamon, and now you can get that sensation in a cool smoothie. Make 2 servings of this mouth-watering and healthy drink with the kids. Take 2 apples and peel and dice them. Let the kids peel the apples if they are old enough. In a blender, combine the diced apples, 1 cup of soy milk (or another type of milk if you do not use soy), 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ cup applesauce, 4-5 ice cubes, and 4 crushed honey graham crackers. Blend until smooth and frothy. You’ll wonder why you haven’t been drinking your apple pie all along!

Creamsicle Smoothie

We all love that childhood favorite creamsicle ice pop, but you can make your own healthier version in the form of a smoothie. Be sure to teach the kids about the importance of the vitamin C in the oranges you’ll use in this recipe. To make 2 servings, combine 1 large peeled orange, all seeds removed and sectioned, ½ cup orange juice, one sliced banana, 1 cup whole milk (or another type of milk if you prefer not to use whole), 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and 4-5 ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy and enjoy this citrus pleaser!

Have you created a delicious smoothie with the kids? What is your favorite kind? For more info like this, visit All My Children Daycare.

By: Melissa A. Kay

Quick and Easy Before-School Breakfast Ideas

A wholesome breakfast is an important way to start your child’s day off positively. With the morning rush, there’s usually not much time to prepare something that will take too long to make, but you can still prep a morning meal your child will absolutely love. No boring toast or cereal here. Check out these quick and easy breakfast ideas everyone will be excited to wake up for!

 

Quick Microwave “Omelets”

There’s no need to use the stove to make a tasty egg dish. You can pop a quick egg recipe into a non-stick or oil-sprayed microwave-safe container and have an omelet-type dish in minutes. Simply whisk 2 eggs (or use 3 egg whites for a yolk-free recipe) with a dash of milk, chopped veggies (any kind will do, but we love broccoli and mushrooms), and some cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and combine all ingredients. Pour into your microwave-safe dish (go for a round shape no larger than 6-7 inches in diameter) and heat for about 2 minutes, or until set. Your child can eat as is or with a roll, bagel, or English muffin. Egg-cellent!


Quirky Quick Oats

Those single-serving oatmeal packs are perfectly fine, but why not take them up a notch by getting creative. Heat up the packet as directed, but add your own fixins for more flavor and texture. Try some mixed nuts, dried berries, brown sugar, and raisins for a belly-filling option. Or, you can stir in some jam and peanut butter for a fun take on a PB&J. If your kid is a chocolate fanatic, add a few chocolate chips and diced bananas. The possibilities are endless and are quick to heat up on a frantic morning. Make your own oatmeal concoction!

 

Pizza for Breakfast

Pizza for breakfast? Sure! Pizza can be a nutritious meal and the kids will go wild when they hear they’re getting their favorite meal first thing! Take an English muffin split in 2 or a small pita or flatbread. Top with thinly sliced tomatoes, low-fat shredded cheese and diced vegies. Pop into the toaster oven until golden brown and you’ve got a delicious breakfast. You can experiment with different toppings like ricotta cheese, turkey sausage, or even pineapple. The kids are going to love this!

 

Fruit and Yogurt Wraps

Fresh fruit and high-protein Greek yogurt make for a sweet and healthful breakfast. Take a whole wheat or plain soft tortilla and spread a thin layer of plain or vanilla thick Greek yogurt all over one side. Line the middle with sliced strawberries, bananas, kiwis, and other fruits your child loves to eat. If your kid likes cinnamon, sprinkle some onto the fruit. Fold over the sides of the tortilla and roll into a tight wrap. Slice in half, and you’ve got a hand-held breakfast that your child can even take on the go. That’s a wrap!

 

What are your quick breakfast ideas? We’d love to try something new too! For more like this, visit All My Children’s blog.

By: Melissa A. Kay