Breakfasts on the run - under 3 minutes to prep!

Quick and healthy breakfast ideas

 

So many times I hear about kids skipping breakfast, or coming to school with "drive through" fare on a pretty regular basis. This one is just WRONG, on so many levels; number one: the COST is ridiculous, and more importantly, the nutritional value is questionable, to say the least.  I remember one of my kids commenting that one child in their class was coming to school almost every day eating an egg mcmuffin! Even if this was an exaggeration on my child's part (EVERY day, really??), it was obviously a pretty common sight.

 And while once in a while "cold cereal" has its' place, this shouldn't be a habit, especially if you're concerned about what kind of fuel your kids are getting to start off their day. Between the concern of GMO's in cereal, the high sugar content and assorted chemical additives and preservatives, it is no wonder that more and more parents are looking to provide healthier alternatives to start their children's' days, as well as their own!
Most people do not have the time or the energy to make pancakes and waffles from scratch every day, or even eggs and toast or traditionally made hot cereal, for that matter. 

 I have several breakfast ideas that will fill you and your young ones up, with minimal time and effort.  My kids prefer these breakfasts over anything else during the week, which is great because then I know exactly what they're getting nutritionally, and I don't spend the money on pre-packaged cold cereals.

 

 

 

Best Oatmeal in a flash

 

1/2 c slow cooking whole oats (steel cut are great, too)

1 c water

1 small banana, cut in small chunks

1 tbsp. peanut butter

sprinkle of cinnamon

 

1.  Place everything in a microwave safe bowl

2.  Microwave for 55 seconds, stir well, microwave for another 50 seconds.

3.  Stir again, serve.

 

This needs NO sugar or milk; it is EXCELLENT tasting, extremely good for you, and above all, FAST.

 

 

A great tip:  Buy bananas whenever you can when they're reduced. You want really ripe ones for this.  To keep:  peel, cut into chunks, and store in the freezer. Keep frozen bananas on hand to make your breakfast shakes rich, thick and creamy without any added fat.

 

Quick Banana Breakfast Shake

 

1 egg

1 large banana  (fresh or frozen chunks)

1 c milk (or almond milk or coconut milk)

1 tbsp. honey, liquid (microwave slightly if necessary)

dash vanilla

 

1. Crack an egg into a microwave safe dish, heat for 7 seconds (this is all the time needed to kill any bacteria without cooking the egg). I actually don't even bother doing this, I just throw the raw egg into the blender.

2.  Place in blender the egg, 1 large banana, 1 cup of milk (or almond or coconut milk), a dash vanilla and a tbsp. of honey.

3. Serve with toast or homemade granola bar if you like, but it's a pretty filling drink for 1 person! 

 

Note:  For adults, you can add 1 scoop protein powder and omit the honey.  DO NOT give protein powder to children.

 

 

Salted Peanut Butter Cup Breakfast Shake

 

This. Is. Fantastic.

 

1 large banana

1 c milk (or almond or coconut milk)

1 tbsp. peanut butter (I don't use an actual measuring spoon for this, I just scoop the approximate amount from the jar)

1 tsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened)

dash sea salt

ice ( 4 or 5 ice cubes)

 

1.  Blend well. Serve immediately.  Again, for adults, you can add protein powder.  It's like drinking a peanut butter cup, but REALLY healthy and guilt-free!

 

 

Pumpkin Protein Shake

 

1/2 to 2/3 c pure pumpkin (I keep frozen baggies of 2 cups each in the freezer)

1 c milk (or almond milk or coconut milk)

1 tsp. pumpkin spice

1 raw egg (see above for microwave instructions if desired)

1 tbsp. honey

ice

 

1. Blend well. Serve immediately.  Great with protein powder for adults, and of course, omit the honey.

 

 

There you have it; no more excuses for not having quick, nutritious breakfasts during the week!  Enjoy, and please let me know if you have a chance to try these!