Ditch the Cereal! {Kid-Friendly Breakfast Ideas}

I might ruffle some feathers a little bit here, but I'm going to state it: Our kids do not need cereal every morning for breakfast. Or ever, honestly. Take a look down the food aisle, or in our pantry cupboards and I'm sorry, but these have become more like dessert and we're serving it every day in a rush to get out the door on time.

I don't know about your kiddos, but many times mine are starving come lunch time. Cereal doesn't exactly keep them full and ready to take on a full morning of learning. Did you know that most cereals are 75% sugar? Therefore, causing our body's energy levels to go through it's own sort of rollercoaster; up and down all throughout the day. Plus, have you ever noticed within your own self, that you crave more sugar and carbs throughout the day once you begin with cereal, pop-tarts, muffins or donuts? Consuming sugar just makes you crave even more sugar.

But, I'm not here to lecture. We're all doing the best we can, I know we are. And when we know better, we can do better. I also understand that there's just not a lot of time in our schedules to prep a bunch of foods. Oh do I get it! We're rushing around in the mornings getting ready and packing lunches just like everyone else, and I'm in the classroom with our kiddos all day too.

I want to give you some ideas for healthier, more filling options for that first meal of the day. These are all kid-friendly because my own girls love them, but they work for us as adults too. Yes, some require some advanced prep work, you can fit this in on the weekends or any time you have a free moment. I know you're busy, I really do, and I also know that if it's important to you, you always find a way to get it done.

There are also times where a quick egg and toast breakfast are what works. We do this often in the mornings and take it on the go. Cooking up an egg takes no longer than it does to pour a bowl of cereal, honestly. And, if your kiddos just really do enjoy that bowl of cereal or whatever it is you have, then I'm going to ask you to at least pair it with some sort of protein like an egg. Help fill their little stomachs up for the morning so they can focus longer and be productive in their day. I think you'll notice an improvement in so many areas.

Let's take a look at a few suggestions:


Healthier Breakfast Options:

Coconut Flour Pancakes

Low-sugar Baked Oatmeal

Quick 2-minute Ham & Egg Bowl  Now, everyone has time to make one of these. You can even prep them ahead of time. You could add in chopped up peppers and onions for extra nutrients and flavor. These are great for adults too, not just the kids.

Breakfast Quinoa

Freezer Smoothie Packs  These are so versatile! We always use either almond or coconut milk, coconut gives extra healthy fats that are great for the brain and helping to keep our kids full for longer periods of time. You can also add in avocado for extra creaminess without adjusting the taste of the smoothie, the kids won't even notice it's in there! Tossing in a little bit of protein powder or nut butter is great as well.

Buckwheat Pancakes

Veggie and Sausage Frittata  You can easily make this for dinner one night or ahead of time on the weekend, and just slice and reheat throughout the week.

Yogurt Parfait  My only tip here, is to make sure to avoid sugar laden yogurts. Otherwise our efforts are tossed out the window. There are some better yogurts on the market now sweetened with stevia and such.

Wonton Breakfast Cups