Thanks to United Healthcare for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely love breakfast! In fact in many ways it’s my favorite meal of the day and I wish mornings weren’t so rushed so I could sit down with the girls and savor a fabulous breakfast with them each and every day.
But lack of time doesn’t mean we skip out on this most important meal. Taking the time to prepare a healthy balanced meal is the best way I can ensure they’ll get the most out of their school day and get to class alert and ready to learn.
It’s also what gives me the best fuel for my day.
When it comes to breakfast what you prepare has everything to do with your little one’s energy, mood and ability to focus in class.
And, you guessed it, sugar is the worst possible choice, which basically rules out just about every over the counter cereal, even the ones that are enriched with vitamins and minerals.
A healthy breakfast will include lean protein, antioxidant rich foods such as dark leafy greens or fruits, B vitamins and healthy fats.
But don’t fret! Healthy can taste amazing!
Here are 5 power breakfast ideas your kids are likely to gobble up with delight:
Eggs anyway!
Eggs are a great source of protein, especially in the morning when you don’t want something too heavy. Make sure to choose organic, pasture raised eggs rich in Omegas. My go-to morning dish is a breakfast scramble. I takes no time to prepare and I can add all sorts of veggies and other protein for a delicious meal. If like me your kids tend to eat breakfast on the go you can wrap their scramble in a warm tortilla for a tasty breakfast burrito. I always add a handful of greens, such as kale, spinach or arugula, shallots or garlic and whatever other veggies I have on hand, smoked salmon or bacon. The beauty of scrambled eggs or omelets is that you can make something new and exciting every time.
Soft boiled eggs are one of Sabrina’s favorite. A soft boil egg takes two and a half minutes to cook when you start with eggs at room temperature. I serve them with toast slivers with a dab of organic butter and a sprinkle of salt, the perfect little dippers!
Hard boiled eggs are another fabulous alternative that can be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed on the go.
Warm Quinoa Bowl
On cold days there’s nothing more comforting than a warm breakfast. Although oatmeal was a favorite of mine for many yeas, I’ve now switched to quinoa for two main reasons: Oats are too high on the glycemic index and quinoa has a decent amount of protein (7g per serving). I make a scrumptious warm quinoa bowl with a drizzle of maple syrup, a little cream and tons of nuts, seeds and diced fruits.
Greek Yogurt Bowl
Greek yogurt is such a delicious, creamy source of protein, with anywhere from 7 to 21 grams of protein per serving, depending on the brand you use and the fat content. Add fresh or dried fruits to a serving of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, a handful of nuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds and a spoonful of raw honey if you need a little sweetness and you’ve got an absolutely delicious power breakfast that will lead your little ones to lick their bowls clean!
Protein Smoothies
Morning smoothies are definitely a favorite in our home. They are ready in a flash, taste fabulous and the perfect solution for breakfast on the go. I use a quality organic whey protein powder as my base, almond or coconut milk, add either fresh greens or a greens powder, a half a banana and a 1/4 cup of berries for a little sweetness. The possibilities with smoothies are truly endless and you can customize to your little one’s taste buds. Just a word of caution with smoothies, make sure to go easy on fruits and use a good protein powder.
Nut and Seed Muesli
Growing up our go-to breakfast was cold cereal and my favorite was muesli, which is quite popular throughout Europe. Muesli is similar to granola in that it is a mix of whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruits, but there is no sugar added and the muesli is raw not cooked.
What are some of your favorite breakfast ideas?
This month United Healthcare is inviting you to share a photo of your healthy breakfast for a chance to win a $400 Gift card.
To enter simply go to their website at wedareyoutoshare and upload a breakfast photo.
You can come back every day to share another photo and increase your chances to qualify for the $400 grand prize or one of 4 $25 weekly prizes.
[Tweet “What’s for Breakfast? Share a photo for a chance to win $400”]
And while you are on the site check out the other dares for even more chances at fun prizes!
Best of luck!
I’m not a breakfast eater. Sometimes we have breakfast for dinner. I like scrambled eggs with cheese, onion, ketchup and sliced cheese hot dog pieces.Not super healthy, but tasty.
We had a young lady visit from Italy a couple of years ago Liz, and after 3 months with us when we asked what she wanted as her last dinner, she asked for our Sunday brunch! Breakfast for dinner is fabulous! Add some dark leafy greens to your scrambled eggs and they’ll be just as tasty but a lot healthier 😉
It’s nice to have beakfast ideas sounds real good
Yum, I love ALL of these. I just discovered quinoa like a year ago – LOVE that stuff. My most common “go to” is basked omelets – put whatever you would normally have in your omelet in a muffin tin and bake until top turns brown. PERFECT breakfast and easy to reheat every morning 🙂
I love that idea Lynsey and can’t wait to give it a try. I think my girls will be excited at this new rendition of the omelet.
This is really good to know.I don’t normally eat this but I am changing my mind. 🙂
Yay Judy! Breakfast is so important and as you can see it can be really fun and delicious!
Yummy
So glad you think so Michelle 🙂
This was a great read! I’ve always known that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but never really thought of it in terms of what I was eating in order to optimize brain function! Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome Pamela! I’m thrilled you found this informative. Happy breakfast 🙂
I’m gonna try these soon!
Alright Julia 🙂 Enjoy!
Quinoa isn’t something I’ve considered for breakfast. It is so filling & full of protein.
Oh it really is a scrumptious breakfast option Crystal 🙂
Wow, these all sound really good! I want to try the yogurt bowl 🙂
Thanks Meg! The yogurt bowl is always a favorite with my girls, either for breakfast or as an after school snack.
I make peanut butter chocolate chip muffins for my teen out of peanut butter powder and protein powder with whole wheat flour. Tasty and filling!
That sounds delicious Barrie, and something everyone in my home would probably gobble up in no time!
These all sound great! I like to make egg muffins, just mix eggs and green, red peppers, onion, little cheddar cheese, pour in muffin pan and bake 20 minutes. Makes enough to warm up during the week. Thanks
Darienne that sounds scrumptious! Thanks for sharing!!! I can’t wait to try making this for my girls. Yum!
I’ve been wanting to try Quinoa. Looks like it would be filling & being one that doesn’t like to eat breakfast but totally needs too I appreciate all your tips. Thanks. 🙂
You are most welcome Andrea. I do hope you start eating breakfast regularly… Getting into the habit might a bit challenging but once you get used to it you’ll wonder how yo ever made it through your day without 🙂
These are great options for breakfast. I love oatmeal myself!
Thanks Lisa! I love oatmeal as well but unless I add a good amount of protein it just sends my blood sugar through the roof 🙁
Eggs are my favorite breakfast option! And if I am not in the mood for those, I do a Greek Yogurt & Fruit smoothie – SO yummy!
You are a woman after my own heart Sara 🙂 My girls absolutely love Greek yogurt smoothies!
I have to admit I’m not a regular breakfast eater. But, I must say these dishes all look so good I just might be motivated enough to become one!
Yay I hope this does motivate you Michelle. I suspect you’ll feel much more energized when you get in the habit of breakfast 🙂
I like the Quinoa with fruit ,it’s so good.
Isn’t is just yummy Laurie? And the best part is that you can change up the fruits every day so you never get bored 🙂
I love the quinoa bowl idea! I’ll be honest and admit that I’m so bad about eating breakfast but I’m trying to do a better job!
I’m grateful my parents always insisted we eat breakfast every morning Jeanette. It’s practically part of my DNA now. I think you’ll enjoy the quinoa bowl.
I have all of these, so I feel pretty good!! I like making pancakes with ground flax seed, I had that today!!
Yay Rosie! Pancakes with flaxseed sound delicious!
I start every weekday morning with a protein shake! On weekends, it’s grits and eggs!
Most of my weekday mornings also start with a shake because it is such a fast and convenient way to get that healthy start. Grits and eggs sound fabulous. I usually pair our eggs with sautéed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
I just made a batch of homemade granola to add to my yogurt in the mornings. It’s so yummy. But I’d love to try that quinoa. It looks delicious too.
Home made granola is so fabulous Tonya! I’d love your recipe 🙂 One of the things I love most about the quinoa is the slight nutty flavor.
Those are great ideas. I have try these.
Thanks John! Let me know which one becomes your new favorite 🙂
I’ve just started getting into breakfast scrambles. They really hit the spot. I like fresh fruit with oatmeal too, but I’ll try the quinoa too!
Breakfast scrambles are so much fun aren’t they Liz? You can really add whatever you’re in the mood for so they always hit the spot. I hope you enjoy the quinoa as much as we do. Have you tried adding a scoop of protein to your oatmeal? That’s one way to enjoy what you love without worrying too much about the sugar. Add a few nuts and seeds as well for protein and healthy fats.
I have to go and get eggs at Whole Foods, because I’m really picky with my eggs. Eggs, spinach and cheese is one of my faves for breakfast.
Yay Lisa! You should be picky with your eggs 🙂 I’m grateful I have a nursery down the street that has chickens that run around all day and are only fed an organic herbs blend. I only get my eggs from them now that I have double checked their feed and the conditions in which they are raised. It’s the next best thing to having chickens at home 🙂
this looks all so good!
Thanks Breanna… I LOVE breakfast and experiment with new foods all the time.
Thanks for the information. My husband has problems with his sugar and I feed him oatmeal just about every morning.
Oh wow Denise, that probably is not the best breakfast for him unfortunately. Try the quinoa as a substitue and make sure to add some seeds and nuts. If your husband is okay with protein powder you can also add a scoop to either warm quinoa or oatmeal to increase the protein and balance out the carbs a little. It’s mazing how powerful a few changes in diet can be, however, when it comes to blood sugar problems. Best of luck to both of you.
Those are ALL great ideas! The Greek yogurt bowl sounds the best- I want it now!
Haha Shell, that’s what I hear very often from my girls! Enjoy!
I like smoothies for regular breakfasts and omelets or scrambles when I feel like cooking.
That sounds a lot like how we handle breakfast in our home Sarah, though I’ve learned I need to give the girls a variety of options or they get bored, hence to yogurt bowl and quinoa bowl which have both become weekday favorites.
What great options, thank you for sharing all of these with us.
You are most welcome Shannon! Enjoy!
I am usually don’t eat breakfast for breakfast but I do love eating breakfast for dinner. All of these look like great choices.
Thank you Pahmansi. Breakfast for dinner is fun and sometimes we have something that looks more like a light dinner for breakfast 🙂
Wow these are all just great recipes! It’s a real challenge to get my family to stop and slow down enough to eat a good breakfast before they race out the door – even on the weekend. I am going to try all of these and hopefully they will have full bellies and lots of energy all day. 😉
That sounds like a fabulous plan Theresa! My bunch can get pretty wild as well but I know I will pay the price later in the day if they don’t start with a healthy breakfast so I am a but of a drill sergeant in the morning 😉
I love a bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and butter. It holds me until lunch time, and helps me reduce cholesterol.
Oh that sounds so decadent and delicious Karen. Oatmeal tends to keep us feeling full because it’s a slow release sugar and does have a fair amount of fiber. It’s one o my hubby’s favorite foods before he goes on a long bike ride. No butter or cream for him on those days, though. I love oatmeal but I need to balance out the sugar with some protein.
Thank you finding the tme to do this offer. Love new breakfast ideas my family loves breakfast. Thanks again
You are most welcome Tammy. I hope some of these become new family favorites for you.
Mmmm those eggs look delicious!!!!
Thanks Becki. They are 😉
These are great options for breakfast. I start my morning with a granola bar and fresh fruits.
Thanks Veronica. That sounds yummy… do you choose a granola bar with nuts or other source of protein? I’ve noticed there are more and more such bars on the market these days.
the warm quinoa bowl looks delicious and would be great on a cold winter morning
Oh yes it’s perfect for cold mornings Sandra. My girls love it before we go on a family ski day.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
I could not agree more Michelle!
Thanks for reminding me how easy and important protein smoothies can be ☺
You are most welcome Lori. Smoothies are my go-to breakfast almost every weekday morning.
I’ve never really been a breakfast eater, but after reading this i’ll be trying harder.
Yay! I am so happy to read this Yolanda! I know you won’t regret it!!
These are great ideas! Im always looking for healthy breakfast ideas!
I am glad you appreciate there Cathy! Happy breakfast!!
Every 3 days I make a big batch of steel cut oats, and refrigerate them in a casserole dish. Every morning my husband and I heat it in the microwave, and add stuff like blueberries, cinnamon, or other fruits.
Steel cut oats are my favorite way to eat oatmeal Pam. Sounds like you and your hubby have your breakfast routine nicely dialed in 🙂
Oh my those sound delicious, now I’m hungry!
haha, thank you Jerrica. Bon Appétit!
The smoothie sounds delicious
Oh I have so much fun making smoothies Mari! Peanut Butter cup is a favorite for my girls. I like mine with tons of greens 😉
I love having beans for breakfast. My favorite right now is black beans sauteed with sweet onions and seasoned with a bit of ground black pepper.
Oh that sounds delicious Meredith. I am going to have to give beans for breakfast a try!
I have never been much of a Breakfast eater but these recipes are really delicious looking its enough to make me start eating Breakfast!
Yay Susan! Once you get in the habit of eating breakfast you’ll wonder how you ever went without.
I love scrambled eggs and cheese omelets! Your breakfast scramble looks delicious! Thanks for the great breakfast ideas!
You are most welcome Judy. eggs and cheese no matter what else is added are a sublime combination.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
Amen Michelle! I agree with you 100%! What’s your favorite type of breakfast?
Thank you for the amazing suggestions! We use to make some of those back home and really enjoy a breakfast omelet 🙂
You are most welcome Maria. I hope you can enjoy delicious breakfast meals again.
Protein smoothies are becoming a habit and I am really starting to say goodbye to my everyday bread in the morning 🙂
Woohoo! That is awesome Maria!!! It’s amazing how easily we can change our habits when we are committed, isn’t it?
I would love to try the supergreen scramble. It looks great!!
It’s one of my favorites Natalie! I make it at least once a week!
My favorite healthy breakfast is eggs scrambled with sauteed onions, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes (all organic!)!
Ph that sounds scrumptious Penni!
I like to make a homemade version of McDonald’s breakfast burrito. I just sauté diced onions and bell peppers. Add some eggs and Jimmy Dean sausage crumbles and just scrambled them together. Top with a couple slices of American cheese and mix together to melt. Divide it up between flour tortillas and roll them like a burrito. They are great made ahead and just reheated.
Those sounds fabulous Crystal, though I’m more of a cheddar or gouda kind of gal. Nice balanced and easy to eat!
love eggs and yogurt in the morning
That’s a powerful combination Lisa 🙂
My power breakfast is a bowl of oat bran with walnuts and a glass of almond milk.
Yum! That sounds very satisfying and oh so comforting Pam 🙂
Breakfast wheat bisk with yogurt and berries. or porridge oats warmed with milk and honey
Those all sound like tasty choices Laura! You are making me hungry!
these are all great, I often scramble an egg and add onions and broccolli 🙂 yum!
Oh that sounds fabulous Dorothy!
My power breakfast is a boiled egg and a glass of almond milk.and dry food and food something like orange juice carrot shake etc 🙂
Hard boiled eggs make an easy and healthy breakfast on the go Hina, and they are easy to prepare ahead of time. It sounds like you’ve got lots of healthy breakfast options 🙂
I do try to eat eggs.
I am so grateful that I love eggs Claire and can find organic ones from pasture raised hens easily! They are the best!
I love quinoa, what a great idea to use it for breakfast.
Isn’t it delicious Rebecca! You are going to love it for breakfast!
Yea we love to put a few green, peppers, onions, whatever in scrambled eggs- the more the merrier! Really adds Flavor!
I could not agree with you more Susan! The more the merrier indeed! 🙂
I just discovered quinoa a year ago.Gonna try it at breakfast,for sure!
Oh I love Quinoa Tricia and I’m sure you will love it as a breakfast cereal! Enjoy!
Scrambled eggs with Spinach and any other veggies I have laying around thrown in are my favorite breakfast!!!!
That sounds fabulous Kim. I love spinach almost as much as I love kale 😉
I think breakfast is an important meal even if you have a high powered smoothie and a nut bar have something! Great post~
Thank you so much Esperanza! Yes breakfast is a MUST! Have a fabulous day!
great beakfast ideas! 🙂
Thanks Ayesha! Any favorites?
I guess I’ll go with that Scrumptious Super Green Scramble. Looks tasty and my daughter loves eggs! 🙂
It’s one of my favorites Yvonne! You’re daughter sounds like she knows a healthy meal when she sees one 🙂
Is banana and peanut butter sandwich good for you
Love all the options (except smoothies – not a fan), but eggs look the best! 🙂
Thanks Nikolina! I am quite fond of eggs myself. They tend to be my top choice, time permitting.
Im not big on eggs but do eat them. We love breakfast for supper also
What’s not to love about breakfast for super Annette? I love that idea!
YUMMY
I can’t seem to eat breakfast, I think I might try the smoothie, with berries sounds amazing
Smoothies are a fun, easy and tasty way to get into the habit of eating breakfast Jasmine. I hope they help 🙂
I love your breakfast options! When I don’t have a chance to have breakfast I find that I lag through the morning and crash and burn before lunch.
That makes a lot of sense Kamla. If I ever skip breakfast I feel ravenous by mid-morning and am likely to eat whatever I find which may not be the best fuel for my body or brain. A good breakfast gives me clarity as well as energy. Glad you like these options!
these are very great options
Thanks you Krystel. Any favorties?
My son loves 2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast or an after school snack. We call it brain food 🙂
Hard boiled eggs are fabulous any time of day Maria 🙂
can’t wait to try these. I’m sure my 5 year old will love them also
Oh your five year old sounds like a healthy eater Joy! Enjoy!
Mmmm. I love scrambles!
They are fabulous aren’t they Molly 🙂
I just recently started replacing my morning oatmeal with quinoa. It sticks to my ribs and I don’t get hungry until lunchtime.
Isn’t it just delicious Karen?
I’m always looking for breakfast ideas. Thanks for sharing!
You are most welcome. Enjoy!
i am not a big egg eater but i eat oatmeal almost everyday. i am not a big breakfast eater though, but i sometimes eat oatmeal or cereal as a snack or another meal. in the summertime i do make smoothies to eat. i use lots of fruit, almond milk. i like to add fiber, wheat fiber to my smoothies and oatmeal since i have a digestion problem..
Those sound like yummy options Sandy. See if you can add a little protein with those, even if it’s in the form of a protein powder. There are many healthy options on the market. If you have problems with digestion I would recommend you take a pro-biotic. It does wonders and helps to minimize inflammation.
This is a very helpful post. I usually have yogurt with some fresh fruit for breakfast 🙂
That sounds like a wonderful choice Betsy, especially if you are using Greek yogurt which is high in protein and absolutely yummy!
Very useful
Thanks James 🙂
I always eat Gluten-Free and these 5 breakfasts are my way of having breakfast. It makes me feel better in every way.
Woohoo Gail! I’ve been gluten free for 5 years now and I feel amazing! Breakfast does make you feel awesome no?
Great ideas to get me going in the morning 🙂
I usually eat eggs with bacon, yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast.
These all sound like great choices Susan!
These are some delicious ideas. I’ve never tried quinoa before, but it looks quite yummy. Some good and healthy breakfast choices here. Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome Emily! Quinoa makes a really fun and tasty breakfast and you can change it up so easily with different fruits, nuts and seeds.
Out of the 5 power breakfast ideas, I would prefer the greek yogurt bowl! Those are the best!
My girls really enjoy yogurt bowls too Anita!
I would love to try these!For breakfast if I don’t feel like cooking anything I would eat a bowl of oatmeal with apples & cranberries.
That sounds delicious Shakeia, but I would add a handful of nuts.. pecans, walnuts, almonds.. all great choices and a sprinkle of chia seeds for healthy fats and protein 🙂
I am 63, and haven’t eaten breakfast (and often no lunch) as my hunger has really declined. Even though I heard and have been told breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I have disregarded it..I hadn’t thought of some of your ideas for breakfast but, maybe trying some easy ones, like smoothies will get me off on the right track…thank you
You are most welcome Ronald. I do hope you find some of these idea to work for you 🙂
I really need to start getting in the habit of eating a good breakfast, these are great selections! Thank you for posting these!
You are most welcome Sue! Getting in the habit may take a lot of willpower initially but once you get used to eating breakfast regularly you won’t want to go without.
Among these 5 option I have only tried muesli and not with the same ingredients. I usually eat a cup of tea or no fat milk with some biscuits or a light cake homemade. Love banana bread! One day I’ll love to try having scrambled egg for breakfast, or just eggs… here in Italy is unusual to have them for breakefast.
Oh breakfast in Italy… What a dream Jessica! I grew up in France and eggs are not exactly a typical breakfast food there either.. but now that’s I’ve adopted the habit I absolutely love it!
Yumm. I Love eggs :9
Me too!!!
Thanks for the quinoa recipe. I’ve got a box of it in my pantry that I haven’t been sure how to use.
Great info – thanks for sharing it with me!
You are most welcome Jennifer! glad you found this helpful 🙂
Sounds great!
Thanks John!
I’m not a big breakfast person but I am trying. Thank you for posting.
One day at a time is the only way to get in the habit Christina. Good luck!