Tagged with 'morning-routine'

September is a busy month, and one big event in particular is back to school time! What does this mean to the family routine? A lot! Earlier wake up calls, waking kids up (which I personally dread) to get out the door on time, brushing teeth, combing hair, making and eating breakfast in a rush, after school activities, homework, and the list goes on and on.

As far as eating breakfast goes, it's known as “the most important meal of the day” for a very good reason: a healthy meal in the morning can balance your blood sugar levels and give you the sustenance you need to handle physical and mental stress. Without breakfast, you or your kids will be less resilient, both physically and mentally. 

How can you get out the door on time but ensure your kids get the nutrients they need to start their day on the right foot?

#1 Morning Nutrition Tip

If you pack lunches, I strongly recommend packing them the night before. This will save you a lot of time and stress in the morning. You’ll also have more time to spend prepping the lunches, so they’re more likely to be well-balanced and healthier.

#2 Morning Nutrition Tip

Plan your breakfast meals in advance. This ensures you have the ingredients you need, which is a huge convenience and time saver. Be sure to include plenty of protein and whole grains, and avoid the juices and empty calories.

#3 Morning Nutrition Tip

If you make smoothies, it saves a ton of time to build the smoothie in the blender container the night before. Simply store the container in the refrigerator overnight, and in the morning all you have to do is place the container on the base and blend.

#4 Morning Nutrition Tip

Simplify the breakfast routine by keeping things simple. Don’t stress about needing to provide a lot of different options for yourself or your kids.

Here are some ideas for a quick, nutritious breakfast:

• Prep overnight oatmeal, which will be ready first thing in the morning. There are many overnight oats recipes online.

• Smoothie with 2 pieces of bacon.

• Hard-boiled egg with almond butter on one slice of whole wheat bread

• A handful of nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews) with ¼ cup raisins. To boost the nutrition even more, add some dried goji berries.

• A bowl of plain Greek yogurt with ¼ cup granola, cinnamon and chia seeds.

#5 Morning Nutrition Tip

If there are any waffle or pancake batters that need made, whip them up and place the griddle out on the counter the night before. Once breakfast time hits, all you need to do is preheat the griddle and pour on the batter. Easy! If there are leftovers, you can freeze them and use another morning.

#6 Morning Nutrition Tip

Make healthy “cookies” or “cupcakes” ahead of time and grab one for breakfast.

You’ll feel so great about yourself when you offer your kids a healthy breakfast and still get them out the door on time. What quick tips do you have for streamlining your morning routine when it comes to eating breakfast?

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods