Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for kids
A good breakfast not only gives energy for the day but also helps with concentration at daycare or school. I know mornings can be hectic, so quick, healthy, and tasty ideas that kids actually enjoy are always welcome. Here are some tips that always work for us!
1. Banana Pancakes – Only 3 Ingredients
Why it’s good:
Bananas are naturally sweet, full of potassium and fiber, and give energy for the morning. Mini pancakes are always a favorite with kids.
Ingredients (makes about 6 mini pancakes):
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons rolled oats
Instructions:
- Mash the banana with a fork.
- Mix in the eggs and oats.
- Cook small rounds in a skillet with a little coconut oil.
My daughter loves them drizzled with honey and a few pieces of fruit – a real vitamin boost!
2. Honey Oatmeal with Fruit
Why it’s good:
Oats provide slow-digesting carbohydrates for lasting fullness. Fruit adds vitamins, and honey is a natural sweetener.
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 5 tablespoons small oats
- 200 ml milk or plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Fresh fruit (apple, pear, berries, banana)
Instructions:
- Cook the oats in milk for 5 minutes until soft.
- Sweeten with honey.
- Top with chopped fresh fruit.
Tip: You can also prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge as “overnight oats.” No need to cook – just mix oats, milk, and honey. By morning, it’s ready.
3. Egg Muffins – Colorful and Filling
Why it’s good:
Eggs are a great source of protein, and muffin shapes make breakfast fun for kids. They can be made ahead and quickly reheated in the morning.
Ingredients (6 muffins):
- 4 eggs
- 50 g grated cheese
- ½ bell pepper
- ½ zucchini
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Chop the vegetables (you can use whatever you like).
- Mix with the eggs and cheese.
- Divide into muffin cups and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes.
Tip: If your child isn’t a fan of vegetables, start with a little and gradually increase.
4. Fruit Yogurt Parfait
Why it’s good:
Light, creamy, and very versatile. Plain yogurt contains probiotics, which are good for digestion.
Ingredients:
- 150 g plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon homemade granola or oats
- Fruit (strawberries, raspberries, banana)
Instructions:
Layer yogurt, fruit, and granola in a glass. Done!
5. Whole-Grain Sandwiches with Tasty Spreads
Why it’s good:
Whole-grain bread has more fiber, is quick to prepare, and can be flavored in many ways.
Ideas for sandwich spreads:
Avocado & Tomato Spread:
- ½ ripe avocado
- 2–3 cherry tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Mash the avocado with a fork.
- Dice the tomatoes and mix in.
- Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on bread.
Cottage Cheese Spread with Herbs:
- 50 g cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- Finely chopped parsley or chives
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix the cottage cheese with yogurt until creamy.
- Add herbs and salt.
- Spread on bread and serve with fresh vegetables.
Hummus with Carrot:
- 3 tablespoons hummus
- 1 small carrot, grated or cut into thin sticks
Instructions:
- Spread hummus on bread.
- Top with grated carrot.
- For extra crunch, you can add cucumber or bell pepper.
Practical Breakfast Tips:
- Prep ahead: Save time by preparing ingredients in advance (e.g., oatmeal, chopped fruit).
- Small portions: Kids are more likely to eat if served in small, colorful bowls or bite-sized portions.
- Colors and shapes: Cookie cutters (hearts, stars) make food more playful.
- Get kids involved: Let children help in the kitchen – it makes them more excited to eat what they’ve made.
Summary:
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make quick, tasty, and nutritious meals. Banana pancakes, honey oatmeal, egg muffins, and colorful sandwich spreads are not only delicious but can be varied every day. And don’t feel guilty if sometimes you just grab something quick from the bakery – it happens to everyone. For us, banana pancakes are usually a weekend treat when there’s time to enjoy them slowly, even if the honey makes a bit of a sticky mess!.
