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Quick
and Nutritious Breakfast
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
It’s easier than ever to provide great-tasting, nutritious, affordable and
ready-to-eat breakfast options for you and your family. Try these convenient
tips to make sure you have a nutritious breakfast before everyone
rushes out the door.
“Cereal is a convenient way for busy families to start the morning,” said
Lisa Sanders, Ph.D., registered dietitian and director of Global Nutrition
and Scientific Affairs at Kellogg. “In fact, nine out of ten moms agree that
cereal is a convenient breakfast choice. In addition, research shows sharing
three or more family meals per week can help children have healthier
eating habits.”
Here are simple ways to fit a cereal breakfast into your day:
Fill the pantry with quick options
For the many busy families who feel they don’t have time for breakfast,
choose a convenient breakfast option. Try stocking up on fresh fruit and
ready-to-eat cereals, for example, such as those from Kellogg’s, which
come in several varieties. Almost everyone can make a bowl of cereal.
It’s a great way to get kids involved during family breakfasts. For families
with milk allergies or those who prefer non-dairy options, give cereal an
extra boost of nutritious flavor by pairing it with almond or soy milk and
fresh fruit.
Prepare the night before
Before you turn the lights off for bed, be ready for the next day with
a virtual buffet of ready-to-eat breakfast options. Set out your cereal
boxes, prepare hard-boiled eggs or slice fruit for a nutritious meal. With
preparation, you can eat quickly and get the nutrients you need to start
your day.
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Family Features
Choose wholesome, nutrient-packed foods
In a world of fast food and large portion sizes, not all breakfasts are created
equal. When grocery shopping, make sure the breakfast items you
place in the cart are nutritious ones. The average calorie count for bacon,
eggs and toast breakfast is 309 calories, while a breakfast of skim milk
and cereal is about 150 calories. And, for 150 calories, cereal and skim
milk can provide a powerhouse of nutrients that you may not be getting
enough of, including fiber, calcium, vitamin D and potassium. Studies also
show that children and adults who eat cereal regularly tend to have lower
BMIs than those who do not.
Create new options:
Choosing a cereal and milk breakfast is one of the easiest ways to get
nutrients to help start to the day. For variety, try some of the simple suggestions
below. Mix and match to fit your family’s tastes.
Whole grain, higher fiber cereal + yogurt + mixed berries = breakfast
parfait
Whole grain, higher fiber cereal + Ricotta cheese + nuts, raisins & cinnamon
= mid-morning protein snack
“Starting your day with a cereal breakfast is one of the smartest things
you can do,” said Sanders, the author of numerous studies examining the
nutritive benefits of cereal and fiber. “People who regularly eat cereal for
breakfast also tend to have higher nutrient intakes and weigh less than
those who skip breakfast or choose other breakfast options.”
Sanders recommends fiber and whole grains as a good foundation upon
which to build your bowl, adding low fat milk or yogurt which deliver
protein, vitamin D, calcium and other nutrients. Add fruit to make a
bowl even more delicious and nutritious. For more ways to build a better
breakfast, visit http://www.kelloggs.com/en_US/choose-my-bowl.html.