Since it’s quick and easy to prepare, cereal has been a breakfast staple for ages. Parents also reach for it in a pinch because kids usually eat it without making a fuss.
Unfortunately, some of the cereals in our homes are loaded with added sugars and refined carbohydrates which do nothing for our health. Sure they might be fortified with minerals, but you can get these from other whole foods instead.
Instead of pouring out another bowl of cereal, here are 3 simple, nutritious and healthy breakfast alternatives to fuel you and your family in the morning.
Oatmeal is actually one of the healthiest things you can eat to start your day right. Oats are complex carbohydrates and are also rich in dietary fiber, so you’re sure to remain full until lunchtime. To avoid added sugars, select unsweetened oatmeal.
The trick to making oatmeal delicious lies in what you add to it. You can use bananas, strawberries or other fruits of your choice to naturally sweeten your oatmeal. Sprinkle some cinnamon and add a generous dollop of peanut butter, and your kids might surprise you by asking for seconds.
Homemade protein smoothies can be very healthy breakfast foods because unlike the shop-bought variety, you know exactly what goes into yours. Making your own protein smoothies gives you the freedom to experiment with different ingredients, and you can ask your kids to help create tasty new flavors.
Some good ideas to start you off include using frozen fruits to thicken your smoothie and adding spinach or other greens for vitamins. Try mixing in some whey powder or unsweetened almond milk for an extra protein kick. Also, remember to only blend your smoothie until all ingredients are just combined as excessive blending might make your drink too foamy.
Avocados are becoming really popular right now and with good reason. Other than their rich, creamy taste, these fruits are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats, which are useful for lowering harmful LDL cholesterol and boosting heart health. Eggs might have gained a bad rep in recent years, but they’re still good for you, providing protein, folate, iron and vitamin D. Combine these two ingredients on a slice of whole grain toast for added fiber and complex carbohydrates, and you’ll have a nutrient-packed meal to power your whole day.
So the next time you’re searching for something delicious and nutritious to start up your family’s day, give cereals a miss and go for any of these 3 healthier alternatives.
Tyler is a husband, father, and freelance writer. He loves being with his family and finding new ways to improve their lives and relationships with one another.