by Alida Chacon

Created on: November 15, 2008

Many times the word healthy becomes synonymous with time-consuming or involved. A healthy breakfast for your child does not mean two hours slaving over a hot stove first thing in the morning. The are a lot of healthy options that can be made and served up in a matter of minutes. In my home, breakfast is the only time of the day where the kids can choose what they want to eat. The get three choices every morning; Waffles with syrup and milk or juice or toast with peanut butter and fruit or a hard-boiled egg, toast and juice. The healthy part comes in what type of foods you are giving your kids. Choose whole grain cereals, choose organic everything when ever possible. Organic whole grain frozen waffles are pricier but worth it over less expensive waffles teeming with preservatives. Pure maple syrup beats high fructose corn syrup any-day. Peanut butter that contains peanuts and nothing else. Whole grain breads and organic eggs are yummy and pack a healthy punch.

There are plenty more healthy options for breakfast. My teenagers always eat dinner left-overs for breakfast. Sometimes our breakfast choices are seasonal. Yogurt with fresh fruit and granola are a summer favorite. Oatmeal sweetened with maple syrup is a wonderful winter treat, especially accompanied by a cup of warm chocolate milk. Homemade pumpkin muffins topped with sage butter in the fall. Surprising treats such as cornmeal topped with rosemary sprigs in spring add a wonderful aroma to an otherwise common breakfast food.

More than just the food, another important aspect of breakfast is making the time to enjoy it. Making sure the kids have time to sit down and enjoy their meal. Breakfast time sets the tone for the rest of the day. Taking time to sit down and eat sets a leisurely pace for the rest of the day. Breakfast time gives us a chance to discuss what will be happening during the rest of the day, we set priorities and set forth with appreciation for the time we spent together and the delicious meal we enjoyed. To make breakfast truly enjoyable, set the table nicely. If you are serving yogurt with granola and fruit, take a page from restaurants and serve it in a champagne or milk shake glass. Make it look appealing and special.

Most importantly stay away from sugar-laden cereals, from toaster pastries that are filled high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils. Be choosy, starting with breakfast and then with every meal. Before you know it, you and your kids will be living and enjoying a healthier life style.

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