All parents want the best for their children and part of helping them on their way to becoming strong, healthy adults, is by providing a good healthy, nutritious diet. As breakfast is the first meal of the day, it goes without saying that it should be nutritious and full of energy. Skipping breakfast, or feeding a breakfast lacking in nutrients, vitamins and energy can result in children becoming lethargic, grumpy and unwilling. However, with the busy lifestyles most parents lead nowadays breakfasts sometimes have to be quick and easy to make. Some breakfast ideas that are nutritious and quick include:

Toast

Toast is probably the quickest breakfast to prepare, but you can still make it nutritious by following a few simple ideas such as using granary or wholemeal instead of white bread, and using a low-fat spread instead of butter. You can also add toppings like:

*Mashed bananas

*Scrambled eggs

*Baked beans

*Hazelnut and chocolate spread

*Peanut butter

*Fruit jam / jelly

*Honey

Cereal

Most cereals are available as wholegrain nowadays, and include added vitamins and minerals meaning that they are generally healthier than they used to be. The milk added to cereal will also provide your child with some of the calcium they require each day. You can also make them a little bit more interesting:

*For cereals such as Weetabix, try adding yoghurt, fruit and nuts instead of milk and sugar.

*Add strawberry jam / jelly to cornflakes.

*Add a mix of berries to any plain cereal for added flavour and a nutrient boost.

Smoothies

Smoothies are becoming very popular with people who lead a busy life, but they are also highly nutritious and full of energy making them a good start to the day for children as well. The great thing about smoothies is you can try different combinations of fruit and vegetables. Some ideas include:

*Adding milk or yoghurt instead of water.

*Use honey to sweeten.

*Freeze any left over smoothie in ice cube trays for use at a later date.

It is important to vary your child's diet to stop them from becoming bored, so try a different breakfast every day. By adding a fruit juice, such as orange, apple or cranberry, you are also adding to their nutrition. Breakfast should never be missed, so even if you are in a hurry make sure that everyone in the house gets something to eat.

Bon Appetit!

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Howard.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Nutritious and quick breakfast ideas for kids?
We want to hear your view. Write now!