Kid's Fuel for Busy Mornings
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I've been loving the routine we've had going on since the Fall season began. Lots of rhythm to our weeks that was lacking a bit over the summer. That's definitely something I want to consider for next year, but for now I'm grateful for the seasons bringing an ever changing pace of life to enjoy.
Mondays and Tuesdays are our relaxed, home-body mornings. Reaghan and I clean the house together, we stay in our pajamas, go for a walk around the neighborhood, and do some meal prep. It's true she helps with almost everything! She loves helping and being included :) On Wednesday-Friday, we have commitments that require us to be ready for the day by 8:30 or 9. On our busy mornings, I focus on Reaghan's breakfast a lot more, to ensure that she has enough energy and a full tummy to get her through her activities.
Here are the 5 components of a healthy breakfast that I try to focus on when we don't have tons of time to linger around, but I want to make sure she's well fed!
1. Protein
I like to provide a good amount of protein for breakfast. This is usually in the form of eggs but also almond or peanut butter smeared on a whole grain (see below). Protein is the building blocks of the brain which is so important before a day of learning. Protein also gives our little ones energy to get through the long hours of running and playing.
2. Vegetables + Fruits
One of my main breakfast go-to's is sweet potato hash with eggs. Since Rae sees me make this for myself every morning, she often wants the same thing! I'm all for her getting some veggies in her body in the morning. Regardless, but especially on days when this isn't the case, I love having a vegetable and fruit based juice drink to add to her breakfast.
We love V8® because their flavors always taste great and a 46 oz. bottle lasts our family a long time. It's a pretty easy and inexpensive way for Reaghan to meet her daily intake of fruits and veggies just in case she doesn't the rest of the day. Of course, we always offer fresh fruit and cooked vegetables to her at meal times, but these juice drinks are a yummy and easy supplement!
Healthy juice drinks like V8® Veggie Blends are a great source of vitamins A, C & E - perfect for the colder months when it seems like kids are constantly battling a runny nose. Our favorite flavor is definitely the Veggie Blends: Caribbean Greens, but check out this similar flavor too!
As with most of our groceries, we pick ours up at Walmart. I have been loving the selection at Walmart over the past several months! They have so many healthy options now that make my heart so happy since they also offer grocery pick up. Win, win!
3. Vitamins
I mix Reaghan's vitamins in with her juice drink. Right now we have her taking a probiotic, fish oil and vitamin D. During the winter months I love to add about a tablespoon of elderberry syrup (she loves the taste!) to give her immune system an extra boost.
4. Whole grains
I like to offer a small bowl of oatmeal, a buckwheat muffin or waffle, or rice cake for her. This just gives her some extra protein as well as whole grains to give her energy and help her stay full.
5. Good water intake
Water is always so important for kiddos. With all the running around, they work up a thirst pretty quickly. It also helps to keep things moving in their little systems that can get bogged down with all kinds of junk throughout the day. Just make sure to take your child to the potty before you leave for school or daycare! Going potty at home is so much easier than juggling both kids in a public restroom.
And then there are mornings when breakfast comes on the road with you...right, mama's? ;)