Healthy Breakfasts for Healthy Minds

By GreatSchools Staff

Many studies have found a relationship between eating breakfast and learning ability, attention span and general well-being. Eating a healthy breakfast with complex carbohydrates and protein can help your child maintain energy and focus, and think clearly throughout the day. Try one of the following healthy breakfast meals.

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie (serves 2)

Thanks to a reader of My Second-Grader who sent this recipe in. She tells us, "My kids love smoothies for breakfast. Their favorite, which also gives them energy and protein to start the day, is a peanut butter and banana smoothie." She also notes how to alter this recipe if you have an allergy to peanut butter, "You can simply add the banana, a hint of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg and a capful of vanilla extract... and it still tastes wonderful."

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups low-fat milk or soy milk
1 banana
1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup crushed ice
1 tablespoon soy-based protein powder in a chocolate flavor (optional)

Preparation

Place all of the ingredients in the blender. Blend to desired consistency.

Breakfast Burritos (makes 2)

Savor this morning meal that is full of protein. If your kids are in a hurry, they can wrap it up and take it on the go.

Ingredients

Oil or cooking spray
2 flour or whole wheat tortillas
2 eggs
2 tablespoons low-fat milk
¼ cup grated cheese
Mild salsa to taste
Avocado (optional)
Sausage, tofu or bacon (optional)

Preparation

Heat the oven to 325º F. Wrap the tortillas in foil and heat them in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the eggs with the milk. Heat the oil or cooking spray in a pan and scramble the eggs. If adding meat or tofu, heat the oil or cooking spray in another skillet and cook the sausage, tofu or bacon. In the tortilla, combine the eggs, meat or tofu, and avocado. Sprinkle with cheese, top with salsa and roll into a burrito.