Children love active play, and it’s important to keep children fueled with nutritious breakfasts to keep their energy up during the day. Preschool nutrition requires a mix of carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle building, and healthy fats to keep kids feeling full throughout their morning of learning and playing. Try out these four delicious and nutritious breakfast ideas that will be a hit in the morning!
1. Yogurt Parfaits
Yogurt is one of the healthiest foods for adults and children – it contains calcium, protein, vitamins, and probiotics, all of which are great for developing bones, teeth, and digestive systems. Parents can personalize these parfait cups with their preschooler’s favorite fresh fruits. For a more substantial breakfast, add some granola for extra vitamin D, zinc, and iron!
2. Healthy Pancakes
Yum yum! Pancakes and waffles are extra nutritious when they’re made with whole-wheat or alternative flours like almond, cassava, or spelt. With that easy flour swap, these tasty morning treats will delight your preschooler and serve as a healthy source of fiber. For a morning full of fun, have your little one help you add ingredients and stir the batter. Use a tool or your own artistic skill to make shapes with the batter that your child will love, like their favorite cartoon character or zoo animal. Top the pancakes or waffles off with some fresh fruit for some extra color and natural vitamins!
3. Smoothie Bowls
Smoothies are a colorful way for your preschooler to meet their daily fruit and veggie requirements. Combining ingredients such as bananas, berries, apples, spinach, or kale, you can create a delicious base for a bowl or a mug. Then, you and your child can decorate the top with chia seeds, nut butter, fruit slices, and more. You can design everything from a cute animal face to a celestial planet using the right ingredients, making this a special bonding activity for you and your preschooler. Have them press the “start” button on the blender with you by their side so that they feel extra involved!
4. Spice Up Traditional Eggs and Bacon
Sometimes a classic is a classic for a reason. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and contain vitamin D and choline. Your child can help you crack the eggs, whisk, and add in their favorite extras such as tomato, finely chopped parsley, or shredded cheese. And in the time it takes to cook the eggs, you could have a check-in with your little one about what they’re looking forward to at preschool that day.
With these recipes, you can start your child’s day with an important lesson about the importance of healthy eating habits. The Gardner School uses a variety of learning tools to help children understand the importance of healthy eating during the school day. We offer healthy morning and afternoon snacks and a nutritious lunch for our students. In the Kids Café, preschool students develop healthy eating habits in a space that is made just for them. Many of our schools offer cooking enrichment classes to help our students learn about healthy habits and nutrition. During our Camp Gardner summer program, students grow vegetables or other small plants as part of the camp curriculum. With a healthy mix of guided instruction and free play to move their bodies, we give children the best tools to build strong, healthy bodies and minds. To learn more about the advantages of an academic preschool, visit our website or schedule a tour today.