Breakfast On-the-Go: Tips for Packing a Portable Breakfast

In a perfect world, your children would wake up to a big, hot, nutritious breakfast every single day. They would sit down washed and dressed, homework already gathered, shoes, jackets and backpacks at-the-ready, to eat whatever you prepared for them, their bright faces beaming. Then, you'd be out the door well in advance of school starting and everyone would arrive happy and relaxed. Doesn't that sound delightful?

If mornings don't always run that smoothly in your household, never fear. Your kids don’t have to be sitting at the breakfast table to get a great, nutritious breakfast. Because breakfast is so important, I'm going to share tips for packing a family-friendly, on-the-go breakfast, and hopefully you will find, as I did, that any breakfast can be taken along for the ride during those busy mornings.

It's important that kids get plenty of nutrients at breakfast time so their brains and bodies are ready for learning. Low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs and fruit are all nutrient-rich and give your children the essential energy to bike or walk to school, and then pay attention when they get there.

Reach for these portable, nutritious breakfasts:

• Whole-grain granola bar, fruit (whole or cut up) and a reusable drinking bottle filled with low-fat milk
• Breakfast burrito: Fill a whole wheat tortilla with softly scrambled eggs and top with shredded Cheddar cheese, salsa and a dollop of low-fat sour cream or plain low-fat yogurt
• Cheese and crackers: Pack sliced low-fat Swiss or mozzarella cheese along with some whole grain crackers for a easy and nutritious breakfast on the go
• Believe it or not a serving of oatmeal made with low-fat milk in a plastic bowl is actually pretty portable. It's hard to spill and kids can hand the bowl and spoon to you as they get out of the car
• Smoothies made with low-fat milk, yogurt and fruit and sweetened with honey can be enjoyed on the way to school
• Spread pancakes or waffles with peanut butter and top with dried fruit and nuts, bring napkins

Many nutritious options can also be found at your local cafe. If you can beat the crowds of bleary-eyed business people waiting for their quadruple-shot lattes, duck in for a low-fat scone, fruit cup and some warm cocoa made with low-fat milk. Make breakfast time the most relaxed (and enjoyable) part of your day, and if it is portable, then great! A quick, nutritious breakfast doesn't always have to be eaten around the kitchen table.