Get the Best Winter Activities
Hello? Is this an illusion or a delusion?
Well, it might be a little unrealistic to expect everyone to be happy about waking up 15 minutes earlier in the morning, but I think the potential for some healthy change is in the making!
————————————————— TIPS FOR MORNING MEALTIME BLISS If you are thinking of boosting your family's breakfast by making it more of a group activity, here are a few tips to consider:
—Choose healthy foods. "The biggest mistake parents make is to have a kid eat a food just because the kid likes it. Not all foods are as healthy as they sound. Read labels, especially on cereal bars and juices. See that you are getting real fruit and 100 percent juice. Get your money's worth!" urges Meerschaert.
—When possible, make meal plans the night before and prepare foods ahead of time. This will help to move the morning along smoothly for everyone.
—Share the morning responsibilities. Younger children will enjoy helping to mix pancake batter or set the table. Older children can help to get drinks or clean up. By sharing the chores, you can lighten the load and keep the morning rush to a minimum.
—Engage your family in meaningful conversation. This is the time to ask your children about the day ahead and to share your plans. "Meals are a great opportunity to engage children in conversation. Nothing beats a family meal. It's a time of respite. It's a time to discuss family topics," says Dr. Dlott.
—Be creative. "The great thing about making breakfast is that it is a popular meal with kids. Kids like most breakfast foods," says Meerschaert. But there is no need to limit yourself to toast and cereal. Pizza, yogurt, eggs, sandwiches... the list is endless. Snazz up a favorite like pancakes with raspberries or peanut butter. Top your bagel with tuna fish and melted cheese. A little creativity gives new life to old standbys.
—Be realistic about the time everyone can commit. Expecting a one-hour three-course meal is not going to go over well with kids who are adjusting to a new routine. Start with a 10- or 15-minute commitment to a simple breakfast such as cereal or toast. Soon, the morning meal will be a routine that everyone will enjoy.
————————————— Inspiring Breakfast Ideas If you are in a breakfast food rut, pouring the same cereal day after day, consider some of these suggestions. It takes just a minute and a look around your kitchen to find new ways to serve old favorites!
* Calcium-fortified waffles with sliced bananas and a scoop of frozen yogurt
* Hot oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries
* A toasted honey wheat English muffin served with scrambled eggs and melted cheese
* A veggie cheese omelet stuffed with broccoli or other favorite vegetables
* Vegetable soup and an oat bran muffin
* Yogurt Crunch: flavored low-fat yogurt topped with granola and sliced almonds
* Sliced apples topped with peanut butter and all-fruit spread
* Pizza cooked with low-fat cheese and pineapple chunk topping
* Scrambled eggs stuffed in a burrito and topped with salsa
* Apple sauce and pumpkin bread