Top 5 Healthy Breakfasts

Some mornings breakfast can be a diabolical disaster.  I become the short order cook from hell, trying to make all the kids eat a healthy breakfast with all the necessary protein and fats needed for their brains to stay focused and on task.   When the cereal boxes were removed from the pantry, the routine changed.  No longer was I calm, tidy and organised.  Now I have a sink full of frying pans, benches covered in egg shells and dirty plates while the dog is hovering around for the bacon rind.  What have I done?  Is this nutrition gig worth it?  Yes.  It is.  It just takes time to create that new comfort zone, because there are easy alternatives without turning to 101 ways with bacon and eggs.  

Here are my 5 top healthy breakfasts:

1. Smoothies:  Buy a Nutribullet or heavy duty blender.  You won't regret it.  You can add a ton of ingredients that the kids are not aware of, unless you get caught.  Some of the mixes that I like are ground flaxseed, ground seeds such as sunflower, pepita's, coconut whether as shredded, milk, or oil, the possibilities are endless.  For dairy free I like to use coconut water with a little added coconut cream to get the lovely rich texture, add frozen banana and berries.  The beauty of the nutribullet is that you can take the cup in the car.  Easy.
2. Porridge:  Believe it or not porridge is so easy to make, once again you can add extra ground seeds to the oats and whole milk for a very sustaining breakfast.  Serve with berries, whole milk and a little honey to sweeten.
   
3. Homemade Muesli:  Whether this be oat based or nut based for gluten sensitive or coeliacs, having a bowl of muesli with whole milk, nut milk or coconut water is  an easy alternative.  I prefer to avoid muesli with added dried fruit, as I would rather add fresh fruit without the extra sugar and preservatives.  Try soaking muesli in whole milk or milk alternative over night with grated apple, and added seeds for a bircher muesli.  Serve with dairy or coconut yoghurt for a delicious breakfast.
4. Paleo bread:   I am not a diet advocate, but believe in finding foods that suit your body.  Paleo bread is just simply delicious.  Perfect as a base for avocado, eggs, mushrooms or home made baked beans.  The options are endless.  Paleo bread is full of goodness that will keep you feeling satisfied till lunch time.  
5. CADA: This stands for coconut, almonds, dates and apple, but really take the four elements and substitute as desired.  I always use coconut and dates,  as I am partial to their texture and flavour.  As for the apple and nuts, I use whatever I have on hand. Sunflower seeds and frozen berries make an interesting mix.   As long as it blends into a lovely consistency I can top with yoghurt and pomegranate seeds adding extra nuts and seeds to finish.  I love this breakfast in summer, and when I am travelling, it is easy to make ahead to have later.

Don't let breakfasts wreck your morning.  Be prepared.  Have the ingredients.  Try not to rush.  Take a deep breath.  Allocate the washing up.
Remember its a team effort, not a mum effort.  Let everyone get involved and encourage independence.
I really must do that!