Plan Ahead for a Better Breakfast

We've all heard it before that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 

Well you guys, they weren't lying! Eating breakfast is one of the first things that gets pushed aside on hectic mornings before school, but ensuring that you and your kids start your day with a balanced breakfast is crucial for a successful day. 

Eating breakfast has been shown to improve performance at school and work, improves energy throughout the day, helps you maintain a healthy weight and manage hunger throughout the day. 

It is important to eat breakfast and it is also important to eat a balanced, nutritious breakfast. Try to include a combination of three of the following food groups: whole grains, protein, fruit/vegetable, and low fat dairy. 

A balanced nutritious breakfast could be low fat yogurt, fresh fruit, and whole grain granola. 

It could also be scrambled eggs, whole grain toast, and a glass of low fat milk. 

Plan ahead for better breakfasts by making a batch of whole grain muffins at the beginning of the week. You can pair with fresh fruit and a glass of low fat milk for a balanced, energy boosting breakfast that is portable and easily enjoyed on the go, at your desk, or even in a tractor.

Banana Oat Muffins 

5 large, very ripe bananas, mashed with a fork 

2 eggs, whisked

2 cups all purpose flour 

1 cup oats 

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt 

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup canola oil 

Combine mashed bananas, eggs, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients stirring until just combined. Scoop equal amounts of batter into lined muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 20-25 min or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

Need a chocolate fix? Add 1 tsp of hazelnut chocolate spread to batter prior to baking. Use a toothpick to swirl.