Fasting all night long leaves the body ready for a healthy breakfast. Teens might skip breakfast because of a busy schedule or lack of time in the morning, but there are many arguments for fueling up first thing in the morning. Breakfast helps a teen focus and potentially perform better in school, while helping with weight management. A healthy breakfast also gives teens a boost of vitamins and minerals at the beginning of the day.
Smoothies
Whether you call it a smoothie or a breakfast shake, the blended meal works well at home or on the way to school. A yogurt base gives the smoothie a creamy texture. This breakfast option allows for versatility because you can add your favorite ingredients or base the smoothie on the available ingredients each day. Frozen fruit thickens the smoothie more, giving it a slushy texture. Bananas, berries and peaches are common smoothie ingredients. Peanut butter adds a dose of protein to smoothies. Either plain or chocolate milk also works in the mixture. Blend all the ingredients, along with a small amount of sweetener, if desired.
Sandwich
Fast food breakfast sandwiches are full of fat and calories, but a sandwich made at home gives your teen more control over the ingredients and health value. Scrambled eggs or egg substitutes work well on a breakfast sandwich. Place the eggs on top of a toasted English muffin or bagel. Tomato, onions, peppers and other vegetables work well for additional flavor in the sandwich. Peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and bananas also work inside the sandwich. Sandwiches also travel well when wrapped in plastic or foil.
Fruit Salad
A fruit salad gives teens a chance to mix and match the ingredients. Cutting up the fruit salad the night before makes this breakfast option quick in the morning. Seasonal fruits have the most flavor and are usually more affordable. Mix together the preferred fruit in a bowl. Layer the fruit salad with yogurt and granola for variety at the breakfast table.
Cereal Mix
A bowl of cereal is a breakfast option, but this classic breakfast meal gets boring and is difficult to take on-the-go. Instead, use the cold cereal as the base for a breakfast trail mix. Combine different cereals, dried fruit, coconut chunks and nuts for a convenient breakfast option. Mix up a large batch and keep it in a container for those mornings when a hot breakfast isn’t an option.
