Breakfast made easy
We know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But why does it have to be the one you’ve got the least amount of time to plan and prepare?
No wonder so many people skip breakfast altogether to buy themselves a little more precious time in the morning.
That’s a bad idea because it leaves you playing ‘catch up’ all day to get the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need for a healthy, balanced diet. Even worse, it can tempt you into eating on indulgent, fatty foods halfway through the day to stave off the hunger pangs (possibly one of the reasons people who enjoy a regular breakfast are less likely to be overweight.)
So to make things easier, follow our guide to making breakfast quick, nourishing and, above all, easy every morning:
The night before...
- Encourage kids to set out their school uniform before they go to bed.
- Make sure school bags are checked and packed with the right books.
- Keep a diary or planner in the kitchen, so everyone knows what’s happening the next day.
- Check for letters or messages from school so there are no surprise requests for money or special equipment in the morning.
- Check you have the correct change for dinner money and make packed lunches before you go to bed.
- Organise your own things. Car keys? Glasses? House keys? You’ll save vital minutes in the morning if you know exactly where they are.
In the morning...
- Set a time for everyone to be dressed and seated at the breakfast table… and stick to it!
- Go for food that is easy to prepare; cereal or toast with a variety of toppings; fruit that is ready to eat; or nuts and seeds.
- Most families have their favourite cereal and if it runs out half way round the table it can cause trouble. Always have a box in reserve to defuse arguments.