Dallas Moms Blog is excited to partner with Dallas metroplex The Little Gym locations for a weekly sponsored series on children’s health and fitness!
We’ve all heard it said before that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” I’ve tended to think of that phrase only in the way it applies to my personal health and weight loss journey. Lately I’ve become more aware of the importance of breakfast in my children’s lives, too.
Children need a healthy breakfast in order to maintain their energy level and as an opportunity to get part of their daily requirement of vitamins and nutrients. Unfortunately, so many of the breakfast foods that are geared toward children are full of sugar and empty calories. We can’t even count on the school system to always get it right. The one time I allowed my kids to purchase breakfast at school they were served Pop Tarts!
I’ve tried to be intentional and plan ahead for the breakfast meal because mornings can be hectic. I’ve found that when I have something prepared in advance it’s much easier to get everyone dressed and out the door on time. I’m sharing two of my favorite READY-MADE breakfast ideas today.
First, did you know you can make oatmeal in the crockpot? This is fabulous for so many reasons. Not only can I throw all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before, but each family member can have a bowl of hot yummy breakfast when they need it. This morning my husband grabbed a bowl of oatmeal from the crockpot at 5:45 AM before rushing to catch a business flight. My kids and I ate it over an hour later. The basic recipe is simple, but it can be dressed up in countless ways with different sweeteners, fruits, nuts, and syrups according to each person’s tastes.
The most important things to remember about making oatmeal in the crockpot are to to use steel cut oats, to keep the ratio at 1 cup oats to 4 cups liquid (any combination of water and milk), and to always spray or grease the crockpot before cooking. Here’s a list of the ingredients I used this week to make oatmeal.
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray. Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Pour into crockpot and cook on low for 7-9 hours. Cooking times may vary. Optional: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the mix before cooking. You can also experiment with the 4 cups of liquid and substitute whole milk, half and half, coconut milk, or use only water for the liquid. Serve with chopped apples, bananas, pears, pecans, slivered almonds, extra brown sugar, raisins, dried fruit, honey, or jam!
I’m really excited to share my next recipe with you! My friend grew up eating these delicious peanut butter balls and now makes them for her kids using her mom’s recipe. They are easy to make and are really satisfying. You can serve 2-3 of these balls with half a banana or other fruit for a fast, nutritious breakfast. They also make great snacks. We took them on a recent ski trip for an energy boost while riding the lifts.
- Mix together 1\/2 cup oats, 1\/2 cup wheat germ, and 1\/2 cup powdered milk. Add honey and peanut butter and mix. Roll into balls and coat each one with extra powdered milk. Store in a closed container in the refrigerator. Optional: Hide a chocolate chip in the center of each ball for an extra treat!
Eating a healthy breakfast is a good habit to put in place. That way even when our kids wake up feeling “not hungry” or uninterested in breakfast, the expectation is there that healthy food will be served and this is an important daily routine. Including kids in the process of making breakfast can be fun, too. Let them sprinkle toppings on their oatmeal or roll peanut butter balls with you in the kitchen. Breakfast might even become a favorite time of day, especially if it’s a time shared together before heading off in the different directions of work and school or daycare.
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Please Note :: The Little Gym is graciously sponsoring our “Soar into Healthy Habits” series…and we would not have it any other way! We are passionate about all that they are doing for children and moms, and we encourage you to contact them to to try an introductory experience to help support you in keeping your kids healthy and happy!
To learn more about The Little Gym’s programs for ages 4 months to 12 years, make sure to visit their website or contact a location nearest you!
You’ll find The Little Gym at the following locations throughout the Dallas metroplex:
• Preston & Forest; Dallas
• Mockingbird & Abrams; Dallas
• Preston & Park; Plano
• Preston & Stonebrook; Frisco
