The verdict has been in for a long time: eating each morning is important for regulating mood, weight management and overall good health. Coming up with breakfasts to inspire you and your brood to eat each day can be a challenge, but there are lots of ways to keep that first meal interesting. Consider food groups then play around with traditional ideas.

Dairy products and substitutes provide simple options. Try creating a parfait in an elegant dessert cup or even a tall mason jar. Build layers by alternating plain yogurt with liquid honey, muesli, granola, fresh, canned or dried fruit. At the end of a hard week, treat yourself with a few pure dark chocolate chips on the top.

Maybe you have heard some controversy over eggs and wonder if their fat content is too high. In fact, the only real problem with eggs is the method used to cook them. Poaching or boiling is best. Substitute regular bread with ciabatta or focaccia bread drizzled with olive oil. Add finely chopped spring onions and basil. Top with your poached egg.

Create a breakfast buffet ready for each morning. Fill containers with different cereals, muesli flakes, dried fruits and nuts. Have children combine a certain amount of your healthy preference with a sprinkle of the cereals they like best but you would rather they not eat a lot of. This could be the compromise that saves you from a fight.

For a breakfast shake to go, you do not need fancy powders. These add bulk if you need it, but if you do not, stick with the stuff in your refrigerator. In a blender combine from a selection of milk, yogurt, juice, fruit, honey, even maple syrup. Add ice on a hot morning and just whip it up for a satisfying drink.

If dairy is a no-no for you, there are plenty of other choices. Soy has been the popular alternative for years, but tastes differ. Now you can find milk substitutes made from hemp, rice and almonds too. The same goes for cheeses and yogurts. Often these come in plain, vanilla or chocolate varieties.

Nuts may not fly at school or work due to allergies among peers, but you can still eat them at home. Nut butters include peanut, hazelnut, cashew and more. Spread on bread or even sliced apple for a solid mixture of carbohydrates, protein and fruit. If the adults in the house are looking to get a dose of iron from their protein, remember not to drink caffeine with the meal but juice instead. Vitamin C helps you to absorb iron while caffeine drains it away.

Let us not forget bagels, English muffins and raisin bread. In the toaster oven place your slice or slices. Top with chopped pineapple, apple, apricot or other fruit of choice. Onto this add sliced or grated cheese, the sort you like best such as cheddar, Swiss or Gouda. If you enjoy pizza, spread some sauce on the bread first. This combination works with wraps too. Fill and fold. Melt and enjoy.

Author Bio: Getting tired of the same old cereal for breakfast? Egg Farmers of Ontario has lots of easy recipes that will liven up your breakfast and start your day off right!

Category: Family Concerns
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