Mornings are hectic. For some, there are even early-morning sports practices to get to in addition to regular school and work schedules. Finding the time to enjoy breakfast as a family can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. With these easy, plan-ahead breakfast tips, you can be on your way to enjoying regular early morning meals as a family.
Cut costs with bulk purchases
Though it can seem overwhelming, purchasing a large quantity of food ahead of time and properly storing it for later use can save a lot of money. An added bonus: preparing meals that can be frozen and reheated later can provide a great alternative to time-consuming freshly prepared breakfasts, giving you more time with your family and alleviating schedule-stress.
Save time with breakfast burritos
Making pre-prepared freezer meals are a great way to cut costs and give you extra time in the morning. For a filling, hearty breakfast, consider preparing breakfast burritos in advance. They can be tailor-made to any family member’s food preferences, including traditional eggs and cheese or a potato and vegetable combination for vegetarians or vegans. Simply prepare, let cool and freeze, using proper storage methods to avoid freezer burn. The options are endless, and these quick, affordable alternatives to the standard bowl of cereal can be popped in the microwave or a conventional oven with ease.
Healthy alternatives for sweet-tooth cravings
If you’re a fan of sweets for breakfast or just want a break from the usual savory options, granola, fruit and yogurt is a tried-and-true combination that can provide an excellence source of protein and keep you full for hours—not to mention the antioxidant benefits of fruit. There are a variety of granolas to choose from, including blends that are gluten-free, organic or have no added sugar.
Energizing make-ahead breakfast bars
For those days where you’re in a pinch on time but still want to enjoy a quick meal with family before you start your day, breakfast bars offer just that. Store-bought granola bars are convenient and delicious, but they’re also often low on nutritional value and high on sugar. For a delicious, homemade option, consider a simple foundation recipe for banana bread oatmeal bars consisting of bananas, egg, vanilla extract, oats and almonds. For an added nutritional boost, consider mixing in flax or chia seeds. For a healthy dose of sweetness, try adding dark chocolate chips.
Learn to savor the quiet moments before busy weekdays. They can provide a great time to converse, enjoy great food and prepare for the coming day. These easy breakfast options are a great place to start when implementing a daily family breakfast routine.
