Policy Point Wednesday: Brainpower Breakfasts

This upcoming week, the ISATs come to our school! As I've mentioned before, a good breakfast with some healthy protein is critical to getting a child through a day of school, but is doubly important during standardized testing. Although some schools offer subsidized low-cost or even free breakfasts, many parents across the country opt for feeding their kids at home or on the way to school.

Unfortunately, many of these morning meals don't offer kids the support they need.  Sugary breakfast cereals and pastries are associated with breakfasts of lower nutritional quality, oversize portions, and also with a mid-morning "crash" or period of low energy during school.

Parents often depend on boxed cereal for a quick morning meal, and while that can be a good breakfast, there are literally thousands of quick, healthy breakfasts that can either be made in advance or that take no more time than a bowl of cereal.  Fortunately, most breakfast foods are both inexpensive and readily available; if you're looking for quick, healthy and cheap breakfast ideas, here is a list of links:

From your pantry:

• Breakfast parfait
• 7 Quick Breakfast sandwiches
• String Cheese, whole-grain crackers and other quick snacks

Make-ahead breakfasts:

• Make-ahead frozen breakfast burritos
• Make-ahead mini frittata
• Savory Cottage Cheese Tartlets
• Hard-boiled eggs

Breakfast at the kitchen table:

• Elvis Oatmeal
• Dr. Barrilleauxs Nearly-Instant Oatmeal Custard
• Quick Oatmeal Cottage-Cheese pancakes (top with flavored yogurt and fruit instead of syrup)
• Slow Cooker Breakfasts

In a pinch: better Fast-Food breakfasts

Breakfast on the way to school:

• Healthy trail mix
• Walking Pita Sandwich
• 12 ideas for Breakfast on the Go
• Healthy Smoothies
• Fruit and Cheese kabobs

Unconventional breakfasts for choosy eaters:

• Breakfast baked potato
• Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
• Savory Oatmeal
• Breakfast Pasta