Vegan solutions
Vegan breakfast ideas are also a smart option for parents looking for healthy and easy breakfast ideas. “Plants have to be included. Vegetables can be added to idlis and dosas. Mango chutney can be made, vegetable-stuffed parathas, salads, and sambhars are a good option,” said Dr Pinky. While we adopt a plant-based diet, we should regulate the amount of oil used in all meals. “We often assume that plant-based diets are healthy, but we go wrong with them when we add fat beyond limits when cooking vegetarian foods. So, keep an eye on that whilst ensuring that pulses and local vegetables form an integral part of breakfast preparations for kids,” said Sheryl.
Essential ingredients
Whether one chooses a whole Goan quintessential breakfast or a more westernised version of breakfasts for their children, a handful of ingredients is a must-include for the sound health of the body. “Nuts, yogurt, cheese, eggs, and fruits are ideal to be included in your kid’s breakfasts,” said pediatrician Dr Pinky Paliencar. Carbohydrates and proteins, and exclusive sources of vitamins, are what drive the body towards optimal energy, growth, and overall health. “A carbohydrate-containing food like rice or wheat or rava; a protein-containing food such as a pulse or poultry, and a powerhouse of vitamins like raw veggies and nuts are essential for children’s breakfast,” said Sheryl.
Breakfast on the move
Breakfasts designed for convenience and the fast-paced lifestyles are preferred by working parents over the age-old traditional breakfasts. “There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a quick meal that is also nutritious. For example, making a healthy sandwich with raw veggies, a milkshake with a dash of nuts and curds, boiled corn, and bhel without the sev and more,” said nutritionist Sheryl Alphonso. Smoothies, overnight oats, protein bars, and breakfast sandwiches are fuelling the culture of grab and go. As long as these convenient breakfasts are nutritional, there’s no harm in having them. Dietician Dr Viveka Barros notes, “Nutrition does not need to come at the cost of time. With some forethought and simple planning, busy parents can prepare wholesome breakfasts for their kids.”
