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Start your student's school day off right

 
Tampa Bay Times
Published Aug. 21, 2012

New federal guidelines aim to make school lunches more nutritious this year by requiring all students to take a fruit or vegetable with their meal. More whole grains and less saturated fat, trans fats and sodium are also part of the regulations. � A good move, for sure, but schools can only go so far to teach children about nutrition. Experts say that what they learn at home has a bigger influence. As parents, though, we know it's sometimes difficult to get children to eat what we know they should. It also requires planning and cooking. � What's that you say? They hate breakfast and hate even more that they have to wake up earlier to eat it? This school year, offer some new foods that might get them more excited about breakfast. If they hate eggs, don't force them. If they are fans of grilled cheese sandwiches, get out the skillet and make them but use whole wheat bread and tuck a few thin slices of apple between the slices. � Here are some ideas for back-to-school breakfasts:

Leftovers

Seriously, heat up that chicken noodle soup, spaghetti or lasagna from last night. Who said breakfast has to be bacon and eggs?

Oatmeal

It's a turnoff for a lot of kids, especially young Floridians who have never had a need for a warm, rib-sticking breakfast. But try the accompanying recipe for Almond Joy Oatmeal and they might just get hooked. Yes, it calls for a smattering of chocolate chips but it's not much more than a tablespoon per person.

Burritos

With just beans for the vegan; add scrambled eggs for the ominivore. Try it on whole wheat tortillas and add whatever fixings they like: grated cheese, salsa, chopped tomato, etc. If they just loved chopped onions, make sure those teeth are brushed before they leave the house!

Breakfast sandwiches

Make them on small bagels, English muffins, croissants, their favorite bread or even pita. Between the slices, layer scrambled eggs, shredded or sliced cheese and a slice of Canadian bacon. Or regular bacon. Or turkey bacon. Or sausage. They won't eat eggs? Substitute a tomato slice.

Smoothies

Many children love fruit but it's good to mix it with protein to keep energy levels up. Add tofu, peanut butter or yogurt.

Muffins

Good with a thin layer of low-fat cream cheese, but stay away from muffins that are more like cupcakes. Go for carrot over chocolate. If you make your own, mix white and whole wheat flour and add some fruit. Thinking ahead, bake a couple of dozen and freeze some. They will thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Parfaits

Sort of a solid version of the smoothie, but with added crunch. Layer yogurt with fruit and top with granola.

Waffle sandwich

Spread toasted whole wheat waffles with butter, drizzle with maple syrup and sandwich with turkey sausage patties. For a savory version, butter and layer with cheddar cheese and ham.

Quick eats

Cereal is easy, but look for some that's not really candy in disguise. Add fruit to sweeten. Breakfast bars and yogurt are good morning choices, and so is toast with peanut butter.

Fruit AND cheese

String cheese and a nectarine; cheddar and a Granny Smith apple; dried apricots, nuts and a slice of Brie. Sound too sophisticated? Just give it a try.

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Janet K. Keeler can be reached at jkeeler@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8586.