Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, especially for growing children. It sets the tone for the day, providing the energy and nutrients needed for optimal performance. However, convincing kids to eat a nutritious breakfast can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. My picky eaters have made me research a lot about how I can make breakfast foods healthy and that’s exactly what I am going to share with you in today’s blog post.
With a little creativity and some Indian culinary magic, you can make breakfast foods healthy, delicious and irresistible that even the pickiest eaters will love.
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The Power of Protein
Protein is essential for growing children as it helps in building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting a healthy immune system. Incorporating protein-rich foods can make breakfast foods healthy and can help keep kids full and focused throughout the morning.
Masala Omelette
If you eat eggs, start your day with a flavorful twist by whipping up a masala omelet. Beat eggs with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves. Cook until golden brown and serve with whole wheat toast. Additionally, you can also add a glass of Complan milk on the side. This dish not only packs a protein punch but also introduces kids to a burst of Indian flavors while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
If you don’t eat agges, make a chickpea omelette with vegetables just like you would make a chilla.
Moong Dal Chilla: Moong dal chilla is another excellent option for a protein-packed breakfast. Blend soaked moong dal with water, green chilies, ginger, and spices to make a smooth batter. Cook on a hot griddle until crispy and serve with a side of mint chutney.
Pro tip: Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to your omelette or chilla is a great way to make breakfast foods healthy.
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Fiber-Rich Delights
Fiber is crucial for digestive health and can help prevent constipation, a common issue among children. By incorporating fiber-rich foods you can make breakfast foods healthy and rest ensured that your kids will start their day on the right foot.
Vegetable Upma: Upma is a traditional South Indian dish made from semolina and vegetables. Sauté onions, carrots, peas, and capsicum in a pan. Add roasted semolina and water, and cook until soft and fluffy. Season with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and cashews for added crunch.
Poha: Poha, or flattened rice, is another fiber-rich breakfast option that is quick and easy to prepare. Rinse poha under running water and drain well. Sauté with onions, green chilies, and turmeric powder until soft. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Pro tip: It is easy to make breakfast foods healthy with simple swaps like using whole grain bread instead of white bread.
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Nutrient-Packed Goodness
In addition to protein and fiber, breakfast should also provide essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and wellbeing. By incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients into breakfast recipes, you can ensure that your kids get the nutrition they need to thrive.
Vegetable Paratha: Parathas are a popular breakfast option in many Indian households and can be easily customized to suit your child’s taste preferences. Psst…they are also a great way to sneak in a lot of veggies in your kids’ breakfast!
Knead whole wheat flour with grated vegetables like carrots, spinach, and cauliflower. Roll out into thin circles and cook on a hot griddle until golden brown. Serve with yogurt or pickle for a satisfying and nutritious meal. I have already written about a number of healthy paratha stuffing ideas you can use to make breakfast foods healthy for your family.
Idli with Sambar: Idli, a steamed rice cake, is a staple breakfast item in South India and is both nutritious and delicious. The trick to making these popular breakfast foods healthy is to serve with piping hot sambar, a flavorful, protein-packed lentil-based stew loaded with vegetables and spices. Not only is this breakfast rich in vitamins and minerals, but it also provides a good balance of carbohydrates and protein to fuel your child’s day.
Pro tip: Starting your day with a nutrient-rich smoothie bowl packed with fruits, veggies, and protein powder is a delicious way to make breakfast foods healthy.
Add Complan Nutrition
To keep your kids energized and ready for the day ahead they should start their day with a nutritious breakfast. Complan is my trusted, nutritious addition in providing essential vitamins and minerals to support growing children.
Complan has 34 vital nutrients including 100% milk protein, iron, iodine, calcium etc. Not only that, it has 63% more protein than other nutrition drinks. With its delicious flavors and scientifically designed formula, Complan supports the nutritional needs of growing kids.
More Ways to Make Breakfast Foods Healthy
- Make breakfast foods healthy by incorporating fresh fruits like berries and bananas into your morning routine.
- Make your kids’ breakfast healthier by baking homemade granola bars or laddoos with wholesome ingredients like dates, oats, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Replace refined grains with whole grains like whole wheat, millets, or oats in traditional Indian breakfast dishes such as idli, dosa, or upma.
- Include lean protein sources like lentils, paneer and tofu in breakfast recipes such as dal parathas, paneer dosas, or tofu bhurji. Protein is essential for growing children as it supports muscle development and provides sustained energy throughout the day.
- Use healthier cooking methods such as steaming, grilling, or baking instead of deep frying. This helps reduce the intake of unhealthy fats and calories while retaining the nutritional value of the ingredients.
Breakfast is the foundation of a healthy diet, especially for growing children. By incorporating Indian flavors and ingredients into breakfast recipes you can make breakfast foods healthy and enjoyable for your kids. You can also pair their breakfast with a nutritious drink like Complan.
From protein-packed omelettes to fiber-rich upma, the possibilities are endless. So why wait? Start your day off right with a delicious and healthy breakfast that will keep your kids fueled and ready to take on the day.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan.
Tanishqa says
A masala omelette sounds like a delicious way to pack protein and flavor into breakfast!
Avleen says
Moong dal chilla is a great idea for a protein-rich breakfast that’s also easy to make.
Kartik says
Vegetable upma is a wonderful way to sneak in fiber and veggies for a healthy start to the day.
aashi says
Poha is a simple yet nutritious breakfast option that kids will love.
Taruna says
Vegetable upma is a wonderful way to sneak in fiber and veggies for a healthy start to the day.
Aarzoo Kapoor says
Poha is a simple yet nutritious breakfast option that kids will love.
Rishika S Sabharwal says
Adding veggies to parathas is a clever way to make breakfast both tasty and nutritious.
Raavi Lamba says
Idli with sambar is a perfect balanced breakfast, offering both carbs and protein.
Gauri Rajput says
Starting the day with a nutrient-rich smoothie bowl is a fantastic idea for a healthy breakfast.
Granth Raghav says
Complan’s 34 vital nutrients make it a reliable addition to a nutritious breakfast.
Taasha says
Homemade granola bars with dates, oats, and nuts are a healthy and delicious breakfast treat.
Maan Khurana says
Using whole grains in traditional Indian breakfast dishes boosts their nutritional value.
Trishla says
Complan’s 34 vital nutrients make it a reliable addition to a nutritious breakfast.