Start the School Year with Breakfast

Today, is our oldest’s first day of preschool. I cannot believe how old he is getting. I wanted to make sure that his first day was a success in every way. Several weeks ago, we bought all his school supplies (yes preschool now has a supply list), we packed his backpack and we went and visited the teacher on the open house day. This morning I even took several pictures of him with his backpack and in his uniform.

But the most important thing I have done to start his school year off right is serving him breakfast. There have been several studies that  link breakfast eating to academic success. Those students that eat breakfast have shown to have more alertness in the late morning, less distracted, fewer behavior issues, and higher scores on standardized tests. To learn more visit these websites: Organic Valley, Mayo Clinic and Dairy Makes Sense.

Each morning, my day starts early getting breakfast ready for the family. Tim loves to have egg sandwiches for breakfast. I usually send him out the door with a fried egg topped with melted Organic Valley cheese between two slices of toast. I always have fresh fruit on the counter, he usually  grabs an apple or peach, or other various fruit to eat along with the sandwich. Lastly, I will pour him a tall glass of cold milk. He always eats in his car on his short commute to the farm.

I love to eat breakfast and always have. My mother made sure that each of us had breakfast before we went to school. Typically, the first meal of the day was a bowl of cold cereal, sliced fruit and milk. My favorite was when my mom would make us pancakes or waffles. On Sundays, my dad would always make us eggs and sausage after church.

Most mornings breakfast is not rushed for the boys and I. On a typical day, I enjoy a bowl of hot oatmeal (made with milk). I will stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter and some raisins or other dried fruit. On the side I will eat some whole fruit and drink a cup of green tea and a small glass of milk. My boys love cereal as well. Their favorite is Nature’s Path Flax Plus Pumpkin Raisin Crunch. I will slice up some fresh fruit and also give them a glass of milk. I try to feed them some protein. Sometimes this means scrabbled eggs, or peanut to dip apples in or some cheese. On days that I am really on the ball, I like to make waffles. Here is my favorite recipe:

Emily’s Whole Wheat Waffles

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (can substitute all purpose)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup Organic Valley milk
• 2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 Organic Valley egg, beaten
• 2 Tbsp Organic Valley butter, melted

1. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda;
2. Stir in milk, lemon juice or vinegar, and melted butter.
3. Stir in beaten egg.
4. Cook on greased waffle iron.
5. Top with favorite toppings( fresh fruit, peanut butter, maple syrup, etc)

There is a popular saying that goes: Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and supper like a pauper. Make sure to start the day off right, especially for children. Make breakfast a part of your day.

Emily

Zweber Farms is a 4th generation family operated organic dairy.  We are proud Organic Valley farmers members and sell our milk under that label. We also specialize in sustainably raised beef, pork and chicken and sell it directly to customers in Minnesota.Visit our website to learn more, www.zweberfarms.com