10 Balanced Breakfasts

An ideal, nutritious breakfast contains a balance of complex carbohydrates and protein. Think grains, plus dairy, plus fruits. Examples of balanced breakfasts are:

1. granola cereal, yogurt, a sliced apple


2. scrambled eggs, toast, orange juice


3. veggie omelet, bran muffin, fruit with yogurt


4. whole-grain pancakes or waffles topped with berries and/or yogurt, milk


5. whole-wheat zucchini pancakes topped with fruit, milk


6. french toast topped with fruit, orange juice or milk


7. low-fat cheese melted on toast with a piece of fruit


8. low-fat cream cheese on a whole-grain bagel, orange juice


9. peanut butter and banana slices on an english muffin, milk


10. For a breakfast-on-the-run smoothie, see "School-Ade."

Of course, it's what you eat not what you say that impresses a child most. By treating yourself to a healthy, balanced breakfast, you model to your children that eating a healthy breakfast gives the whole family a smart nutritional start.