6 Make-Ahead Breakfasts for school mornings

Mornings can be rough- especially when you’re just getting back into the swing of things with school. The kids aren’t necessarily used to the routine yet, you’re not used to the routine and it takes some adjustment. One of the ways to ease the transition? Planning ahead. I know, I sound like a broken record- but I’m a planner, and planning ahead is one of the things I do to keep my family on track and make mornings just a little bit smoother. When I talk to clients about meal planning, I always bring up breakfast. Because of all the meals, breakfast tends to be hardest for moms. You’re rushing to get out of the door, and it’s hard enough to get it onto the table and into kiddos’ bellies, let alone serve them something nutritious– but breakfast really is THE most important meal of the day (for kids especially!) because it fuels our brain and sets our bodies up for a healthy day of functioning optimally. 

Serving up a sugary breakfast first thing is a recipe for hyperactivity followed by a steep crash, resulting in brain fog, lack of concentration (on both ends), tiredness and irritability. This goes for you, too, mama! Ensuring a balanced breakfast is one of the best ways you can support your kids’ learning in a simple, delicious way. And planning and prepping ahead is the best way to do that, easily. 

So what I typically recommend to clients is to plan ahead. Plan your week of breakfasts (and prep if you can!) so you know exactly what you’re having each morning and mornings are (a little bit) easier. Here are six of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts for easier mornings: 

1. Egg Muffins 

These are our family’s go-to morning meal because they are SO darn easy. Grab one or two, pop them in the microwave if you like them warm, but honestly, we love them cold! You can serve them up with some fruit, sprouted toast or sliced avocado (my kiddo is sometimes good with just one) and breakfast is done in no time. Here are two of our favorites- veggie and greek (broccoli cheddar are coming to my free budget e-book, coming to you later this month! Get on my email list so you don’t miss it). 

2. Yogurt Jars 

Probably the easiest prep of them all, I love making up little mason jars with greek yogurt (plain or flavored- I really like using plan and adding a scoop of frozen berries so they melt in and flavor the yogurt, my kiddo prefers vanilla), a handful of granola and some chopped up fruit. Super easy grab-and-go! 

3. Chia Seed Pudding 

This is another family favorite! I make these ahead, too- though if you’re making a big batch I recommend making it ahead and letting it sit, then scooping into jars and topping like you would yogurt jars. I like adding a scoop of collagen or protein powder to up the protein and satiety factor. 

Recipe:
Chia Seed Breakfast Pudding 
Makes 1-2 

1/4 cup chia seeds
3/4 cup milk of choice 
sweetener + spices as desired 

1. Whisk seeds and milk with sweetener and/or spices as desired. Let sit 1+ hours to allow to gelatanize. 

2. Scoop into a bowl or divide into jars (this is usually good for me, for breakfast- my kiddo usually eats half) to store or serve. 

4. Smoothie Bags 

What is easier than throwing a bunch of ingredients in the blender and calling it a day? Throwing together bags that are pre-made with delicious ingredients so it’s even EASIER! Two thumbs up for smoothie bags, guys. These are a game-changer. I just add some liquid and a scoop of protein and breakfast is done- for me and the kids! Here are a few of our favorite smoothies. 

5. Homemade Muffins 

Muffins are an easy grab-and-go, but they can be a sugar bomb. Now, I’m all about balance- so if your kids want a muffin on occasion, that’s cool with me! But on the regular, they might not be the brain fuel you’re looking for. But homemade muffins? You can pack with a ton of fiber (coconut, cassava and almond flour are all great bases), healthy fats (almond flour, coconut oil, ghee and nuts) as well as fruit (or even veggies!). You could pair a muffin with a hard cooked egg for more protein, or top with some nut butter to keep your kiddos fuller, longer. 

6. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are easy-peasy! Combine 1 serving of rolled oats with an equal amount of milk of choice, add sweetener and/or cinnamon if desired! In the morning, stir in a few tbsp of yogurt and top with fruit, nuts or nut butter! 

Do you have favorite make-ahead breakfasts to ease school mornings? Share with us in the Healthy Mama Life Facebook group!