Eating a Healthy Breakfast

This winter the Kindergarten and 5th grade classes studied the value of a healthy breakfast.   Eating a breakfast before school will not only provide Bay View students with the energy they need to be good students, but will also help them perform better on tests and quizzes.  In 5th grades, Bay View students participated in an engaging relay that helped visualize the benefits of breakfast.  After, the 5th graders made scrumptious fruit and granola bowls.  Kindergartners made tasty strawberry smoothies.  Below are my favorite smoothie and granola recipes. 

Banana Berry Smoothie

Kindergarten student helping prepare a banana berry smoothie.

Ingredients
*1⁄2    banana, peeled and sliced
*1   cup unsweetened frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries and/or blackberries)
*1⁄2   cup 1% lowfat or nonfat milk
*1⁄2    cup frozen orange juice concentrate

Preparation
1.    Place all ingredients in a blender container. Put lid on tightly.
2.    Blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, add 1⁄2 cup cold water and blend again.
3.    Pour into 2 glasses and serve.

Makes 2 servings. One serving equals 11/3 cups. Preparation time: 5 minutes
From Champions of Change:  http://cachampionsforchange.net/en/Breakfast-Recipes.php

Hearty Cranberry Orange Granola

5th grade fruit and granola cups.

Ingredients *5 cups rolled oats
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1 Tablespoon cinnamon
*1 cup brown sugar
*1/4 cup water
*1/2 cup canola oil
*1/2 cup powdered nonfat milk
*zest of one orange
*1 teaspoon vanilla
*1 cup chopped nuts
*1 cup dried cranberries
*1 cup diced strawberries
*1 cup blueberries
*1 sliced banana

Preparation
Preheat oven to 300°. In saucepot combine salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, water, oil, powdered milk, orange zest, and vanilla. Heat until well blended. Pour over oats and nuts in large mixing bowl, stirring to combine. Spread on large greased cookie sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. Cool.

Top with strawberries, blueberries and bananas.

From: lifeasamom.com