As summer wraps up and we prepare to head our kids back to school, we want to be sure to give them their best start.

One very simple and important way to do that is by giving them a power packed breakfast each and every morning! In the rush to get everyone out the door, breakfast can easily be overlooked.

But missing this very important meal of the day can set our children and ourselves up for failure. We are unable to concentrate and lack the energy we need for a successful day.

Our children’s bodies and brains are still developing and truly need that fuel first thing in the morning. If you are very pressed for time, consider a protein packed smoothie, on-the-go, for a great start to the day. If you have a little more time, consider this protein packed recipe: Toasted Quinoa Porridge!

Quinoa is actually a seed rather than a grain, which explains its high protein content. It contains all nine essential amino acids, is high in iron, fiber, calcium, potassium and a wealth of other necesarry nutrients. I love the toasted nutty flavor of quinoa. It is lighter than oatmeal, but still very filling and keeps me going until lunch, with no blood sugar crashes.

What you need:

1/4 Cup Quinoa (rinsed and dried)

1/4 Cup Water

1/4 Cup Milk (regular, rice, soy or almond)

What to do:

Toast the Quinoa kernels in a pan over high heat for about 2-3 minutes. Toss the kernels in the pan as they pop. When the Quinoa is a nice golden brown, add 1/4 cup water. Simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes or until the liquid is mostly absorbed, then add 1/4 cup milk. Simmer for 10 minutes, adding more milk if needed. Simmer longer and add more liquid for a softer porridge.

Top with Apple and Pecans, Bananas and Walnuts or Golden Raisins with Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar. Yum, to a power packed breakfast!

What is your favorite power packed breakfast??

The post Toasted Quinoa Porridge (Importance of a Healthy Breakfast) appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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