A few days ago on Facebook we shared an article which reported a high number of children needing dental treatment recently due to ‘lockdown treats’. Read the article here Lockdown snacks blamed as more kids forced to visit the dentist – Hull Live (hulldailymail.co.uk)
Whilst we are all guilty from time to time of over indulging these statistics really worried us. Children are at home more at the moment and it’s easy to sneak in a few extra snacks here and there (and lets be honest a chocolate biscuit tastes better than an apple!). So, we have been looking at different ways where you can reduce sugar intake easily in other areas.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but have you noticed the vast amount of chocolately cereals and spreads which are now available? And the sugar-coated cereal varieties too? So, we have been hunting the internet for some healthy alternatives for breakfast for the whole family, which won’t break the bank or take hours to make…
Overnight oats- simple, quick and cheap! Plain porridge oats plus some fruit, maybe Greek yogurt and granola? Basically, anything goes with this (cinnamon is also a winner) as the name suggests put it in an lockable container the night before, keep refrigerated then in the morning you have a lovely soft porridge creation. This will also keep hunger at bay until lunchtime. Get the kids involved to make their own and get creative with what they put in!
Healthy breakfast sandwich- Bread or a muffin; spinach; avocado and egg. You can even add tomato and/or a red pepper. Again, really quick and simple to make but oh so filling!
Healthy breakfast muffins- ok so these take a little longer and need a few more ingredients but they keep for a few days and can be frozen too. Make them at the weekend with the kids, search the internet for lots of different recipe ideas!
Low sugar granola- with your milk of choice and fresh sliced strawberries on top!
Tomato baked eggs- all you need is eggs (obviously), vine tomatoes, parsley, garlic and olive oil. Can be served on their own or with toast.
Healthy pancakes- using a mixture of self-raising and wholemeal flour, 2 eggs and skimmed milk OR….
Porridge oat banana pancakes- use porridge oats instead of flour with eggs and mashed banana
Eggy bread with raspberries- This is a favourite in our house! Coat some bread with the beaten eggs and raspberries and put in a pan for a few minutes each side… absolutely delicious!
We hope this has given you a few ideas as to how you can start the day more healthy and hopefully reduce the need for snacking in the day!
