After several months of exclusively feeding your child formula or breastmilk, the exciting (and somewhat overwhelming) time comes when you start introducing solids. First, it’s just a few bites of food–exposing them to various tastes and textures. Within a few months, you’re feeding your child three full meals a day. The planning and preparation, the mess, and the inevitable clean-up (highly recommend a dog for this part) can become pretty complicated. It can also get expensive and time-consuming, especially if you’re striving to feed your child clean and minimally-processed foods. It’s hard enough to eat whole, nutritious foods yourself, never mind becoming a personal chef for the tiny human you’ve created.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or you work full-time, you know that the mornings are rushed and the evenings are chaotic. There isn’t always time for gourmet cooking. While you’d like to start your day as a culinary goddess, chugging a cup of coffee between microwave sessions becomes the priority. (And really, how many times can you microwave a cup of coffee before it becomes undrinkable?)
There’s an art to quick, easy meal prep. My tiny food critics have forced me to master the five-minute meal—and you can too. These five-minute breakfasts are all made with wholesome ingredients and can be made in less time than it takes your child to empty all your kitchen cabinets.
1. Egg Omelet
Whisk an egg until yolk and white are combined. Heat 1 tsp. of olive oil or butter in a small pan over medium heat. Pour in eggs. Cook for 1-2 minutes until set. Top with cheese or chopped spinach and fold. Served with a sliced orange.
Pro Tip: Have leftover cooked veggies on hand? Toss in whatever you’d like in place of cheese or spinach.
2. Banana Egg Pancakes
Mash one ripe banana and mix in one egg. Add a dash of cinnamon and a teaspoon of chia seeds. Heat coconut oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Pour batter, forming 3-4 pancakes. Flip after 1-2 minutes, when pancakes have set and cook for an additional minute on the second side. Serve with mixed berries.
3. Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits
Chop your kid’s favorite fruits (berries and bananas are my favorites). You’ll want about ½ cup. Layer the fruit on the bottom of a cup or small bowl. Top with whole milk yogurt. Repeat each layer and serve.
Pro Tip: Look for labels with no added sugar. Plain, unsweetened yogurt is best.
4. Nut Butter & Banana Toast
Lightly toast a piece of your favorite clean, whole-grain bread. My current favorite brand is Dave’s Killer Bread. Top with the nut butter of your choice and sliced banana. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Pro Tip: Look for nut butter with minimal ingredients. Nuts and sea salt only (or for children under one, just nuts).
5. Cinnamon French Toast
Whisk together one egg and 1/2 cup of milk (either dairy or non-dairy work just fine). Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon and mix. Heat coconut oil or ghee in a medium pan. Soak two slices of your favorite clean, whole-grain bread in the milk and egg mixture for 30 seconds. Cook in the pan for 1-2 minutes on each side. Drizzle with honey (if kids are over one) or maple syrup (just plain maple syrup, no added sugar) and serve with fruit.
