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05/09/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2021 10:12

Dietitian-Approved Mother’s Day Breakfast Ideas You Can Eat in Bed

Happy Mother's Day! If you're a mom (or a mother figure), the idea of breakfast in bed served to you by your children sounds dreamy, until you start to think about the logistics.

Can your kids realistically make you a breakfast on their own without needing your help? If they go at it alone, will there be a huge mess to clean up later? And if you relinquish control of breakfast to your kids, will you end up eating a bowl full of syrup and candy?

To help, five top dietitian moms share their tips for a Mother's Day breakfast in bed that's not only delicious, but nutritious and fun for the whole family.

The Oatmeal Bar

If you're looking for an easy and nutritious Mother's Day breakfast idea, consider having your family create an oatmeal bar. 'Oatmeal is packed with fiber and easy to make in the microwave with no pots or mixing spoons to clean afterwards,' explains Samina Kalloo, RDN, CDN, a mom of two young boys. 'With a single-serve packet of unsweetened quick oats, it's super easy for my boys to make without much help,' she adds.

Kalloo recommends offering nutritious mix-ins such as blueberries, almond butter, and ground flax and letting your children get creative by using the toppings to create 'artwork' such as adding a happy face to your bowl.

Simple Sweet Satisfaction

Mother's Day breakfast should be all about enjoying your favorite things, and that includes satisfying your sweet tooth. 'I'm a sucker for sweet things and having something sweet first thing in the morning makes me happy,' shares Andrea Mathis, MA, RDN, LD of Beautiful Eats and Things.

So what does a dietitian mom recommend for a sweet breakfast? For Mathis, a mom of two young boys, the choice is clear. 'Peanut butter toast sprinkled with a little granola would be perfect and it's very easy to make.' The combination of healthy fat and protein in the nut butter combined with a fun topping like granola, or even fruit, can satisfy your sweet tooth while helping you feel full throughout the morning.

The Pancake Party

As a working mom of a toddler and new baby, dietitian Elizabeth Shaw, MS, RDN, CPT, knows a thing or two about making meals that are convenient but also nutritious. 'As a nursing mom, I'm craving carbohydrates lately! So, an ideal breakfast for me would be my husband whipping up our go-to whole-grain protein pancakes and letting my toddler 'decorate' them with fresh fruits and a nut butter drizzle.'

Although making pancakes from scratch can always be a great option, don't feel guilty if you opt for a premade mix on Mother's Day or any day. 'Convenience is absolutely okay to rely on and can offer solid nutrition too,' shares Shaw.

Adding pancakes to your Mother's Day menu can be an easy way to boost your family's nutrient intake. 'This combo packs in whole grains, protein, and healthy fats, and provides an easy way to get a fruit in at breakfast,' shares Shaw.

The Cereal Solution

When it comes to mastering nutritious meals on the go, dietitian Katie Serbinski, MS, RD of Mom to Mom Nutrition is a pro. As a mom of four young children, she knows the value in finding foods that are quick, kid-friendly, and packed full of nutrition-even on Mother's Day. 'My kids love pouring their own whole-grain cereal and milk for breakfast, and I love the simplicity and ease it offers. I'd love for them to pour me a bowl, too, so we could all eat together.'

As simple as it may seem, a bowl of cereal for breakfast provides balanced nutrition for the whole family. 'The combination of whole grains from the cereal and protein from the milk ensures I'm fueled [and they are too] for a busy day ahead-even on Mother's Day I know we will be busy!'

The Best Breakfast for Blood Sugar

As a working mom of two young girls who is managing type 1 diabetes, Mary Ellen Phipps, MPH, RDN, LD, author of The Easy Diabetes Cookbook, knows the importance of finding a balance between meals her whole family loves, as well as foods that maintain healthy blood sugar levels. 'For Mother's Day breakfast I'd love something my kids would enjoy eating with me and one that is easy to clean up.'

So, what's her go-to breakfast option? Greek yogurt and granola! Thanks to the balance of protein, fat, and fiber this breakfast combo provides, it can help to stabilize blood sugar levels. 'This breakfast is nutritionally balanced but also easy for my kids to help my husband make and we wouldn't be dealing with sugar crashes later in the day.'

Plus, Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms

As you celebrate Mother's Day this year, remember that the best gift you can give yourself is that of self-care. 'Take the time to enjoy your day and your family, not worrying about calories or missing that morning workout,' shares Mathia.

And remember that including convenience foods or allowing someone to prepare foods for you that may be a little less than perfect is a gift to yourself as well. 'Giving yourself the gift of time while providing your body solid nutrition is a form of self-care,' adds Shaw.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.

Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, LDN, CPT

Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, CPT is a nationally recognized nutrition, diabetes, and fitness expert who shows busy individuals how to make time for health. She is the founder and owner of the New Jersey-based Vernon Nutrition Center, a nutrition counseling group specializing in weight management, diabetes, and family nutrition. She is the author of multiple publications including the '2 Day Diabetes Diet' (Reader's Digest), 'Love Your Age' (Prevention/Rodale), and the 'Belly Fat Diet For Dummies' (Wiley). As a frequent media expert, Erin has appeared on broadcast media such as the 'The Dr. Oz Show,' 'The Doctors,' 'The Early Show,' and MSNBC, and regularly speaks at conferences and events across the country. Erin was also named one of the 'Top Health Influencers of 2018' by Women Fitness Magazine.