Yep, its that time of year again SCHOOL DAYS. The morning hustle of rousting sleepy heads from bed, getting dressed, throwing down breakfast, finding the backpack and out the door to beat the bell. But in the flurry of activity, we encourage you to pay some attention to breakfast. According to a 2005 study published in "Physiology and Behavior," eating a healthy breakfast in the morning has beneficial effects on memory -- particularly short-term -- and attention, allowing children to more quickly and accurately retrieve information. Children who eat breakfast perform better on reading, arithmetic and problem-solving tests. Eating breakfast also positively affects endurance and creativity in the classroom, reports Abdullah Khan in his 2006 dissertation for Murdoch University on the relationship between breakfast and academic performance.
Here's our idea of a healthy start to the day that you and the kids can make together over the weekend and enjoy all week long. If you're running behind, throw the granola in a paper cup to eat on the way.
GRANOLA (Yield 3 cups)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup cranberries
- 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon coconut oil
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 tablespoon honey
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Combine oats, seeds, dried cranberries, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together coconut oil, brown sugar, honey and vanilla. Add to oat mixture and stir until coated.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan. Spread the mixture evenly on the sheet pan.
- Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven. Stir the granola. Return the pan to the oven. Cook for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from the oven. Let cool completely.
Have an entire week of healthy breakfasts:
- Try it plain
- Over Greek yogurt
- OR...microwave your favorite fruit for 2 minutes and top with this awesome granola!!!
Have a question?