The Kardashians and the Breakfast of Champions

My kids think Bruce Jenner is just part of the Kardashian clan. They don’t remember the Wheaties, “Breakfast of Champions” campaign.  

Gone are the days when the image of an elite athlete, the one who was named the best in the world, could encourage us to "eat our Wheaties." Now athletes are pictured in US Magazine slurping down Frappuccinos or in ads selling shoes. I think Nike has a bigger ad budget than the steel cut oats farmer.  But because I was raised in the era of “The Breakfast of Champions” I still use that phrase around my kitchen table. As in, “Those cookies are not the breakfast of champions!” My kids roll their eyes.

So how can we encourage our families to eat a decent breakfast without the help of superstars or pop divas? 

Raise Breakfast to a New Level:

Maybe this isn’t an everyday happening, but at least a couple days a week breakfast should be an event. Really, who doesn’t like the pampering effect of a special meal to start the day? Like waking up to sunshine, not a fourth
consecutive day of rain, a planned breakfast elevates the morning. Ideas: Steel cut oats put in the crock pot overnight. Make an oatmeal bar with lots
of little bowls filled with toppings. Even these can be done the night before. Blueberries, walnuts, sesame seeds, honey ... mmm … sounds like a bowl full of
love!

Understand the Egg:

Eggs are a great source of protein, Vitamin E, selenium and B vitamins. We’ve stripped the egg from the breakfast line up because we’re worried about saturated fat. But the egg is so versatile and unlike breakfast pastries, pancakes or waffles, it keeps insulin response low. It is much more beneficial to our health and weight to keep blood sugar steady, without spikes in insulin. And unlike these simple carbohydrate foods, eggs keep you feeling full without the need for a mid-morning trip to the drive-thru.

Have a Plan:

You ask your kids what they want to pack in their lunch the night before, why not do the same for breakfast? Give choices. Make sure there is a protein involved. Set the alarm and make time. No time for a plan … look for bars that are made with all whole foods, nuts and seeds. Added sugars at breakfast time are not the
way to start the day.

We may not see Bruce Jenner’s face anywhere but the tabloids these days, but that doesn’t mean breakfast shouldn’t be made of champion foods.  

Kathy Gillen is a wellness coach and nutritional instructor.  She is passionate about helping families eat well to feel well.  As a mother of four she understands how difficult it is to feed a family.  If you have a picky eater, Kathy has a three session workshop in March for five to eleven year olds.  Learn more at www.wellnessroadtrip.com.