News Taffy

Where did the summer go? My daughter and son just graduated from high school and college and now suddenly, the new school year is beginning all over again?! While I will be moving my daughter off to college and my son begins the next chapter in his life which is entitled “Work”, you may be getting your children ready for the first day of school. Whether you are starting school, a new job, or still plugging away at your old job, you may need to make some adjustments so you and your children get the most out of your day.

Right now, sit down and plan a week’s worth of good breakfasts, make a list and shop this weekend. You can’t work or study hard with an empty stomach. All you hear is your stomach growling. Don’t give in and let your children pick up a box of Fruit Loops and don’t get donuts or Pop Tarts either. Any of those bad choices will just raise their blood sugar sky high, then send it crashing down long before lunch, leaving them starving and derailing any serious learning.

Now I know some people don’t want to eat soon after waking but there is a reason that breakfast is called the most important meal of the day. Your body is empty of fuel and needs some protein and fiber to get going. Here are some fast breakfast ideas so that everyone starts the day off right.

Breakfast Egg Spread

-2 eggs boiled and peeled*
-1/4 grated cheddar cheese
-1 tsp. mustard, or to taste
-1 Tbsp low fat mayonnaise
-1/4 tsp. salt
-1/4 cup diced ham or cooked bacon, optional
-Sliced bread, preferably whole wheat

Boil the eggs as usual, let cool and peel. Place in a medium sized bowl and chop into small pieces. Add the cheese, mustard, salt and mayonnaise and stir till mixed. Add meat if desired. You can mix this up at night. In the morning, lightly toast a piece of bread and spread with the egg mixture. If you have a toaster oven, you can put it back in to broil until the topping is hot. Otherwise it is good as is. Two eggs make enough for 2 people. *Put a tsp. of baking soda in the water when boiling eggs and they will be easier to peel.

Growing up, I detested oatmeal. Sorry Mom and Dad, but you guys just didn’t know how to make it taste good. Here are some suggested ways to make oatmeal taste like dessert but without too much sugar and fat. Get regular old fashioned or steel cut oatmeal and make as many servings as needed. You could even do this the night before and reheat in the microwave, adding a little milk or water. Try one of the following combos or come up with your own.

Top oatmeal with fresh sliced peaches, 1 tsp. brown sugar, cinnamon and 1 Tbsp. heavy cream.

Stir in 1 Tbsp. peanut butter, 1 tsp. brown sugar, cinnamon and top with sliced bananas.

While oatmeal cooks, stir in raisins, craisins or dried cherries. Stir in 1 tsp. brown sugar and 1 Tbsp. heavy cream, top with toasted pecans or walnuts.