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New Program Designed To Get Kids Interested In Breakfast

Get Kids Excited About Breakfast With These Fun Recipes
A cute little boy eating toast with jam
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A cute little boy eating toast with jam

There's no doubt about it -- mornings are busy. There are lunch boxes to pack, teeth to brush, buses to catch -- and that's not even counting squeezing in a nutritious breakfast.

Perhaps this is why a recent study, commissioned by Australian Breakfast Cereal Manufacturer’s Forum and backed by Dietitians Association Australia, has shown one in two kids sometimes miss breakfast before heading off to school.

Off the back of this research, Adelaide nutritionist Themis Chryssidis and MasterChef All-Stars Winner, Callum Hann, have launched a kids' breakfast program, along with a free downloadable breakfast book.

The idea, Hann said, is to try to make breakfast more appealing to kids by getting them involved.

"Breakfast should be a quick thing -- we've all made the excuse of 'I'm too busy' or 'I have no time in the morning'," Hann told The Huffington Post Australia.

"But the truth of the matter is, if you get up just five minutes earlier it's probably not going to affect your sleep or morning ritual but it will give you a much better start to the day.

"We wanted to make breakfast into something that was easy and achievable and also something kids could do themselves -- they don't have to wait for Mum to do it for them."

Hann said having kids involved in the process of getting breakfast ready is key to their interest in the meal.

"Independence with kids is a really big one," Hann said. "It's important to have them involved in some way -- whether it's getting them to help choose the ingredients at the supermarket or getting them to give a hand in attending to a fruit tree or veggie patch.

"I think kids would much rather be involved in the process in some way rather than just being told 'eat this.' It's far more likely they will want to eat it if they feel they have some ownership over it."

Want to get started? Check out Chryssidis and Hann's creamy coconut porridge recipe below.

CREAMY COCONUT PORRIDGE

Callum and Themis said:

"Oats are what we call a super food! These healthy little grains are sooo good for you and they keep you feeling full and with energy to burn all day. They absorb liquids really well so partnering them with coconut milk will add a delicious flavour and texture. Kick-start your school day with our Creamy Coconut Porridge."

Serves 4

For ages:

6-8 -- This is an easy one for the microwave – ask Mum and Dad to help get you started.

9-12 -- Pay attention if you are toasting coconut, it doesn’t take long and can burn easily!

Time:

Make ahead: Two minutes for toasted coconut (can be made up to two weeks in advance)

Preparation time: Six minutes in the morning

Ingredients:

  • ¼ Cup shredded coconut (optional)
  • 2 Cups instant oats
  • 400ml can low fat coconut milk
  • 2 Cups low fat milk or lactose free milk
  • 1/3 Cup diced dried apricots
  • ¼ Cup pumpkin seeds/pepitas

Method:

  1. If you are adding toasted coconut to your oats place the shredded coconut in a dry pan over a medium heat and cook moving for 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
  2. Combine oats, coconut milk and milk in a large microwave safe container or bowl. Microwave on high heat for 2 ½ minutes, stir then cook for a further 2 ½ minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the oats.
  3. Divide oats between serving bowls. Top with dried apricots and pepitas. Add toasted coconut to serve if you have prepared.

Why is it good for you?

Oats contain slow burning carbohydrates, which makes us feel energised for longer! Combined with yummy coconut milk, this Creamy Coconut Porridge will satisfy hungry tummies all morning long.

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