
Ask EFNEP: Three Tips to Add Vegetables to Breakfast
— By Chris Finemore, EFNEP Community Education Assistant, University of Maine Cooperative Extension
“I want vegetables for breakfast.” … said no child ever.
When I read the question about how to add vegetables to breakfast, I realized it probably wasn’t a common request from kids and adults. When I asked local schoolchildren if they eat vegetables for breakfast the common response was, no. One child told me he could eat cucumbers for breakfast if he had to. Vegetables are a great addition to breakfast, even cucumbers.
Smoothies
One of my favorite breakfast foods is green smoothies. The children who live in my house also enjoy them. There are many recipes for smoothies that include vegetables such as spinach and kale. When bananas are added to smoothies that include leafy green vegetables the smooth taste more like the banana.
Recipe inspiration:
Eggs and Veggies
Another way to add vegetables to breakfast is to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spinach to an omelet or scrambled eggs. There are endless vegetable and flavor combinations. Eggs and vegetables will give your children the perfect start to their day.
Recipe inspiration:
Avocado
Avocado added to smoothies, eggs, and breakfast bowls is a great way to add vegetables to breakfast. If you want to be trendy, try avocado toast. Don’t forget, avocados are a great finger food for babies.