Better Breakfast Month – Pantry Staples for Healthy Breakfasts

What pantry staples should be on hand for healthier breakfasts? September’s Better Breakfast Month is a good time to explore the things your parents could be eating to start their day off in a tasty, nutritional way.

Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce is a must-have for making apple muffins. You can also use it to sweeten overnight oats, yogurt parfaits, and homemade granola bars. Purchase jars of unsweetened applesauce or make it yourself using peeled, chopped apples and water.

Vitamin C is one reason to keep applesauce on hand. It’s high in the antioxidant. There’s also fiber and vitamin B-6.

Dried Apricots

Keep dried apricots on hand for topping cereals. Chop them up and use them in overnight oats, muffins, or yogurt parfaits.

Dried apricots are a great source of vitamin A and potassium. They’re also a good source of iron, vitamin B-6, and calcium. They even contain a small amount of fiber.

Frozen Berries

Buy a bag of frozen berries and keep them on hand for breakfast smoothies. You can use naturally sweetened juice to make a fruit smoothie or kefir or yogurt to make fruit and yogurt smoothies.

Frozen berries are a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C. The seeds in some berries also have omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have found that berries are one of the best fruits for brain health. Plus, they taste good in parfaits, oatmeal, muffins, and by themselves.

Whole Oats

Whole oats are a handy breakfast item to keep on hand. Make plain overnight oats and keep it in the fridge for easy warm or cold breakfasts. You or your parents can top the oats in things they enjoy each morning.

Oats are a good source of fiber. Fiber absorbs water and helps prevent constipation. Soluble fiber also draws cholesterol from the intestines and helps move it out of the body. Steel-cut oats are ideal. If you’re making overnight oats from steel-cut oats, use the ratio of 1.75 cups of milk to 1 cup of oats.

Would your parents eat more if they had someone helping them? Breakfast is an important meal, so it’s not one they should be skipping. Home care services cover things like grocery shopping and meal preparation.

If your parents don’t like to eat by themselves, caregivers can be on hand to join them for a meal and do the dishes after. Home care aides are friends and helpers who will keep your parents happy and engaged. Call to learn more.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.