Make School Mornings Easier with Van’s Waffles (and a Giveaway!)

30 Something Mother Runner received coupons for Van’s Foods products in exchange for sharing this information with readers. 

Here on Cape Cod, we head back to school in two weeks (eek!). I know that for many of you around the country, your kids are already back in the classroom! School mornings can get pretty hectic around our house, but it doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice a healthy, nutritious breakfast!

The boys will never turn down waffles for breakfast, and Van’s waffles are our favorite brand because they have an organic whole grain original AND blueberry! We have them plain, with real maple syrup, or even with peanut butter smothered on top as a quick breakfast for busy school mornings.

Here are some great school morning nutrition hacks from registered dietician, Joy Bauer:

1. Keep a stable of go-to items in your pantry and refrigerator to provide nutritious, quick options. Low-fat Greek yogurt, eggs, nut butters, berries, bananas and grapes are all great on top of Van’s 8 Whole Grains waffles—super easy, kid-friendly and filling.
2. Think ahead. If you plan breakfast the night before, you’ll eliminate 50 percent of the stress during the morning rush. No one expects moms to whip up from-scratch waffles or pancakes on a chaotic weekday—keep it simple, decide what you’re serving the night before, and you can spend less than five minutes on a filling, wholesome, delicious breakfast in the a.m.
3. Presentation is important. Anything that says “fun” is appealing for younger kids. If you take a Vans whole grain waffle and use good-for-you ingredients to create a happy face on top, you’ll have happy eaters. Kids can help with assembly—let them choose their toppings or match their waffle face to their mood. You can use blueberries for eyes and raspberries, cherries or a kiwi slice for a mouth. You’ll be smiling, too, as you watch how quickly they gobble it up!
4. Make your morning meal a triple threat. Since parents tend to have full control over what their kids eat for breakfast, it’s important to make it count. The winning combination includes ample fiber and protein, while minimizing sugar. That helps stabilize blood sugar and provides fuel and sustenance to make it through the morning routine.
5. Plan “me” time.  Be strategic and sneak some breaks while parenting— whether that means a walk with a sleeping child in a stroller or timing kids’ screen time to coincide with your workout. Every mom knows that a little “me” time makes you a better parent!

You can also find 3 of her 5-minute waffle recipes HERE. Enter to win your Van’s prize pack, including coupons for FREE Van’s waffles (approximate value $25) and adorable reusable snack bags from snackTAXI (featured on Oprah.com!).
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