When your family is in a rush, and you need the kids to help prepare their own snacks or meal, it’s tempting to have prepared foods for them that are quick to eat, but don’t have as much nutritional value as you would like.

Instead of stocking up on expensive pre-packaged snacks (with unsuitable ingredients) that they can quickly grab, this is a good opportunity to teach your kids to prepare quick, healthy foods for themselves. The times your kids are busy is precisely when they need the most nutrients. If they’re old enough to use a stove on their own, they can learn to prepare healthy foods that will keep going them going a lot longer than a bag of chips or a handful of cookies.

Here are some quick healthy meals and snacks kids can prepare for themselves, or for the whole family.

Scrambled Eggs

Scrambled eggs are a good choice for breakfast, hot lunch or dinner, or even an afterschool snack. Eggs are a health food that supply high quality protein and other nutrients kids need.

3 eggs
3 tablespoons of milk or water
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter

Break eggs into a small bowl. Add the milk, salt and pepper. Mix everything well with a fork. Make sure the egg yolks are broken up and the yolks and eggs are well mixed.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then tilt the skillet so the melted butter coats the bottom.

Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook over low heat. Stir continuously to keep the eggs “scrambled.” Cook until the eggs look firm.

Whole Grain French Toast

French toast is another quick healthy snack or meal. Your kids can eat it topped with pure maple syrup (not the fake stuff!), fruit syrup, or even peanut butter.

1 egg