PARENTING: 4 Pre-Practice Breakfast Ideas for Young Athletes
Mornings before practice can feel like a whirlwind — getting dressed, finding shoes, and making sure your child has enough fuel to move, play, and have fun. At Inclyousion Sports, we keep things simple, realistic, and kid-friendly. The goal isn’t a “perfect” breakfast — it’s offering balanced options that support energy, focus, and confidence on the field.
Here are four pre-practice breakfast ideas that our family loves!
1. Scrambled Eggs & Toast
A classic for a reason.
Why we like it: Eggs provide protein to support growing muscles, while toast offers quick energy from carbohydrates. Use whatever kind of bread works well for your family and maybe even turn it into a breakfast sandwich. Sprinkle a little cheese or nutritional yeast to give it some extra flavor or a better texture for them. The key is to try different options until something sticks with your child. One of our children even loves when we mix spinach and ham into the eggs!
Make it work for your child: Cut toast into strips, add a little butter or jam, and keep portions small and manageable.
This option is great for kids who prefer warm, familiar foods before heading out the door.
2. Chocolate “Frosty” Smoothie
This one is a parent and kid favorite and yes, it really does taste like a (healthy version of a) chocolate frosty. Recipe adapted from Ashley Yanosick at Natural Nutrition & Wellness.
What we include:
1 banana per person
Approximately 3/4 to 1 cup of almond milk (or any milk your child prefers) - we eye-ball this to almost fully cover the bananas
1 TBL seed or nut butter (we use sunbutter)
1 scoop per person of Greens First chocolate powder
1 scoop per child of protein powder (we use in moderation for our children and more for the grown ups)
Why we like it: It’s easy to sip, customizable, and packed with nutrients in a fun, approachable way.
Tip: Let your child help add ingredients — participation often leads to better buy-in.
Perfect for kids who aren’t big breakfast eaters but will happily drink their fuel.
3. Waffles with Sunbutter & Sausage Links
A balance of fun and function.
Why we like it: Waffles provide carbs for energy, sunbutter adds healthy fats and protein, and sausage links offer additional protein to keep kids satisfied. We like Applegate sausage links for their healthy ingredients.
This feels like a “special breakfast” while still supporting active play.
4. Macro Kids Bar & a Banana
Sometimes simple is best.
Why we like it: Our kids call these Macro Kids bars chocolate bars, so it’s easy to get them to eat them! This combo is quick, portable, and great for early mornings or on-the-go practices.
Bonus: Pairing a bar with fruit helps balance energy and keeps things familiar for kids who like consistency.
This is a great fallback option when time is tight — and that’s okay.
Every child is different. Some kids eat a full breakfast before practice, others need something small and familiar. What matters most is honoring your child’s preferences, sensory needs, and comfort level while offering supportive options.
Fueling young athletes doesn’t have to be complicated — just supportive, flexible, and full of encouragement.
Disclosure: We are not medical professionals or registered dietitians. These ideas are shared for inspiration only and should not be used as medical or nutritional advice. Please consult a qualified professional if you have specific dietary or medical concerns.
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