Push Admin

Simple, Healthy Food Gifts for Mother's Day from a Dietitian

Here are some fun, doable healthy brunches and sweet snacks you can make at home with ingredients you can actually find here.

Article (news)

Chella Po

<p>Mother&#x27;s Day brunch is a tradition in many families to honor the mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures who have raised and supported us throughout our lives. Whether you’re planning to go out to eat or cook a homemade brunch, sharing a meal or gifting food is a huge way we show love and appreciation in our culture. Plus, I love the idea of choosing nutritious foods to care for the health and wellness of the important women in our lives too.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/wellness/health/10-thoughtful-and-healthy-gift-ideas-for-mothers-d/35526" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">10 Thoughtful and Healthy Gift Ideas for Mother&#x27;s Day</a></div><p>I’m a dietitian, and I’m not a great cook or baker but I’m comfortable enough in the kitchen. Here are some fun, doable healthy brunches and sweet snacks I make at home with ingredients I can actually find here. They make great food gifts to bring to your mom or make for her on her special day. Whether your mom is a health enthusiast or just enjoys a good meal, these ideas are sure to show your love and celebrate her. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Homemade Granola</strong></div><p>It can be hard to find a good granola or granola bar that’s tasty and not too high in added sugar. But it’s actually really simple to make your own at home, even for beginning bakers, and if your mom is looking for a healthy way to top smoothies, yogurt, a fruit bowl, or even ice cream, this super flexible recipe can really include anything you want or can find. Adding in whole grains, nutritious nuts and seeds, and even dried fruit adds a delicious, crunchy twist to meals and snacks. <em>Try <a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/granola-recipe-258376" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.</em></p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d8b30463-7413-4e9f-a0f8-45c4e24cd412_k_archive_c50640d0caf6a1a1c79202b779bdb8e5249a0624.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Homemade granola<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by The Kitchn  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Oat-Carrot Muffins</strong></div><p>This is one of my favorite recipes! If you’re not an oatmeal or overnight oats fan, have you tried baking it instead? Oats are popular as a whole grain that can help lower cholesterol and support heart health. They make a delicious portable snack, and have some fruits and veggies hidden into them too for an extra boost of nutrients. It’s also super easy to customize with chocolate, nuts, or seeds so you can make something your mom will enjoy. <em>Try <a href="https://www.hummusapien.com/banana-zucchini-oatmeal-cups/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.</em></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars</strong></div><p>If your mom likes peanut butter cups, she’ll enjoy this version made with real nut butter for some plant-based protein and vitamins and minerals, and a quality dark chocolate will add antioxidants too. These are super decadent and less highly processed than the store-bought version, and definitely make it fun to eat healthier.<em> Try <a href="https://www.hummusapien.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-bars/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.</em></p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a1e39c94-288b-464b-ac07-2c6e35d18c79_chocolate-peanut-butter-bars.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by Hummusapien  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Veggie Frittata</strong></div><p>You might’ve had a frittata at a fancy restaurant but baking your eggs in the oven can be such a simple, hearty meal that also packs a lot of veggies. Adding veggies into your main meals means balanced meals that feel good and keep you and your loved one properly nourished. This recipe can even be baked in muffin tins for cuter, bite-sized versions. <em>Try <a href="https://www.loveandlemons.com/frittata-recipe/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.</em></p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0c21d55f-4bba-4e7a-8540-6d49d0c6d206_frittata-580x832.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Frittata<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by Love and Lemons  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/wellness/health/mothers-day-wellness-gift-guide-2023/35474" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Editor&#x27;s Picks: Mother&#x27;s Day Wellness Gift Guide 2023</a></div><div></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Egg-Banana Fluffy Pancakes</strong></div><p>Pancakes are a classic brunch food that always feel like an indulgence, but you can actually make nutritious, high-protein pancakes at home. This version uses eggs and bananas, plus a little flour and baking powder to get it fluffy. They definitely don’t need to be a treat, eggs are a nutritious food with nutrients that can support brain health, immune and thyroid health, and good vision. And bananas can help maintain healthy blood pressure and heart function, muscle function, and good mood too for an even happier Mother’s Day celebration. <em>Try <a href="https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-banana-egg-pancakes/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.</em></p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/ced95897-2ae4-4f0e-9734-6bfc2e7d737f_incredible-5-ingredient-banana-egg-pancakes-fluffy-dairy-free-grain-free-no-sugar-added-so-satisfying-banana-dairyfree-breakfast-glutenfree-minimalistbaker-recipe-48.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Egg-Banana Fluffy Pancakes<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by Minimalist Baker  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><strong>Greek Yogurt Fruit Bark</strong> </div><p>How simple but cute are these bars? Greek yogurt packs protein, calcium for bone health, and probiotics for a well-running gut. And adding in any kind of fruit or that you like makes it easy to change things up too and super pretty to gift. These can be made easily in the freezer and be sure to transport them quickly if needed. <em>Try <a href="https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/frozen-yogurt-bark/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>. </em></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Breakfast Board</strong></div><p>Somehow food served on a board has been trending, and I’m loving all the inspo. I spotted this breakfast board that is perfect for a special occasion. Include a mix of nutritious proteins, carbs, and fats. A mix of eggs, whole wheat bread or French toast, nuts, seeds, and nut butters, and fruit can make a super colorful and nutrient-dense breakfast. <em>Try <a href="https://www.mapleandmango.com/breakfast-board-ideas/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.</em></p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/0ba6d203-f36a-4f37-a51a-bf5b0985caf1_waffle-brunch-board.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Breakfast Board<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by Maple and Mango  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Scrambled Egg Breakfast Wraps or Tacos</strong></div><p>Here’s another savory meal that’s fun to eat with the whole family. Get some whole grain wraps, whip up some scrambled eggs, and quickly chop up your favorite veggies like onions, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, corn, avocados, or black beans. Top with some cheese, guacamole, or salsa for tons of flavor and an interactive meal. <em>Try <a href="https://www.loveandlemons.com/breakfast-burrito/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.</em></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Trail Mix Cookies</strong></div><p>There’s tons of healthy cookie recipes out there, but I like this one with nuts, seeds, yogurt, and dried fruit. Adding in all these nutritious ingredients helps you meet your body’s needs, plus the fun of a cookie. These can be made ahead for later, or even frozen so you always have something healthy on hand. A healthy fat and protein source also mean a more blood-sugar stable snack, and the fiber keeps you full and supports good gut health. <em>Try <a href="https://therealfooddietitians.com/trail-mix-breakfast-cookies/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>.</em></p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e3c18dd9-3c0c-42e0-8de8-60d6ef37e2cd_trail-mix-breakfast-cookies-5-730x1095.jpeg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Trail Mix Cookies<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> Photo by The Real Food Dietitians  </em></span></span></span></span></div><div><em><br/></em></div><div><em>Lead banner photos (pancakes) by <a href="https://minimalistbaker.com/5-ingredient-banana-egg-pancakes/" target="_blank">Minimalist Baker</a>, (frittata) by <a href="https://www.loveandlemons.com/frittata-recipe/" target="_blank">Love and Lemons</a>, and (no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars) by <a href="https://www.hummusapien.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-bars/" target="_blank">Hummusapien</a>.</em></div><div><em><br/></em></div><div><em><strong>Chella Po</strong>, MS, RD is a New York City-trained US registered dietitian who can be found on Instagram as <a href="https://www.instagram.com/betterbeing.ph" target="_blank">@betterbeing.ph</a>. She uses science to back up her professional advice for clients seeking to create a sustainable, healthy diet without counting calories, restrictive plans, or stress! Contact her for a free discovery call today.</em></div><div><em><br/></em></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/wellness/nutrition/what-to-eat-to-balance-female-hormones/35159" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PMS 101: How to Nourish Your Body for Hormone Balance</a></div>