You deserve to have a proper breakfast with some healthy complex carbohydrates and a bit of protein. Oatmeal is one of the best breakfasts you can have. People who eat oatmeal everyday have lower blood cholesterol levels than those who don’t. I’ll mention for interest sake (not health advise) that adding some cinnamon really ramps up the cholesterol fighting effects.
When I say oatmeal, I mean oatmeal in those big bags that include nothing but squished or chopped oats. I don’t mean those little packets of ground up oats with fake flavour and lots of sugar. Those little packets are over priced and they are too damn small. They will not fill your belly and that is important for making you feel ready for the day! The large bags of quick oats are what you want.
The recipes below use half a cup of oats per serving. If that’s not enough for you, you can use 3/4 cup of oats in these recipes. Rolled oats are fine too but take more time to cook and I don’t know about you but there is not a lot of time in the morning in my house.
But oatmeal can be boring so let’s spice it up a little. Here are 3 more interesting ways to make oatmeal. I pour some soy milk on all these for a bit more protein and because it tastes good.
Apple Cinnamon Pecan Oatmeal
What you need:
1/2 cup quick oats
1 cup cold water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Apple peeled and diced
4-5 chopped pecans
What to do:
Mix the oats, water and cinnamon in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high until oats are cooked. This takes 3 minutes in my microwave but could take less time in yours. Watch to make sure it doesn’t boil over though this is less likely if you use cold water.
Top with Apple and pecans.
*note: I love raw apple with oatmeal but if you don’t then you could mix the apple in with the oatmeal before microwaving it. I would use half an apple instead of a full one and maybe choose a nice big bowl. Or you could go really crazy and do half cooked, half raw.
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
What you need:
1/2 cup quick oats
1 cup water
1 dollop of peanut butter
1 banana, peeled and sliced
Optional: a few mini dark chocolate chips
What to do:
Mix oats and water in a microwave safe bowl. Add a dollop of peanut butter, about a tablespoon but no need to measure, just eyeball it. Take a risk. Microwave until oats are cooked which is around 3 minutes.
Sprinkle on the chocolate chips if you are using. They will melt on their own. Top with banana and dig in.
Black Forest Oatmeal
What you need:
1/2 cup of quick oats
1 cup water
1-2 tbsp cocoa
1/2 cup frozen cherries
What to do:
Mix oats, water and cocoa in a microwave safe bowl. Top with frozen cherries and microwave until the oats are done. Likely this will need at least 3 minutes because the frozen fruit will extend the cooking time.
If you are feeling particularly mischievous you can top this with some coconut whipped cream and convince yourself that you are having dessert for breakfast. ;)