There was a time not too long ago when I shied away from oatmeal. Too many carbs, I thought! Now I’m back to enjoying it in the right amounts with nutrient-packed mix-ins.
Oatmeal is good for you; you just can’t overdo it. I think back to a time when I would make 2 packets of the flavored instant oatmeal at a time... as a snack! This is the WRONG way to do it. There are 2 important things to remember when choosing to eat oatmeal:
1. Stick to a reasonable portion size. This probably means about 1/2 cup. Or else you are consuming a lot of carbs.
2. Never buy the flavored kind! It contains a TON of sugar. Example: 1 packet of Quaker Instant Oatmeal Strawberries and Cream – 12 grams! Instead, flavor it yourself (I show you many different options below).
I love coming up with new combos for my morning bowl of oatmeal. You will soon learn breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I know not too many others feel this way. But I personally NEED breakfast to get going in the morning, and knowing that I’m starting my day out on the right foot with something that is good for me and something will keep me full until my lunch break is a wonderful feeling.
Here are my favorite recent combos:
1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 banana
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup blueberries
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1/2 scoops Jay Robb protein (chocolate flavor)
3 spoonfuls coconut oil
A note about your favorite on-the-go oatmeal option: I used to get Starbucks’ Perfect Oatmeal on an almost daily basis. I added all 3 available toppings – brown sugar, dried fruit and nuts - and was in heaven... boy, have I learned a lot since then. Now when I do get the oatmeal from Starbucks – which is rarely, since I now love to make my own – I only ask for the nut topping. The dried fruit is loaded in sugar... and that tiny but dangerous brown sugar pouch speaks for itself. I add cinnamon instead of the brown sugar (you can find it next to the half & half at the condiments bar).
Enough about oatmeal. Time to start the day!
No comments:
Post a Comment