A Spin on Oatmeal

This past week, my hometown, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada experienced quite the snow storm.

Trevor Boller of Boller Media Productions: www.trevorboller.com 

And I’m having a hard time adjusting to the fall temperatures in California.

Taken in Malibu last week after a day of hiking

 

I know, it's a little bit embarrassing.

But, there is something about the cooler temperatures I really love.

Warming, comfort foods are one of them; and these types of foods aren’t just limited to dinner. Having a warm breakfast this time of year is the perfect way to start your day.

Take a peek at our recipe for Hazelnut Pancakes

While I’m guessing you’ve probably heard it before, Lisa and I can’t emphasize it enough – breakfast really is an important way to start your day. A laundry list of evidence based research has shown that those who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight and are more likely to make healthier choices the rest of the day.

 

Not only is breakfast essential to refuel your body and to literally "break the fast" after a night of sleeping, it also:

·         Gives you energy

·         Makes you less likely to overeat later in the day

·         Improves your mood

·         Gives you better quality workouts if you exercise first thing in the morning

 

Oatmeal makes a great go-to, warming breakfast this time of year.

 

 

It’s inexpensive to buy and can be made a variety of delicious, healthy ways. Adding extra spices, nuts, or fruit to plain oatmeal not only tastes great, it’s an easy way to add some additional nutrients.

 

Try experimenting with one of these varieties.

 

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

 

It’s no surprise how much I love pumpkins

 To your cooked oats, stir in:

¼ cup canned pumpkin, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, & 1- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds. Top it off with some coconut flakes or a little maple syrup for added flavor.

 

Fruit & Nut Oatmeal

To your cooked oats, stir in:

1- 2 tablespoons dried cherries or raisins & 1- 2 tablespoons of your favorite chopped nuts

 

 

Fresh Berry Oatmeal:

 

 

To your cooked oats, stir in:

½ - 1 cup frozen or fresh berries and 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds.

 

Banana Orange Oatmeal

For this recipe, try cooking your oatmeal with a little bit of orange juice instead of water or milk.

Add half a sliced banana and 1- 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts.

 

Peanut Butter Yogurt Oatmeal

To your cooked oats, stir in:

1 tablespoon peanut butter & a heaping scoop of plain yogurt.

 

*** You can substitute the oats for other whole grains like teff, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and amaranth.

 

Enjoy, preferably with those you love.