Build a Better Breakfast!

I'm constantly being told by a wide variety of folks that there isn't enough time to make a healthy, wholesome breakfast.  Sometimes that can be the case; most times I would disagree. Here's how to make a quick, healthy breakfast for you and your family that's tastier than anything packaged and will cost you a fraction of what you'd pay at the store.  

My go-to simple breakfast is oatmeal!  I'll give you the recipe in a second, but first I want to show you why getting those microwavable oatmeal pouches isn't the best option. They are pricey, and have some yuckiness inside.  See below.

Here's a look at the product I'm referencing. I used to eat something like this as a kid.   

Focus here not on the nutrition label, but on the ingredients. THAT is the secret to picking healthier processed foods. By looking at the product's ingredients I see that it has salt, artificial stuff and little nutritional value other than the oats themselves.

So in the grand scheme of things this product isn't horrible.  It is cholesterol free, fast-cooking (like 60 seconds in microwave) and a whole grain. BUT it costs $3 for one pouch!!! Woah. I don't know about you but feeding a family can be pretty costly and I can't afford to spend $9 for just oatmeal for my three family members.  Instead, I'll offer you my nutritious, inexpensive fix for this issue!

Totally not my pic, I forgot to take one this morning so thank you google for sharing this with me. You guys get the idea.

Recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup Uncle Bob's Rolled Oats

2 cups water 

1 box (or if you have these in your pantry-a scoop) raisins

cinnamon

fruit

1 tbsp ground flax

1 scoop walnuts

Optional add-ons include: chopped dates, coconut, carob chips, almond milk, etc. etc.

Directions

Add oats and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add everything else. 

Then lower to simmer, stirring frequently, for about 5-10 minutes.

Serve. 

Super easy and bulk oats cost about $.89/lb. YUP, per POUND! So if you're like me and have the rest of the stuff in the pantry, you can use local/seasonal fruit and this dish will cost you at most $1, while providing you a nutritious breakfast.

More specifically:

~Oats provide long-lasting energy and stable blood sugar for hours!

~This is a cholesterol-free, dairy-free meal which means it contains only the good fats, and has very little sodium.

~By using fruit, unlike the packaged kind, you add flavor and sweetness that enhances taste and packs a nutritious punch.

~Using flax and walnuts provide the necessary omega-3 fatty acids needed to maintain balance and to fight inflammation in our system. 

This recipe is really just a base for you to use your imagination! Have fun and let your kids help. You'll be surprised and how awesome this simple grain can taste!