Carmelo’s Power-Packed Oatmeal: Simple, Healthy, Delicious

Breakfast…it’s the most essential meal of the day! However, it’s easy to skip during the mad-hatter style mornings that ensue as we rush to work or to get the kids to school.

I learned long ago that it’s helpful to prep some ingredients for breakfast at the beginning of the week or even the night before. My go to is a special oatmeal mix. I’ve used all kinds of different toppers, like sweet apples & almonds, that fill me up and give me energy.

We’ve all heard it before, but it’s absolutely true: children who eat breakfast perform better in school. Of course, this doesn’t just pertain to children – the same goes for adults, so eat up!

For the oatmeal mix, as well as fantastic toppers, see below…

Oatmeal Mix

Make a large batch and only pull what you need each morning. Dry mix stores well in the freezer.

• 4 c. rolled oats
• ½ c. oat bran
• ½ c. each sesame seed and soy flour
• ½ c.  each almond meal and non-fat dry milk
• 1 TBL cinnamon

To Eat

Bring ½ c. oat mix and ¾ c. water to a boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Cover, set aside for 4 minutes. Spoon oatmeal on top of the topping mix of choice (see below), sprinkle with flaxseed and serve.

Oatmeal Toppings

SWEET APPLE & ALMONDS

Apples are fantastic for breakfast and have unique health benefits. Grated, sliced, diced or dried, apples are a source of fiber, minerals, vitamins, natural enzymes (which help digestion) and powerful antioxidant polyphenols & flavonoids.

• ½ apple, grated
• ½ tsp lime juice
• 1 ½ tsp. organic Agave nectar
• 1 TBL sliced almonds
• 2 tsp flaxseed (whole or ground)

Mix all ingredients in a cereal bowl just before breakfast- time. Makes enough for one serving of oatmeal. Feeding more than one? Increase measurements accordingly.

WITH A BERRY ON TOP

This is a healthy, easy and delicious partner to your morning oatmeal. I use “The Magic Bullet” for little treats like this; it’s inexpensive, easy to use and (the best part) easy to clean. You can also use a small Cuisinart or blender.

• 1 bskt raspberries
• 1 TBL organic Agave nectar (a healthy sweetner made from organic agave plants. Best of all it’s low glyscemic)
• 1 TBL water

Blend all ingredients together in a Magic Bullet or blender and pour over prepared oatmeal.

Cook’s note: You can use any type of berry for this…olallieberries, strawberries, blackberries…yum!

NOT-SO-BORING BANANA

I reach for these ingredients when I’m feeling the need for something a little sweeter.

• 1/8 cup raw, fresh pecans pieces
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 2 tsp. maple syrup

Mix the pecans and bananas in with the cooked oatmeal. Drizzle the maple syrup over the top and dig in!