Oatmeal, yummy, oatmeal!

I am not talking about the pre-packaged, pre-seasoned, just add water variety. While convenient, you may find that the main ingredient is high fructose corn syrup and other preservatives. I am recommending taking a few (maybe five at most) extra minutes and making REAL oatmeal. First, make sure you start with "old-fashioned" rolled oats, not the "quick-cooking" kind. They are nearly as fast and provide more fiber and longer-lasting energy.

I promise that it is fast and easy. You may have already purchased "old-fashioned" oats for another recipe so go ahead and give it a try for breakfast. You can also check out www.quakeroats.com for more suggestions on yummy additions to your oatmeal. The options are really endless.

Like with anything new, start slow. You may only try one sneaky ingredient or flavor at a time and then build up your courage and your kids'/husband's taste buds.

I would love to hear if you have favorite combinations for your oatmeal, too!

Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins

I modified this recipe right off of the container of old-fashioned oats to make it a little healthier without compromising the taste. Enjoy!

These freeze really well, too! I just thawed some for breakfast this morning!

Apple Crisp

Yummy dessert with half the fat and sugar substituted with good fat and fiber, grains and walnuts!

The topping is good enough to save the leftovers for breakfast and top with yogurt.

You can also substitute 2 cups of frozen blueberries or mixed berries (no sugar or syrup added) for the apples.

Ice Cream for Breakfast? Oh, YES!!!

Seth wakes up almost every morning and says "I have a popsicle mommy." As a responsible parent, I say "Yes." One of mommy's special popsicles made from yogurt, frozen fruit and a little confectioner's sugar. I also keep a little extra on hand as "ice cream" as well. It's easy, convenient and healthy. Plus, Seth can have as much or many of these little babies as he wants in the mornings and I know he is still getting a great start to the day!

I make the popsicles in small dixie cups with a popsicle stick. Just peel the cup away and you have got a healthy and fun snack.

More Recipes

I have added a link at the side for "Friend's recipes." If you send me some of your sneaky and yummy recipes I will post them here to share with everyone. Thanks for sharing Lisa!

Glazed Walnuts Snack Mix

This is a great snack! Especially before exercise or when you are on the run (which is everyday, right?).

Walnuts are low in saturated fat and high in both polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fat. They are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, particularly when bought in their shells and eaten while fresh.
Walnuts are a good source of protein, vitamin B1, B6, folate andvitamin E. Green and unripe walnuts are rich in vitamin C. Research has found that eating regular amounts of walnuts or almonds reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.

****If you want this recipe just click on the title of this blog entry and it will take you to the recipe. Or, you can click on it at the side!

Pancakes and Granola Bars

I have not added recipes that require purees yet, because I thought that it might be easier to get started with a few recipes that don't require them. Then, once you are hooked and ready to take the next step I will add some recipes that need purees in them.

Finding sneaky ingredients: Wheat germ, whole wheat flour and whole wheat pastry flour can be found at Schnuck's and Elbert's. At Schnuck's it is usually all together with the whole wheat/grain and Bob's Red Mill products. I found crispy brown rice at Elbert's. Slivered almonds are usually in the baking section of the store with other nuts.

Pancakes: These are great made ahead of time and frozen. I usually freeze two small pancakes (made with 2 T scoop) in a snack bag and then freeze all the smaller bags together in a freezer bag. At breakfast time, Seth has a yummy, nutritious breakfast in about 30 seconds.

Granola Bars: These are soooo good that I don't make them as often because I could eat the entire batch at once. It took me a little while to get them to stick together, but even if they don't when you make them, use it as granola on yogurt or eat with a spoon!!!

Cake/Cupcakes: These are the yummiest, most moist cupcakes EVER! Yes, they are still cupcakes, but offer less empty calories with a boost of potassium and beta carotene from the pumpkin. The pumpkin puree is usually in the baking section. Make sure you don't buy pumpkin pie filling which has spices in it. You want plain pumpkin puree. You can freeze the remaining puree in labeled, freezer bags until you make your next batch of cupcakes.