Breakfast Oatmeal

Breakfast. Most nutrition experts say that it is the most important meal of the day. I agree. It's like starting off the day on the right foot. I pretty much eat the same thing every day for breakfast- oatmeal. Yes, it sounds boring, but the potential add-ins are numerous. Make your own- not only is it cheaper, but you can control the amount of sugar, sodium, etc. Instead of adding sugar, try fruit and flavorings. Vanilla, maple flavoring, and almond extract are some of my favorites. Buy the old fashioned or quick cook oatmeal. They both contain the same amount of calories, fiber, etc.  
You can also change up your cooking method depending on your schedule.  During the week I usually make it in the microwave. But on the weekends I like it to cook it on the stove. Here are some of my favorites.

Today I had Vanilla Banana Raisin Almond:
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 tbsp almond slices
1 tbsp golden raisins
1/2 banana
1 tbsp flaxseed

Directions: Turn on the stove setting to medium. Place oats and almond slices in pan. Toast until golden brown. Then add 2/3 cup water and 1/3 cup skim milk (add milk for creamier oatmeal). Add in raisins and 1 tsp vanilla. Add more liquid if desired. Cook until oats soften, 5 minutes or so. Spoon into bowl and add flaxseed and sliced bananas. Enjoy!

Maple Raisin Walnut
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 tbsp walnuts
2 tbsp raisins
splash of maple flavoring
1 tbsp flaxseed


Maple Raisin Walnut (with egg)
Some days I need a little extra so I add in an egg. Yes, the whole egg. Even though egg yolks are high in cholesterol, they are also high in nutrients (see website, http://www.incredibleegg.org/health-and-nutrition/egg-nutrients). Cook the oatmeal for 2 minutes in the microwave, then add in egg. Cook for an additional minute or so.

Vanilla Berry Almond
1/2 cup oats
1 tbsp almond slices
1 tbsp flaxseed
splash of vanilla
1/2 cup blueberries
3-4 strawberries, slices

Vanilla Cherry Almond
1/2 cup oats
1 tbsp almond slices
1 tbsp flaxseed
5 Prunes chopped (cherry essence flavored http://www.sunsweet.com/products/info.asp?product=cherry_essence)

What are your favorite add-ins?