There are more choices for breakfast now than ever before. Whether it is cold or hot cereal, or granola bar, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Since I am not a breakfast eater, I must get used to the idea of eating early in the morning. It was explained to me that my body went through a 12 to 14 hours of starvation overnight, and I must feed it. Oatmeal is what I choose to eat for the many health benefits it provides.
Researcher has shown that oatmeal is better than any other breakfast foods. It is twice as filling as muesli or white bread. It is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, can lower cholesterol, help with heart health, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and also help with weight control.
Oats provide many good sources of nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and protein.
Toppings for Your Oatmeal
- Brown Sugar - is a natural sweetness without many calories, and 2 teaspoons has 23 calories, 0 gram fat, 6 grams of sugar.
- Blueberries - fresh or frozen, are an antioxidant with a boost of fiber, and ½ cup has 42 calories, 7 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber.
- Cranberries - provide bladder infection protection, plus healthy gums, and ¼ cup has 92 calories, 20 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber.
- Chopped Almonds - give extra calcium, and ¼ cup has 164 calories, 14 grams of fat, (1 gram of saturated fat, 9 grams of mono, 3.5 grams of poly), 1 gram of sugar, 3 grams fiber, 70 grams of calcium.
- Ground Flax Seeds - provide heart healthy omega-3s, and 1 table spoon has 37 calories, 3 grams of fat (sat 0 g. mono 0.5 gram, poly 2 grams), 2 grams of fiber.
- Raisins - give an antioxidant boost, and ¼ cup has 123 calories, 24 grams sugar, 1.5 gram of fiber.
Make a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast tomorrow, and add your own toppings. If you like banana, cinnamon, or jelly, sprinkle them to satisfy your taste. You can find out more about oatmeal at VHFoods, and from the American Cancer Society.
