Oatmeal is a breakfast that will stay with you through the morning. It’s a good choice for breakfast, since it’s a whole grain and contains B Vitamins, Vitamin E, and minerals. It’s a low-glycemic carbohydrate that’s high in fiber. It is touted to help prevent diabetes and lower cholesterol.
There’s a new trend of “overnight oats,” wherein you soak oats in the refrigerator overnight or for several days, usually in milk or a milk substitute. Then you can add whatever toppings you wish. You could warm it up, but it’s usually eaten cold. Cold oatmeal might be a nice option in warmer weather, especially if you have some nice, fresh fruit to top it. But if you live in a climate that is chilly in winter, warm oatmeal is much more inviting on a winter morning. One disadvantage of oats soaked in some kind of milk is that you must make sure you eat if before the milk spoils, or you’ll have to toss it.
There are several flavors of instant hot oatmeal packets available at the store. However, preparing your own homemade packets of instant oatmeal is a healthier option. I have come up with a combination of ingredients that I feel is pretty tasty. They also contain a more generous amount than many of the store-bought packets, which contain such a small amount that you will probably need to eat two.
The ingredients contained in my instant oatmeal recipe are: oatmeal ground into flakes; ground flax seed; coconut/palm sugar; raisins; cinnamon; and salt. Flax seed is a good source of omega 3, among other things, which is good for heart health. Be aware of the “Best By” date on your flax seed package. The sugar referred to as “coconut sugar” or “palm sugar” is made from the dried sap of blossoms from the coconut tree. Coconut/palm sugar is reported to have a much lower glycemic index than regular sugar. It has a flavor like brown sugar, but it’s drier. The brown sugar flavor complements oatmeal well. Coconut/palm sugar may be a little expensive from some sources, but my grocery store carries their own brand at a much more reasonable price. Some stores have it in the bulk food section.
If you prefer a richer taste, you could use milk rather than water, which would be easier to do with the microwave method. For variety, you could add some little chunks of banana, an individual serving cup of applesauce, or some chopped nuts.
The homemade instant oatmeal packets would provide a substantial breakfast that could be made quickly. You could make it at home, or you could grab a packet and make it at work when you’re running late, as long as you have an appropriate bowl and a spoon, something to measure a cup of water, and a microwave or source of boiling water. If you’re making it at home, you could be frugal and eco friendly by saving the zip-lock snack bags for the next batch.
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