Oatmeal is a great way to start the day, especially on a cold winter’s day!  The best oatmeal is the kind you make yourself, not the pre-packaged full of sugar variety.  If you are short on time you can make it in the microwave to speed up the process.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats
  • Heart healthy and full of dietary fiber
• Flaxseed
  • Good source of micronutrients, dietary fiber, and manganese
  •  Contains the essential fatty acid-ALA or alpha-linolenic acid
• Shredded coconut
  • Adds flavor, texture and a small amount of protein
• Pecans
  • Full of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber
  • Contain age defying antioxidants
  • Add a touch of sweetness without added sugar
• Dates
  • The perfect way to sweeten oatmeal naturally!
• Coconut oil
  • HUGE health benefits…deserves its own post!  (One to come in the next few weeks.
• Milk-Nut milk or cow’s milk either will do
• Cinnamon
  • Adds flavor and can help lower blood sugar levels

My recipe is simple.  I use 1/2 cup GF rolled oats and cook them according to the package directions.  My very favorite oats are Bob’s Red Mill!  After cooking it, I top it was the above add-ins.  I go heavy on the flaxseed, light on the shredded coconut, use about 5 pecans, half a date and around 1 teaspoon coconut oil.

*A note on the added fat-I find that I need some added fat to keep me feeling full.  There is nothing worse than being hungry an hour after eating.  The shredded coconut, pecans and coconut oil help with that. Coconut milk is also full of fat.

Enjoy a good start to a cold morning!