This is one of my favorite morning meals. It is sweetened with all natural dates (don't get the kind with added sugar!) and fresh fruit. This makes a huge bowl of oatmeal and clocks in at about 350 calories without the optional ingredients. The walnuts and flax meal add calories, but both also pack lots of Omega 3 essential fats and the walnuts add extra protein. I evaluate what I have been eating recently and decide whether or not to add them. So here's my recipe:
Yummilicious Oatmeal
1 apple or pear, chopped with peels left on
5 whole pitted dates, chopped
1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking or instant)
1/2 tsp real vanilla
generous dash of sea salt
1/2 tsp - 2 tsp cinnamon (I like a lot of cinnamon, but adjust to your tastes)
1/2 cup skim milk (or milk of choice)
3/4 cup water
Optional:
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1-2 Tbsp ground flax seeds
Dump all but the optional ingredients into a pot and cook on medium heat until thickened. You don't want to cook your fruit to mush. The apple or pear should be softened, but still have a little bite to it. Remove from heat and stir in optional ingredients, if using. Done!
