Today is the first of a series of posts on my recent obsessions and addictions. The things I cannot get enough of. The things I love.
Today’s focus: Oatmeal.
For me, oatmeal is the number one stunner. Any meal, any time. I tried many different toppings and combinations, and have perfected several variations that I will share with you.
Oat Delight #1: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Dry Oats (150 calories)
one large or two small apples (100 calories)
Splenda or sugar-free maple syrup (0-30 calories)
freshly ground cinnamon (freshness is key!)
Bring 1 cup water (and a pinch of salt) to a boil. While you are waiting for water to boil, cut your apple up into slices, and cut each slice up into bite sized pieces. Grind up a fresh cinnamon stick in your coffee or spice grinder. Once the water boils, add 1/2 cup oats and all the apple pieces. Turn heat down to medium and stir occasionally for 5 minutes. By adding the apples in at the beginning, they have a chance to soften and cook in the water. Add splenda or syrup to sweeten, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve! Simple and delicious and only 250 calories!
Oh what’s that? You want to make this for lunch mid-day, but don’t have access to a stove? I’ve come up with a quick on-the-go alternative to this stove-top sensation. You will need one packet of instant oatmeal (my fave is Target brand low-sugar maple syrup flavor) and 1 large or 2 small apples, as well as access to a microwave.
Pour the oatmeal into a microwave safe bowl and add twice as much water as directed. Cut the apples up into bite sized pieces and add to your watery oatmeal mixture. Microwave for one minute and stir. Microwave another minute and stir. Microwave a third minute but keep an eye on it, as it tends to bubble over if left un-watched. You won’t need sweetener for this one, as the instant packets tend to be pretty sweet already. The apples will soften and soak up most of the excess water, leaving you with a hot steaming bowl of delicious chunky oatmeal for under 250 calories (depending on your oatmeal packet)!
As I’m writing this, I’m realizing that my love of oatmeal, and my oatmeal masterpieces are too much for one measly post. Check back tomorrow for Oat Delight#2: Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal!
Blogger’s Disclaimer: What I do best is find ways to create healthy, filling food that is super low-calorie, while maintaining yummy taste! So yes, I realize there are all sorts of other things that can be added to something like oatmeal – nut butters, cream, brown sugar…the list goes on. But my mission is to make a version that is as good for the waistline as it is for the taste buds. So if you’re looking for tasty (and inexpensive!) low-calorie alternatives to everyday goods, give these a try. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
