Thursday, May 16, 2013

Oatmeal Love

Here's how my brain is working as I sit here to type out a post:

"Don't talk about sleep issues, don't talk about sleep issues, no one wants to hear about your sleep woes.  You've said it enough...they get it.  You aren't sleeping.  You are not the only mom out there with sleep issues.  Let it rest (no pun intended)"

Alas, here I am talking about sleep issues.  But seriously, let's talk about something else. 

Like coffee--ahem, decaf coffee.  I've read the reports.  It's not good for you.  And the trace amounts of caffeine have no affect on my energy levels at all.  Yet somehow, drinking that dark nectar makes me feel human again.  I can't quit coffee.  Decaf, of course.

Breakfast is my happy place.  And if that breakfast is accompanied by a cup of decaf and a glass of OJ it is even happier.  My go to breakfasts are french toast, veggie omelets, egg sandwiches and of course oatmeal.  I take my time with breakfast, usually eating before Eleanor is awake, or letting her bounce in her chair while I savor each bite.  It is a fresh start to the day and helps me to wake up and face it.

While I enjoy french toast or eggs, oatmeal has always been my go-to.  I eat it four or more times a week and it never gets old (except when I was pregnant). 

my usual oatmeal includes:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup water
pinch of salt
microwave on medium-high for 3 minutes

stir in:
1/2 mashed banana
2 tablespoons raisins

top with:
1 tablespoon peanut butter

other favorite toppings and stir ins include:
coconut flakes
pumpkin puree
nuts (of any sort)
"baked" apples (which are really just microwaved)
other dried fruit
honey or agave if I don't have bananas to sweeten
ground flax seed
chia seeds

things I hate in my oatmeal:
fresh or frozen fruit of any kind (except apples--and except blueberries-sometimes)
craisins
granola (what's the point it just gets all soggy)
sugar
when I have to make it with all water and no almond/soy milk

best oatmeal discovery:
overnight oats (duh!)

newest oatmeal discovery:
mixing TVP (textured vegetable protein) into my oatmeal.  I typically mix in 1/4 cup oats and 1/4 cup TVP for additional protein and you can hardly taste or recognize a difference. 

other oatmeal loves:
baked oatmeal--I can make one big casserole and reheat all week for breakfast
By the way...oatmeal is never fun to photograph!

And this is the kind of post you get when I'm trying to think of something other than sleep deprivation!

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