Power Oatmeal

Power Oatmeal Oatmeal is one of the healthiest grains around. The Mayo Clinic even includes it in its list of the top five foods to lower your cholesterol numbers. It has a high soluble fiber content that helps reduce cholesterol and slows sugar digestion, a benefit for people living with diabetes. It also has a high insoluble fiber content, which has been linked to cancer prevention. It’s a good source of protein, as well as vitamin E, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and iron, among other nutrients. While it is a little on the bland side flavor-wise, it’s easy to liven it up with some healthy ingredients, including seasonal or thawed frozen berries, nuts, and flaxseed.

There are a lot of schools of thought on the best way to prepare oatmeal. Purists will choose unrolled oats, either whole or steel-cut, and cook them forever (all right, 30 to 40 minutes). Those of us who don’t live on “Martha Stewart time” are more apt to select rolled or quick-cooking oats, which can cook in about 5 to 10 minutes. And those of us truly strapped for time enjoy the convenience of instant oatmeal. For this recipe, use the plain oatmeal of your choice; just choose one that doesn’t include sugary flavorings like maple brown sugar, apple cinnamon, etc. We’re going to flavor it ourselves with high-antioxidant blueberries and heart-healthy fats from walnuts and flaxseed. For extra protein, add half a scoop of Beachbody’s Whey Protein Powder.

1 cup prepared oatmeal (see above)            

1 Tbsp. flaxseed
1/2 cup blueberries
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Mix all ingredients in a bowl (or a to-go cup). Nutritional information (per serving); without and with Whey Protein Powder: Preparation time: 10 minutes











Calories                                          Fat             Carbs         Fiber          Protein
436                                                 26 grams   48 grams    10 grams    12 grams
491 (w/ Whey Protein Powder)     27 grams   50 grams    11 grams    21 grams