Nothing says 'Southern Comfort' quite like good old-fashioned oatmeal. Oatmeal is a good old standard that can be a great benefit to your health and wellness. On its own, it's a terrific healthy option, but with some excellent toppings, it becomes a super food.
I have nothing but fond childhood memories of my grandmother fixing homemade oatmeal for me growing up on the farm. It wasn't my favorite breakfast choice but it was certainly welcome on those cold winter mornings. She didn't get too fancy with it, no toppings, and sweetened with brown sugar or syrup. I remember trying to remain patient while the water boiled by entertaining myself by staring at the Quaker Oats container. I still imagine the Quaker Oats dude with his funny hat and hair, really cares about oats and wants us all to make better breakfast choices.
How Healthy Is It?
"It's time to get back to my roots".
*First let me say, I am neither a doctor nor a nutritionist. Information I relay here is from doing my own research and I encourage you to do the same. I don't make these claims here, I am only relaying information that has been out there for a while from other experts on the matter. You should always take your health into consideration and work with your doctor about a nutrition plan best for you.
For this recipe, I will focus on 4 main ingredients:
Quaker Oats - Oatmeal (whole grain) is a good source of carb, soluble fiber, and is rich in antioxidants. Oats have been known to lower cholesterol levels, help with skin care, reduces risk of childhood asthma, and relieve constipation. It contains high quality protein, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and folate. Oats also contain vitamins b1, b5, and b3.
100% pure maple syrup - 1 Tablespoon of 100% maple syrup contains .58 milligrams of manganese, 42 milligrams of potassium, .269 milligrams of zinc, .02 milligrams of iron, 20 milligrams of calcium, and 4 milligrams of magnesium. It can help manage diabetes; it is anti-inflammatory. It helps protect against cancer, protects skin health, and improves digestion. It is a much healthier option to artificial sweeteners.
Walnuts - Walnuts are high in antioxidants and is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. It helps with weight loss, decreases inflammation, managing diabetes, increases brain function, helps lower blood pressure, supports healthy aging, reduces risk of some cancers, and improves fat level.
Blueberries - Blueberries are a top antioxidant food. They protect cholesterol in the blood from becoming damaged and may lower blood pressure, and helps prevent heart disease. Blueberries have low calories and are high in nutrients such as fiber, and manganese. They also contain vitamins C and K.
*Feel free to change the toppings just note that the health properties listed here will vary.
Let's make it!
This is simple and takes barely the time it takes to boil water to put together. First, put the kettle on to boil your water.
"A watched pot never boils"
So, while we wait, grab a bowl and add the oats. You can follow the instructions per the oat container. However, I found just adding the oats and water according to my preference turned out much better than the instructions listed.
Next, I grabbed my mortar and pestle to grind the whole walnuts down a bit. If you don't have one that's fine, it's just a handy tool to have around. You won't need to grind them too much, just enough to crumble them. You can leave them whole if you want. There are no rules here.
The kettle should be whistling, so slowly add some water and stir it in until you have your preferred consistency allowing the oats to take it all in. Now, add the maple syrup to your desired sweetness and stir.
It's time for the toppings! Add the walnuts and blueberries. You are set, just look at that.
Now, have a seat at the table with your Quaker Oats box and think about how the Quaker man is proud of you for caring about your health while you enjoy his famous oats.
What a great way to start the day. Have a blessed day and thanks for reading.