Summer Vacation Oatmeal

Hot cereal is not just for the fall and winter anymore! Quick and easy to make, whole oats offer health benefits like gut-healthy fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Adding other unprocessed ingredients like ground flaxseeds for omega-3 fatty acids and fiber as well as a small portion of almonds or pecans balances the carbohydrate content with healthful protein and fat sources. Feel free to add whichever other ingredients you favor to create your optimal, healthy breakfast or snack – even in the warmer months.

Ingredients
½ cup whole rolled oats (not instant)
1 cup milk of your choice (unsweetened almond, soy, rice, cow)
1 small, very ripe banana
1 Tbs. ground flaxseeds
1 Tbs. dried, unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tsp. pure organic vanilla extract
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon or cardamom
2 Tbs. crushed almonds or pecans
1-2 tsp. of honey or maple syrup if desired for flavor

Procedure

1. Combine oats and milk in a medium saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Use a fork or masher to blend in the banana as the oats cook.

2. Bring the saucepan to a light boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until mixture becomes thick.

3. Add remaining ingredients and enjoy hot.

FoodTrients
B vitamins
Fiber
Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid)
Magnesium
Zinc