5/10/11

Pump Up Your Breakfast

I love me some oatmeal. A LOT.

I eat it for breakfast, snacks, dinner and have even called it a dessert.

I can't help myself.


I know not everyone is on the OATMEAL TRAIN with me, but if you aren't, maybe you should reconsider.

Here are just a FEW of it's redeeming qualities.

-lowers cholesterol
-full of soluble fiber
-1/2 cup serving has 5 grams of protein
-helps fight free radicals
-full of vitamins and minerals
-it's cheap!

Part of the beauty of it is that you can switch it up so much! There is an unending list of things you can top it with or add to your bowl to make it yummy. Here are a few of my favorites.

-cinnamon and vanilla
-nuts
-peanut butter and almond butter
-fresh fruit 
-raisins or craisins
-dried fruits (dates are my fav)
-almond milk
-agave
-coco powder
-protein powder
-chocolate chips

The list goes on and on! Just the fresh and dried fruits alone could be about a million different combinations.

Recently I tried adding 3 egg whites to my bowl of oats. That bumped up the protein from 5 grams to 17 grams by only adding 60 calories! That is pretty great in my book.

This is a cinnamon, vanilla, dates, bananas, pb and agave bowl with the egg whites added in. Mmm!

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What yummy toppings do YOU put on your oatmeal that I didn't list here???
The more ideas I can get... the more oatmeal I can eat.

My name is Holley... and I am passionate about oatmeal.

15 comments:

  1. LaurenMay 10, 2011 at 2:16 AM

    I used to really hate oatmeal, but in the past year or so I have started to love it. But I can't believe I never thought of adding chocolate chips! I need to do that... and soon!

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  2. Running RicigMay 10, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    I put unsweetened applesauce, cinnamon, and strawberries in my oatmeal everyday. soooo good!

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  3. MarissaMay 10, 2011 at 3:34 AM

    Yum, those sound SO yummy! I like canned pumpkin added to mine! SO GOOD :)

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  4. JuliaMay 10, 2011 at 5:05 AM

    bahaha! I LOVE THIS. can we please start an oatmeal focus group??

    I really like to add sugar free pudding powder to my oatmeal. Or any fresh or dried fruit. Or honey. Or any of the things you mentioned! LOVE oatmeal...for any meal of the day :)

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  5. AnonymousMay 10, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    I just became an oatmeal lover this year, I usually put bananas or strawberries in mine! Super yummy, low calorie and like you said cheap!

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  6. Vanessa @ Gourmet RunnerMay 10, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    I LOVE oatmeal, it's my favorite meal and I can eat it more than once a day! For breakfast it's usually with strawberries, almonds, dried cranberries, and flax. Sometimes I'll add PB instead. If it's dessert oatmeal I'll use a spoonful of nutella. Even protein powder or a mashed sweet potato!!
    :)

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  7. Rachelle WardleMay 10, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    ha ha you are too funny! I actually do not like oatmeal but conisdering all of the additions you are adding maybe I could talk myself into liking it. Adding eggwhites was genius!

    It was great to see you last night girl!

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  8. ruthMay 10, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    haha drew always makes fun of me for stashing stuff in my purse.. but then he always snacks on my goods!

    I LOVE oatmeal. and steel cut oats. PB or almond butter and berries are my fav additions to oats!!! mmm you just made me VERY hungry!!

    GREAT seeing you last night!! you are seriously one of the cutest girls i've ever met... what is it about living in utah valley and runnning that makes girls so dang gorgeous?? :)

    xx

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  9. Stefanie D.May 10, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    I like oatmeal. But it can't be instant. Ewwww. It has to be the old fashioned oats!! They are the best, and they just seem heartier to me. I am so lame when it comes to my toppings, I usually just do brown sugar! I need to switch it up and try something new!

    It was so good to see you last night! Not only did I love your shoes, but I also loved your earrings. I forgot to ask you where you got them??

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  10. MonicaMay 10, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    Have you tried steel cut oats? It takes a little more planning, but so worth it.

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  11. The Hungry Runner GirlMay 10, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    I love putting in eggs!!! My favorite is a reeces pb cup but when I am being healthy.....loads of fruit and pb. LOVED playing with you yesterday and can't wait to see you at pump!!

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  12. Emily @ eat.drink.run.May 10, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    i'm a crazy oatmeal eater too! i eat it every morning for breakfast and never get sick of it! i like all the stuff you listed, and also like strawberry jelly (esp yummy with pb!), coconut, chia seeds, pumpkin, etc. Good idea adding egg whites to yours - I need to try that!

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  13. Jess @ Blonde PonytailMay 10, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    GREAT CALL!! Gosh, I can't think of additions Holley--you have it covered! I am SOOOO with you on the oatmeal bandwagon!!!

    Love chopping up granny apples with cinnamon and sliced almonds,and honey for mine!

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  14. AnonymousMay 10, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    I have to admit I'm a little hesitant about oatmeal...something about the consistency weirds me out!

    *braces self for the bowls of oatmeal surely about to be flung at her*

    BUT I trust everyone's judgment so I think I'll pick some up next time I go food shopping. :)

    -Danielle

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  15. Tina @GottaRunNowMay 10, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    Lots of great topping ideas! I like diced apples or blueberries, too.

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