Always in the mood for some oats...

My breakfast for years and years would be some instant oatmeal... not that exciting and only slightly satisfied, but I guess it did the trick. If I'm going out for breakfast, it can be lots of fun to splurge on calories with pancakes, waffles or crepes, but day-to-day it's nice to have something that makes you feel good (something that is good for you and fulfilling).

To be honest, I HATE eggs... ok maybe not hate (I try not to use that word), but I really really don't like them, even if they are a great source of protein and a healthy way to start your day. Things like toast and bagels can be delicious and don't hurt my oh-so sensitive tummy, but they don't keep my full for very long and they can get on the unhealthy side depending on what kind of bread/bagel you choose and what you put on it... and I like to put things on mine :). I don't think I've even tasted sausage or bacon in about 10 years. Pretty much any oil can make me very sick (even natural oils in things) and they were never worth the calorie-bust they were for making me sick and not fulfilling me. I definitely wouldn't have those now that I'm trying to stay away from meat.

So... we're back to oats. About a year and a half ago Jayanna and Dan were visiting Winnipeg and while grocery shopping in the oat aisle we all talked about how much we wanted to try steel-cut oats... we decided to try it.... yum. They do take a little longer to make then quick oats, but I just boil them for about 10 minutes and they taste great. I've tampered around with what to add in it, but finally settled on a great mix (see below). I have to say, this breakfast is amazing. It leaves me feeling wonderfully satisfied (full) and tastes decadent enough that I feel like I'm having a treat. It gives me a lot of energy and never hurts my stomach. And it's healthy! As you see below it's got great complex carbs, cinnamon (help control your blood sugar!), blueberries (for your brain!) and some sort of milk (calcium).

I pair it with some delicious green tea... a great morning start! I also paired that with this cute mug from my mom!

Ally's Steel-Cut Oat Yumminess!

-1/4-1/2 cup organic steel-cut oats (I usually just have 1/4 cup... that is plenty, but on days that I feel a little hungrier I'll opt for a little more)

-Blueberries

-Cinnamon (I use lot... mmm!)

-Soy or almond milk (I use either Light Silk Soy Milk or Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk... the almond milk is honestly amazing)

-Stevia, Maple Sugar or Agave Nectar (I often use Stevia, but sometimes have agave nectar.... which is still sugar, but organic and at a lower glycemic index!)

To cook the steel-cut oats, put them in boiling water for 10-15 minutes (I use about 3/4 cup water for 1/4 cup oats). I add the cinnamon while cooking. Once it's done add the blueberries, sweetener of your choice and milk of your choice! Mmm! Drink with some delicious tea!

Steel-Cut Oats:

Steel-cut oats are chewier than regular quick rolled oats and a bit 'nuttier'... which is why I love it! They are less processed than quick oats, which is why it takes longer to cook. They have a lower glycemic index than quick oats (42 vs. 66) (less of an insulin spike when consumed).

This is easily my favourite breakfast. Every once in a while I'll have something different for a change of pace, maybe on the weekends I'll have pancakes or toast. Every time I decide to have something different (which isn't often) I spend the rest of the day thinking about how I didn't have my oats that morning... they are just that good!