by Lorelei Cohen

Created on: July 29, 2008   Last Updated: September 01, 2011

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet millions of people each day rush through their morning and don't eat breakfast at all, or they consume a breakfast overloaded in calories and cholesterol. This doesn't have to happen!

It is time to take a look at a very tasty grain that has long been promoted as a healthy breakfast food. It is time to put Oatmeal back on the breakfast table. Oatmeal is quick and easy to prepare. It can be eaten as a meal, combined with fruit for added health benefits, made into a tasty dessert or even made into snacks for those "on the go" in the bright and early hours of the day. The soluble fiber in oatmeal binds with, and then disposes of, the bad cholesterol in our bodies. It is definitely a heart friendly food to eat, and it is time for us to start bringing the simplicity, and nutrition of oats back into our meals.

Our maximum intake for cholesterol should sit around 200 to 300 mg daily. The average large egg contains 213 mg of cholesterol, so consuming just one little old egg on its own, takes us well into our allotted daily allowances. The average American breakfast that we were taught as a child to be healthy is exactly the opposite of that. Consuming a breakfast containing two eggs, two slices of bacon, and toast with butter is a future heart attack just waiting to happen.

A nice hot bowl of Oatmeal in the morning is a nutritious, and heart healthy meal, that will leave your body feeling satisfied for the better part of your morning. For those on the go, an oatmeal bar, or oatmeal raisin cookie will work just as well. Try adding oatmeal into your diet at least four days a week, and feel the difference that this tasty little grain can make in your life.

Basic Hot Oatmeal:

Combine in small pot one part oatmeal to two or three parts of water (depending how gooey you enjoy it). Stir in 1/4 cup of raisins and a shake of cinnamon. Stirring constantly bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat and continue to simmer until mixture is of a thick consistency or about ten minutes. Serve hot with milk and brown sugar.

Oatmeal Raisin Snack Bites:

2 cup non-hydrogenated margarine
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla

3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
5 cups quick cooking oatmeal
2 cups raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend together first six ingredients. Add and mix in remaining ingredients. Roll into balls, place on cookie sheet, and flatten with a fork. Bake for ten minutes to have plenty on hand for quick snacks on the run. Can also be frozen to bring out when needed.

Simplify your life, and do something nice for your body, by putting oatmeal back into it!

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/HQ00608

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