Make Your Own Oatmeal Packets

I've been stuck in a breakfast rut lately...I'm burned out on yogurt, not a huge fan of toast or cereal, never have time to cook eggs, and nothing else has really seemed to jump out at me.  So in one of my rummages through the cupboard yesterday morning I found a big bag of oats.  I haven't gone on an oatmeal spree lately, so it's probably about time.  To save time in the morning, and dress them up a little, I made up a few of my own oatmeal packets in a variety of unique flavors to hopefully pull me out of my rut.

Oats are so nutritious and a great choice for breakfast...they are very filling.  I really should eat them more often.  First of all, oats are a whole grain since their bran and germ remain intact through processing.  They are a great source of protein and healthy fats, soluble fiber, manganese, and polyphenols, among many other nutrients.  Oats have been linked with benefiting the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and in aiding healthy weight loss and management.  For more in depth information on oats and to find studies on their health benefits visit: http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/oats-january-grain-of-the-month 

So if, like me, you want to try adding some oatmeal to your morning breakfast line up but hate to purchase those store-bought packets with all that extra sugar and preservatives this might be just the for you.  They're just as convenient and this way you can choose the ingredients you feel good about and the flavors you and your family like.

Let's get started...


Step 1:  Measure about 1/2 cup of oats into snack-sized baggies or small reusable containers if you prefer.  I also add 1 tablespoon of flax seeds to each bag for a boost of omega-3s and cause I really like the texture.

Step 2:  Add your toppings.  See some of my favorite recipes below.  Be sure to label your baggies so you remember which is which!

Step 3:  To prepare your oatmeal packet add 1/2 cup water and microwave for 60-90 seconds.  *Add more of less water depending on the consistency of oatmeal you prefer.  I make mine thicker so I can add a bit of almond milk after cooking.  **Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave.

As promised, here's a few of my favorite "recipes"...

Cran-Pistachio Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats

1 tablespoon flax seeds

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 tablespoon chopped pistachios 

dash of nutmeg

Mom's Classic Oatmeal Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1/4 cup raisins
1 tablespoon brown sugar
dash of cinnamon

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon flax seeds
2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

Toasted Coconut Delight Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon flax seeds
2 tablespoons coconut chips, toasted
2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted

**if not already toasted, heat the coconut chips and almonds in a dry pan on the stove top for a couple minutes, tossing them around constantly to avoid burning, until golden brown.

Dark Cherry Vanilla Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon flax seed
1/4 cup dried cherries
1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder

Spicy Red Berries Ingredients:

1/2 cup oats
1 tablespoon flax seed
1 tablespoon each: dried strawberries, dried cranberries, dried cherries, and goji berries
dash of ginger
(very light) dash of cayenne pepper 

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