Hello, my name is Ashley and I am a cereal addict. Well, I used to be. If I didn’t have a family to feed, didn’t enjoy cooking and wasn’t paying such close attention to what I eat, I would probably eat cereal for every meal, every day. In fact, back before I was married and had kids, I’m certain that some days I did just that. For years I usually bought the pseudo-healthy cereals. You know, the ones that trick you into thinking they are healthy, but actually have way too much sugar and are highly processed. Honey Bunches of Oats, Frosted Mini Wheats and Honey Nut Cheerios were always some of my favorites. The words OAT and WHEAT in their names and the fact that they say “Whole Grains” all over the box are very misconceiving. But now, I know better.
In recent years I switched to cereals that are healthier, well at least a little bit. They include 100 percent whole grains, less sugar and no “fake” ingredients. For months I’ve been buying Nature’s Path Brand Heritage Flakes. I enjoy a bowl with sliced bananas or blueberries on top. For the most part the ingredients can all be considered “clean.” However, many people who follow a strict “clean eating” diet would frown upon the “evaporated cane juice.” But in my experience, you can drive yourself a little crazy trying to eliminate everything. And almost every cereal you buy, is still going to be somewhat processed. There is no doubt that oatmeal (whole grain rolled oats) is a much better choice. One look at the list of ingredients will make it clear why. There is just one ingredient and it is a 100 percent whole grain. But don’t be fooled by the little pre-made packets. Those are full of artificial ingredients. You have to make oatmeal yourself if you are striving to follow a “real food” diet.
- Frosted Mini Wheats
- Heritage Flakes
- Quaker Rolled Oats
For awhile now I have abstained from eating oatmeal because I couldn’t find a clean way to prepare it that didn’t taste like mush. Sure, with brown sugar and raisins it’s delicious, but if you are trying to avoid added sugar, that’s not an option. After a bit of experimenting, I’ve finally discovered a way to prepare oatmeal that tastes delicious without adding sugar. I’m excited to share my recipe with you! With 5 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving it will keep you going all morning long. And with just 202 calories it will easily fit into your calorie total for the day. I think you’ll enjoy it so much that you might just replace your boxed cereal for good. Even if you’ve been a cereal addict like me.
“Clean Eating” Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1/4 cup natural applesauce
- 1/2 cup apple, diced
Combine all ingredients except for the diced apples in a medium-sized microwavable bowl. Stir well. Heat in microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Add diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top. If you prefer it to be sweeter, add a little drizzle of extra honey on top. Makes one serving.
Optional: Add chopped walnuts or raisins.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 202
Fat: 3.1 g
Saturated: .5 g
Polyunsaturated: 1 g
Monounsaturated: 1 g
Trans: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 1.2 mg
Potassium: 79.6 mg
Carbs: 41.2 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugars: 11.2 (From honey. No added sugar)
Protein: 5.1 g
Vitamin A: .2%
Vitamin C: 7%
Calcium: 3.7%
Iron: 11.7%
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