I have reverted back to weight loss research for this blog entry. In this case by "research" I mean that I read part of a page in an article in my recipe magazine. It is a start.
Anyway, the article was about "power foods": foods that are good for you due to the nutritional content. They give more bang for the buck. I was amazed to learn that I actually enjoy all of the foods on the list, though I was disheartened to find that "German style pilsner" and "semi sweet chocolate chips" did not make the list.
So, here is the list: spinach, black beans, broccoli, salmon, blueberries, soy, oats, walnuts, tomatoes, and olive oil. Not only do I like these things, but I actually love tomatoes and black beans, which are in my favorite food (chili), and I like salmon and walnuts quite a bit.
One of my most successful breakfasts has been "oatmeal and a piece of fruit." When I originally began eating healthy, I purchased the "no sugar added" version of Quaker oats flavor packets. Then one week, Adam helped with the shopping, and he chose a variety pack that I typically avoid - it includes an "original flavor" packet. Original flavor is actually code for "no flavor" and I am fairly certain that a few of these detested packets remain in my parent's kitchen cupboard for they were the most hated of all packets when I was a child. As an adult, I have dutifully avoided the conflict of the original flavor packet and refrained from purchasing the variety packs that include it. You know what? Original flavor is not that bad. In fact, the too-sweet "maple brown sugar" packet was probably my least favorite in that variety pack. I guess I have grown up...
This discovery was also beneficial because my sister thought it would be funny to give me a HUGE canister of oatmeal for Christmas after I made a comment about how I use oatmeal all the time. Well, I ate oatmeal about 3 times a week for 15 weeks, and not only did I use it up, I purchased an even bigger package at BJ's. I have found that this meal sticks with me longer, so I don't start craving lunch until almost lunchtime. Yay oatmeal! My power food du jour!
7 comments:
I love oatmeal, but I find I like it best in winter. There's nothing like a hot, thick bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter day.
(When I first saw this subject line, I thought it was a tribute to John Oates of Hall & Oates fame. Alas . . . )
When we were younger, Brandon and I used to use those plain oatmeal packets and try to come up with new oatmeal concoctions. I remember our favorite was called BARF. It was a mixture of cherry pie filling, whipped topping and the oatmeal. We called it BARF because that is what it looked like. Yum!!!
Oh my gosh! BARF sounds so good!!!!! I wanna make some right now!
I love the oats. I like a little bit of margarine, a dash of lite fake maple syrup, and a ton of cinnamon. Oooh- or I peel and chop an apple and dump a bunch of cinnamon on that as it cooks. Mmmm.
Ok. Now I know what I'm having to break my fast in the morning. (Can I lobby that we all start calling it breaking our fast instead of breakfast? It sounds SO much more hard core.)
I second the oatmeal love! I found your blog when you left a comment on my New Zealand blog. (Good luck with the egg boiling by the way!) I have to say - your writing style and ability to convert daily life into paragraph upon paragraph really reminds me of the letters I used to get from Tiff. Just to be clear, that is a compliment:)
Mel-Funny you say that because I accidentally published this post with it spelled "Oates" but quickly edited before anyone could see it.
Tiff - I remember BARF! That was good.
Danielle - the apple thing does sound tasty. I think I'll do that.
Maureen - I was going to say the same of you! I love your blog!
I do not remember BARF, but I am afraid I am disgusted by the thought of oatmeal since mom and dad started that whole "steel-cut oats" thing. It's disgusting!
However, along the lines of the BARF concept, I remember making the concoctions and never liking any of the ones that were not maple-brown sugar. So when we had too many of the original packets in the cabinet and Mom wouldn't buy the maple & brown sugar ones till we used up the plain ones, Brandon tried to fashion me his own version of Maple & Brown Sugar, by using, guess what? Maple syrup and brown sugar. Not the same at all. But kudos on the effort (Although I'm sure that's not what I said at the time)!
And by the way, I am planning on making some granola when I have some time to cook. My favorite!!
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