My doctor gave me a list of foods I need to eat frequently…
Oatmeal was on that list.
Apparently it lowers your cholesterol.
But the oatmeal I was used to eating, was the one that I made
and it included lots of dried fruit, a few (maybe 2 or 3) almonds,
whole milk, brown sugar (or honey), and cinnamon.
I don’t think that’s the kind the doctor meant.
Sooooooo………
I had to come up with a healthier recipe for me to eat
since I have want to have it at least 3 times a week.
Here are a few options I came up with:
I love this one! It’s an apple topping I thought of one day
probably because I love apple pie and I can’t have that right now.
Apples are also on that doctor’s list, btw.
Apples are on sale again and they look and smell wonderful!!
I just bought 5 lbs today so I can make some apple sauce.
(and oatmeal, too, of course!)
I choose a nice, firm apple . . .
I know all these pictures aren’t really necessary…
It’s like I can’t help myself.
I just love the colors, the apples, …
Thought it would make a great photo…
(I’m always looking at the world as through the lens of a camera —
that’s my only excuse).
Please bear with me.
After I peel, core, and chop the apples,
I add a little brown sugar…
And some cinnamon.
I stir it and cook it in a small skillet or sauce pan (doesn’t really matter)
for about 5 minutes, just until the flavors blend and the apples soften a bit.
The whole house smells wonderful when this is cooking!
While the apples are cooking, I make the oatmeal in the microwave.
I use 1/2 cup of oatmeal and 1 cup of milk, a pinch of salt, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon,
and 1 tsp of brown sugar (or honey). If you like it sweeter, add a little more
sugar.
When the oatmeal is done, and the apples have cooked enough,
I put the oatmeal in a pretty bowl, then spread the apples on top.
If it’s too dry, I add a splash more of milk.
My husband prefers slicing a banana over the oatmeal
and sprinkling just a tiny bit of cinnamon over the top.
He also loves some almonds, a few raisins, granola, …
whatever he can find in the pantry that he thinks will go well with it.
I don’t add nuts to my oatmeal because they are a headache trigger,
so it’s just better if I stay away from them.
I’m always looking for new toppings for the oatmeal,
and I’m really enjoying the nice, warm breakfast it provides.
It’s delicious and very comforting.
Now, not many things are both delicious AND “ordered suggested by your physician.”
This is one thing I can eat and feel great about.
Let me know if you have any other ideas,
Daisy
A Daisy Garden 
The best part of this meal is eating it next to you! I love you!
–A.
I love you, too, honey! 🙂 You’re so funny, taking time to write a comment you knew would make me smile and laugh.
Thank you! You have helped me think about doing something good for me . . .eating oatmeal! And I like oatmeal, just plain even, but struggle to take even that much time to make myself something and sit down to eat. Maybe for dinner? :).
Haha! That’s funny…breakfast can be a great dinner, too, although I never thought oatmeal…more like pancakes or waffles. 🙂
mmm. . .the oatmeal variations you show look delicious. You have wonderful food photography skills. I often struggle to get one good picture, but you captured lots of awesome images for this post.
Thank you for the kind words! I use my phone to capture photos when I’m cooking since I can have it on the counter and easily pick it up and put it down much easier than my “real” camera.
I think it’s great you are including lots of photos–I love looking at apples in all stages of undress! 😉 I love oatmeal, too, and will now start craving it . . . my doctor would be so pleased!
Haha! Thanks so much for the photo-encouraging! So glad we are both going to be having more oatmeal 🙂
Mmm all these versions look delicious!
It’s nice to have different options – and they’re tasty!
These look yummy!! I love oatmeal and can’t wait to try some of these!
I am beginning to enjoy oatmeal more & more now that I can add these different healthy toppings.
Yum, I can almost smell those apples cooking. I like to chop up a pear into my morning mush. 🙂
That sounds like a great idea – I’ll have to try it! Thanks!
OK Daisy– you’re reminding me I should be eating more oatmeal for breakfast as well!! I usually don’t all summer (too hot!) but now I have no excuse. And I know what you mean about taking food pics– sometimes the colors and textures are so luscious, you just want to remember them. Happy week ahead..xo
You make oatmeal look so pretty! I’ve never thought of adding a pinch of salt to it… Thanks for sharing your take on a healthy breakfast!