Ode to Oatmeal

When Weight Watchers first came out with the Filling Foods concept I understood the philosophy- it makes sense. However, it wasn't until I started really paying attention to my breakfasts that I really "got" it. Oatmeal is, quite simply, the best filling breakfast that I can have, and for 3 POINTS of filling goodness, it is a great choice for me on the Momentum plan. When not having a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast I sometimes opt for toast with avocado, sometimes a smoothie, sometimes a bowl of "regular" cereal (i.e. Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies or Cheerios), and admittedly, sometimes I forgo breakfast altogether. However, my oatmeal days truly do make a difference. On oatmeal days I am able to eat lunch later, thus avoiding mid-afternoon hunger twinges that otherwise can be a challenge for me to combat. The whole day is set up for success if I sit down for a bowl of oats in the morning.

In addition to the filling power of oatmeal, I enjoy this breakfast for the versatility and the endless ways that I can "doctor" it up from a bowl of plain ol' oats to a bowl of creamy goodness. Some of my favorite ways to eat my oatmeal include:

• Peaches 'n Cream (frozen peaches added when cooking, splash of milk). I also do Berries 'n Cream in the summer with whatever berries are abundant.
• Caramelized Ginger and Pear (just as it sounds- I buy the ginger in the spice aisle. I do put brown sugar in there too- but only 1/2 teaspoon)
• Banana Nut Bread (mushed up banana mixed into the oatmeal, a teaspoon of brown sugar, sprinkled with a small amount of crushed walnuts for crunch)
• Toasted Coconut and Pineapple (crushed pineapple, topped with toasted coconut flakes)
• "Classic"- raisins, brown sugar, and milk (sometimes I sub. craisins and sometimes I sub. real maple syrup for the brown sugar)
• Apple Cinnamon (diced up apple is added to the oats while cooking so that the apples becomes soft)

I could go on... I enjoy experimenting with new oatmeal combinations. The oats alone are 2 POINTS, and of course I'm counting POINTS for whatever "ad ins" I have. Typically my breakfast runs me 4 POINTS- sometimes only 3, sometimes 5.

I even once got thinking about how much fun it would be to have an oatmeal restaurant--- think Cold Stone Creamery style- but with oatmeal (and probably 1/100th of the POINTS...)- sort of buffet/mix-in style. Just imagine the possibilities... YUM!

I'm off to grab a quick bowl of oatmeal before heading out the door this morning (today it is going to be with craisins and caramelized ginger chunks, with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top).