Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

You’ve heard it all your life – “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” But is this really true? Short answer: yes, it is!

Think about it: your body goes without nourishment for many hours overnight. It is not unusual for there to be 12 hours between dinner the previous day and the time you wake up. You are literally running on empty when you wake up. You cannot function at your best, either physically or mentally when your body has no fuel. This is even more true for children, who not only need to do well in school but also need the energy for growth.

Not only does breakfast give you the energy you need to be your best, it also sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you and your family eat a nutritious breakfast you may be likely to make good food choices throughout the day. Eating breakfast can also prevent overeating later in the day because you are getting the nutrients you need, when you need them.

So what makes a good breakfast for a busy family? Here’s a hint: it’s generally not what the food advertisers are urging you to feed your kids! Sugary cereal, breakfast pastries, and convenience foods made from refined flour are loaded with simple carbohydrates and not much else. Just like a good snack, a good meal will contain both complex carbohydrates and protein. But how do you feed yourself and your family in a very limited time before everyone goes off to school or work?

Try this easy and kid-approved recipe for apple cinnamon oatmeal. You can even make it on the weekend and heat it up during the week.

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 3 cups 1% milk or plain soy milk
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Directions:

• Mix everything together in a large (at least 8 cup) microwave-safe bowl. Stir.
• Microwave, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Stir, then let rest for 1 minute prior to serving.