Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the best breakfast items you can eat because of the benefits it grants the consumer. Unlike most other cereals, hot or cold, oatmeal is comprised of complex carbohydrates plus protein, soluble and insoluble fiber. Complex carbs mixed with fiber and protein keep you feeling full longer by taking more time to digest, thus the energy acquired from it is processed slower - equating to an extended supply of steady energy until your next meal. Simple carbs such as bleached, fortified, processed white bread and other fiber-less starchy foods spike your blood glucose (sugar) levels rapidly, which provides your body with immediate yet disposable energy - a "sugar high" - that usually gets stored (eventually as fat) because it doesn't get used. Try this awesome, simple, and EASY recipe for a great and tasty start to your day!

I generally estimate how much of everything I put in my bowl of oatmeal depending on how I'm feeling that day, but I'll give you some measurements. Before you start mixing, boil about 1 1/2 cups of water.

Desired amount of Old-fashioned Oats - about 1/2 cup is considered a serving (try to avoid instant or flavored oatmeal)

A few shakes of ground cinnamon from the bottle (1-2 tsp)

Raisins and/or any other dried fruit

Honey (can be substituted for white or brown sugar)

A few drops of vanilla extract - The secret ingredient

1. Mix the oatmeal, cinnamon, raisins, and honey in a bowl
2. Gradually add and stir some of the boiling water to the mixture. Everybody likes their oatmeal at different consistencies, I personally like mine on the drier side.
3. Add the vanilla extract
4. Stir everything together and give the oatmeal a minute or two to absorb the water. If it is at your desired consistency, ENJOY!

Nutritional Advantages to one bowl: 1 g each of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, +4 g of fiber, and 5 g of protein