Goldilocks, a Porridge connoisseur.

When I was five years old I played Goldilocks in my Kindergarten play of the Three Bears. I didn't appreciate her motivation as a young girl, but as a woman I get it. She just didn't know what she wanted, but when she found it, she knew! She obviously didn't like porridge too hot, and she didn't like it cold...what was it about the third that made it-just right. 



While growing up, when I had to eat Oatmeal I really only liked eating the kind from the instant sugary packets, with one exception. My Dad would occasionally make oatmeal on the stove, with fresh diced apples, raisins, and some brown sugar. This was my favorite way to have Oatmeal.
Now that I have a family of my own I want them to eat a healthy nutritious breakfast every morning too.  As a busy Mom, I want the most nutrition per bite, and for the least cost per bite all in as little time as possible. Sounds like a tall order I know, but it is possible and so easy. 

The time saver:
I know too many people, family members included who will pay $3.50 or more for the cups of Oatmeal at Starbucks, or smoothie places every morning for reasons of convenience. For about that same price I can prepare Oatmeal every morning for my family of four for a month! What you are paying for in the snack cups is the convenience factor. What you are NOT getting in that price is nutrition. Here's the second part of the secret-soaking your Oats. (Soaking any type of grain before use is recommended but more on that later.)  Did you know that on the back of the large tubs of Oatmeal it used to include soaking as part of the directions? It's true.

"Oatmeal makes me feel "too full"
Some people may just have hard time digesting Oats. Digestion difficulties with Oats can be related to the phytic acid contained in the bran of the grain. Phytic acid combines with key minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc and prevents their absorption. The way to make these minerals easily accessible to your body is to break down the phytic acid with soaking the Oats (most any grain) before consumption.

When I first learned of soaking oats my first thought was to dismiss it because I "didn't have time for it." The truth was I just didn't know how to plan for it.  In reality, depending on your Oatmeal style it can take as much to 5 minutes at night-while you're washing dishes, brushing your teeth, catching up with your spouse, etc. The end result being an easy, on the go, nutritious and affordable breakfast for you and your family-a great way to start any day!

Next time-how to discover your inner Goldilocks and find the "porridge" that's just right for you!