Guest Post by Dena Davis: She enjoys inspiring people and challenging them to get the most out of their life through healthy, fit living. She recently started “Get There Boot Camp” classes at Lake Eola. You can follow her facebook @ www.facebook.com/GetThereBootCamp.

Nutrition Tip: Breakfast of Oatmeal Champions

As winter nears, we all seem to crave comfort food. So, help yourself to a warm, delicious bowl of oatmeal for a hearty, heart-healthy breakfast. But don’t buy those pansy,  flavored instant-oatmeal packets. Get some real-deal steel-cut oats! They’re the hardest-working, sturdiest, healthiest oats in the business. Remember, you are what you eat.

Steel-cut oats, or Irish oats, are the better option over the traditional rolled oats, although rolled oats are still quite healthy. But as for the quick oatmeal in the individual packets, don’t even think about those. Might as well just pound some sugar packets…

While rolled oats have been rolled, re-steamed and toasted, steel-cut oats have not gone through that processing, therefore maintaining their nutty flavor and chewy, dense texture. Because they are in a more of a natural state, they take longer to digest, helping you feel satisfied longer. They have a lower glycemic index, giving you a lower spike in insulin levels when consumed. And these oats contain lots of dietary fiber, which lowers our blood-cholesterol levels. They’re also very low in total and saturated fat. Good morning, sunshine! 

Preparing steel-cut oatmeal may take a little extra time, but it’s certainly worth it.  I use almond milk in the cooking process and add cinnamon and a touch of Stevia or honey. I will also add ground flax seed — for omega-3 fatty-acids, antioxidants, vitamin B and extra fiber. Finally, top with apples and/or bananas if you’d like, even a few walnuts and you have a yummy healthy start to your day.

Breakfast really is the most important meal. It sets the stage for your dietary decisions for the rest of the day. You want a smart nutritious base to build on — you can’t build on donuts or pastries or sugar-laden cereals that only give you a sugar high, then send you crashing and craving more sugar.

Eat like a champion today.

Join me at Boot Camp, Dena