Oatmeal for Dummies

Easily one of the most misunderstood foods in any kitchen is perhaps none other than oatmeal. This grain is packed full of fibers, anti-oxidants, vitamins and complex carbohydrates which deliver a steady stream of energy to your body. That being said, 9 out 10 will vote it as inedible "diet" food that tastes bland and is something they are forced to wolf down with their eyes shut as though it was cough syrup (not the orange flavored kind)

To you I say, shut the fuck up and listen. Oatmeal - benefits aside - is a wonderful breakfast or mid-day snack item that - much like all other foods - depends on how you make it.

First of, the selection of your oatmeal can mean the difference between a bland squishy bowl of hamster food and a tasty breakfast delight. I personally prefer oatmeal flakes for their size, texture and taste over your average instant cooking Quaker oats. My brand of choice in Egypt and can be easily found in most supermarkets and stores in the cereal section is Emco's "Flacons D'Avoine". They're sold in 500 gram packets and can easily last you 10 days if you're consuming 50 grams every morning.

Now that we've picked out our oats, it's time to get cracking. I shall bestow upon you my favorite oatmeal recipe which I achieved through a wide variety of trial and error with a number of ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 50 grams of oatmeal flakes
• 100 ml of skimmed milk
• one teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• one whole banana
• two squares of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
• one teaspoon of flax/Chia seeds (if available)
• one teaspoon of peanut/almond/cashew butter

Process:

• Add 50 grams of oat flakes to a deep microwave-safe bowl
• Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly so it covers the flakes and blend using a spoon.
• Add the 100 ml of skimmed milk
• Place into microwave for 40 seconds under High power
• Break your dark chocolate squares into smaller pieces using a sharp knife and sprinkle evenly within the mixture
• Add the nut butter and seeds
• Slice the banana
• Enjoy

Obviously the above mentioned ingredients can be subject to change according to taste especially in regards to the fruit of choice, frozen grapes, strawberries, sliced kiwi (with skin), and apples are just a handful of possible combinations and additions one could use to spice up their breakfast meal. 

You can also forgo the nut butter by throwing in a dozen almonds, cashews, hazelnuts or a combination of mixed nuts into the oatmeal after it's been put through the microwave. Some even opt for a tablespoon of honey to really hit that sweet tooth but I find that the above ingredients do more than a fair job of just that. I have the above combo roughly three to four times a week as part of my pre-workout meal regiment and it's never failed to both satisfy my sweet tooth and give me enough energy to bust out one hell of a workout, I hope it will do the same to you!

Bonne appétit!