Looking for something different to try for breakfast? I just dug up this old recipe…Vanilla Spice Oatmeal! It is delicious, and if you want, you could make a larger batch to save and reheat the next morning too .

Vanilla Spice Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional*
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats (or, try steel-cut oats for a heartier oat. I like Bob’s Red Mill steel cut oats)
• 1/2 cup raisins, dates, or figs
• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped (pecans are good too)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, plus more, to taste
• 1 cup lowfat milk, divided (can substitute soy, coconut, or almond milk)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil, then stir in the oats and raisins.  Reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes (a bit longer for steel cut oats).

When the oats are cooked, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Add the brown sugar and serve in bowls. Pour 1/4 cup of milk on top of each bowl, and top with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Serves 4.

Snacks are super important. Just as you shouldn’t skip a meal, you shouldn’t skip snacks either. Eating a morning and afternoon snack will help keep blood sugar levels in check, give you needed energy throughout the day, and boosts metabolism. Here are a few ideas for healthy snacks that you can make ahead and have on hand.

Hummus with Sliced Veggies

This Middle Eastern chickpea spread has protein, fiber and good-for-you unsaturated fats. Eat it with carrots, bell peppers and broccoli and you will also be getting great nutrients, like beta-carotene and vitamin C.  Two tablespoons of plain hummus has 50 calories and 3 grams of fat, so measure out two to three tablespoons rather than opening the entire container and eating from that.

Portion: 3 tablespoons of plain hummus plus 1 cup of sliced veggies
Total calories: 120 calories, 7 grams protein

Trail Mix

Almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts or pecans have healthy fats, fiber and protein. Making your own trail mix is super easy.  Portion out a handful of nuts and mix in two tablespoons of dried fruit like raisins, cranberries or apricots. To keep the calorie count down, choose nuts that are dry roasted or raw. For a change of pace, throw in whole-wheat pretzels or some of your favorite cereal (I’ve been on a Puffins kick lately). Packing your trail mix in plastic bags or containers makes it easy to grab and go. If you find yourself plowing through your snack mix, try using shelled nuts that will take longer to eat.

Portion: 15 nuts plus 2 tablespoons of dried fruit
Total calories: 170 calories, 7 grams protein

GORP

Ingredients
• 1/2 ounce whole shelled (unpeeled) almonds
• 1/4 ounce unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
• 1/4 ounce dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon chopped pitted dates
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chocolate chips
Preparation
1. Combine almonds, peanuts, cranberries, dates and chocolate chips in a small bowl.
Nutrition

Per serving: 102 calories; 6 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 11 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 29 mg sodium; 69 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium, magnesium, fiber, vitamins E and C.

1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 fat

My Healthy Recipe Website Picks…

Food Fit
Cooking Light
Organic Valley
Healthy Eating Made Easy
Low Fat Lifestyle

Hello, Spring, we meet again.

The mild winter and early spring-like weather meant there were many grills all over the country that have seen a lot of action. If you are running out of recipes, here is a delicious (healthy, and low-fat as well!) chicken recipe, perfect for the grill!