Oatmeal with Berries, Chocolate and Almonds

Sick of plain oatmeal? Try this breakfast with staying power – the almonds and berries add filling fiber, with almonds also pumping up the protein content of this instant breakfast! Unsweetened cocoa powder adds flavanoids, but all you’ll notice is how good this breakfast tastes! This recipe uses water to cook instant oatmeal, but feel free to use milk as a great way to increase your calcium intake!

Ingredients (serves 1):

1 packet instant oatmeal (unflavored) *tip: look for a brand that does not contain many ingredients other than oats – I like Trader Joe’s Oats and Flax Instant Oatmeal

2/3 C water (varies depending on how thick you like your oatmeal)

4 medium strawberries

1.5 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (look for pure cocoa as the only ingredient)

.5 oz slivered almonds (approximately 1/8 C)

Directions:

1. Pour oatmeal packet contents into microwave-safe bowl and add water. Cook in microwave according to package instructions (usually directions require cooking on High for 2-3 minutes).

2. While oatmeal is cooking, wash and dry strawberries. Cut into halves or quarters. Set aside.

3. Remove oatmeal from microwave and stir. Add strawberries, cocoa powder and slivered almonds. Enjoy!

The Goods: What’s Inside?

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories 220 calories, Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrate 30 g, Fiber 8 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 9 g, Sodium 85 mg, Calcium 147 mg

*note: replacing water with nonfat milk will increase calcium and protein content

**strawberry photo courtesy of: http://www.dvo.com/newsletter/monthly/2007/september/images/strawberry.jpg 

***cocoa photo courtesy of: http://www.rawguru.com/store/images/P/raw-cacao-powder-e-big.jpg