One of my girl’s favorite back-to-school and cold weather breakfast is oatmeal and why not?! I mean, oatmeal’s warmth takes the chill off a crisp morning and it’s just the right amount of sweet to make a person enjoy it.  Instant oatmeal has artificial flavors and way too much added sugar, so before you reach for the instant oatmeal {which is ok in a pinch}, consider taking a few extra minutes and fixing your kids a slightly healthier warm oatmeal breakfast.  Your child’s teacher will thank you.

Instant oatmeal makeover

instant oatmeal substitutes: Quaker Quick Oats {or if you have even more time, try their Old Fashioned Oats} provide a sodium-free, 100% natural, whole grain breakfast that will fill your kids up with 3 grams of protein and the whole grain will keep them feeling full and fueled up until lunch time. And it takes about 1 minute to warm up!

give your oatmeal some personality: add wheat germ, honey, cinnamon, brown sugar, toasted almonds, fresh or dried fruit, pecans, you get the idea.  As long as you keep it healthy and proportionate, you’ll only add to the appeal of this tasty meal.

use milk instead of water for a more creamy texture and taste, plus you’ll up your child’s calcium intake a bit.

{I don’t have a picture up yet, since we had this yesterday but I couldn’t find my camera before it was all eaten.  I’ll make some more today and post a pic soon.}

In our house I always supplement with a bit or wheat germ{since the taste blends right in} and then add whatever toppings we have in the house or that one of the girls has requested.  We regularly end up with a mixture of quick oats, wheat germ, brown sugar or honey, and dried fruit. By taking just a bit more time {barely!}, you can provide a healthier, lower in sugar, and tastier breakfast for your child as they head off back to school with this filling breakfast.  What’s your child’s favorite breakfast?

 Image Credit: time_anchor