Oatmeal

Have you ever noticed the heart on a container of oatmeal? That heart is there because oats contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber that's been shown to help lower cholesterol when you eat it regularly.

Steel-cut oats, which take about 15-20 minutes to cook, contain more fiber than rolled oats or instant varieties, but any type of oatmeal is a healthy choice. Just avoid the flavored kinds, which can be packed with sugar. Instead, sweeten your bowl with milk and a bit of honey, and top with fruit and nuts.

I recently discovered overnight steel cut oats. It takes 5 minutes or less of my time and my husband and I have a great breakfast ready for us in the morning. This recipe is so easy, you have no excuse to try it out!

The other great thing about steel cut oats is that they can sit in your fridge for a week and when reheated don't get mushy like regular oatmeal. So I make a batch of these oats on Sunday night and keep them in the fridge and we have quick and healthy breakfasts all week long! Just scoop out what you want and reheat them in the microwave.

Overnight Steel Cut Oats
 6 Servings

1 1/2 cups steel cut oats
6 cups water
pinch of salt

Bring all ingredients to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Cover, turn off heat and let sit on the stove overnight.

In the morning uncover the oats, give them a stir and bring them to a boil. Stir until creamy and warm and then they are ready to eat!

Top them with your favorite nuts and berries, whether dried or fresh. I love adding pecans and craisins and half of a chopped apple to mine with a lot of cinnamon! The fruit adds sugar so I don't even feel the need to add honey or brown sugar to it.