Week one breakfast recipes

I am starting with steel cut oatmeal and a high protein breakfast smoothie recipes.

I selected the oatmeal recipe because it used easily obtained ingredients, no milk products (one child is allergic to milk protein), and little effort. I love the addition of fruit and nuts. The fiber count looks good. I also believe this would be a good source of potassium for me.

Crockpot Oatmeal Recipe

* 2 cups steel cut oats (not instant or rolled oats)
* 6-8 cups water, depending on how long the oatmeal will cook
* 1 tsp. cinnamon
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1 tsp. vanilla
* 2 apples, peeled and diced
* 1 cup raisins
* 1 cup sliced bananas
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Spray crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. If you're planning to cook the oatmeal 8 hours or longer, use 8 cups of water. If you want to cook it less than 8 hours, use 6 cups of water. Put first seven ingredients (through raisins) in slow cooker and cook on low. Just before serving, Stir in bananas and walnuts. Sprinkle with additional brown sugar if desired.

Serves 8.

Per serving: 256 calories, 6 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 49 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein, 1% Vitamin A, 6% Vitamin C, 5% calcium, 8% iron

Read more at Suite101: Crockpot Oatmeal Recipe: My favorite healthy breakfast recipe. http://healthycooking.suite101.com/article.cfm/crockpot_oatmeal_recipe#ixzz0b88gtt5t

Source: http://healthycooking.suite101.com/article.cfm/crockpot_oatmeal_recipe

I already make fruit smoothies with my vitamix. We will try this recipe first just as it is and then alter it. I will not peel the apples. I may also put ice or increase the fluid to make this drinkable. I will obviously have to increase the size of this recipe to have enough for all my family. Lastly, in order to turn this into a protein drink, I will add Trader Joe's Vanilla Whey Protein. I think this addition will be like adding whipped cream to the pie. lol

There are many reasons I want to increase my consumption of fruit smoothies. I have borderline blood pressure that I control with a high potassium diet. I find that liquid foods are very satisfying of both appetite and thirst.

Apple Pie Smoothie

1 frozen banana
1/2 peeled apple
8 oz. apple juice
1/2 cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg

Blend. Great substitute for applesauce! Control the consistency by adding more or less chopped apple.

Source: http://www.vitamix.com/FoodService/recipes/beverage.asp