The Breakfast of Champions: High Fiber Oatmeal with Fruit, Flax Seeds, Nuts and Almond Milk

Starting today, April 16th, we are doing the "Dr. Oz 28 Days to Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack Challenge."

Dr. Oz's first step is to add 2 tablespoons of Flax Seeds or Flax Seed Oil to your daily diet.

Here's my quick and easy high-fiber oatmeal recipe with 2 tablespoons of flax seeds. With all of the fruit and almond milk, there's no reason to add sugar.

I often change up the fruits and nuts based on what's handy that day in my kitchen.

This breakfast is so hearty, that I often don't finish the whole bowl. I'll snack on the rest a little later in the morning.

I hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!!

The Breakfast of Champions: High Fiber Oatmeal with Fruit, Flax Seeds, Nuts and Almond Milk

1/2 to 2/3 cups of Quick Oats
1/2 of an Apple, cored and chopped
2 tbsps. of Flax Seeds
2 tbsps. of Dark Raisins
2 tbsps. of Chopped Walnuts
1/2 to 2/3 cups of Almond Milk
Dash of Ground Cinnamon
(I cook with the Almond Milk in place of the water)
Mix all of these ingredients together in a bowl.
Microwave on High for 1:30 minutes or per package directions.

Stir it up and let cool for a minute or so.
Serve with 1/2 cup of cold Almond Milk.

Recipe Tip: Substitute dried cranberries, blueberries or chopped dates for the raisins.

Recipe Tip: Substitute chopped pears, peaches, bananas or strawberries for the apple.

Recipe Tip: Substitute almonds or pecans for the walnuts.

Why eat Oatmeal?

A number of health benefits are attributed to regularly eating oatmeal. These include:
• Lower blood cholesterol
• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Healthier metabolism
• Stabilized blood glucose levels
• Healthy weight control
• Normalized blood pressure

Oatmeal has a lot of soluble fiber content, which helps to lower cholesterol and aids weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration analysis of oatmeal, in 1997, declared that regular consumption of oatmeal not only reduced the risk of heart disease, but also contributed to a low-fat diet. The content of beta-glucan is capitalized on by athletes and those in support of weight training.

Oatmeal is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber and these nutrients not only slow down the digestion process, but also keep diabetes at bay. Research reveals that an oatmeal breakfast actually reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, by controlling the blood glucose levels.

Oatmeal offers the body a regular dose of Vitamin B. It is also credited with being able to remove bad cholesterol and maintain the level of good cholesterol in the body. It is also rich in minerals and antioxidants.

Research reveals that oatmeal is a good source of protein and iron. It is being currently analyzed to check its role in reducing the risk of cancer.

The vitamin B content in oatmeal is being highlighted to address the onslaught of serious health problems, such as memory impairment, cognition deficits, pernicious anemia and adrenal system disorders.

Its fiber content is currently being analyzed for the role of oatmeal in reducing the onset of atherosclerosis, gallstones, diverticulosis, varicose veins, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon cancer.