Peach Cobbler Oatmeal

Peach Cobbler Oatmeal

Cobblers are a staple in the South.  Peach cobbler just happens to be my favorite, especially with all of the juicy peaches around. However, peach cobbler is notorious for being high in sugar, and extremely buttery...and therefore, awesome. Add some vanilla ice cream, and you're really in for a treat as the ice cream melts and forms a cream over the dish.  With that being said,  I will concede that peach cobbler is not so awesome on your waistline.  But don't worry, I have a solution :-)

*drum roll* OATMEAL!

Oatmeal is a glorious ingredient to use at breakfast time. At the risk of sounding like a waxing poetic on the subject, here's a list about the wonders of eating oatmeal:

1. It helps stabilize blood sugar.
2. Keeps your heart healthy.
3. It's a good source of soluable fiber, therefore it keeps you full!!
4. Oats are full of fiber, thus, is anti-carcinogenic. Plain english? Oats are especially effective for colon cancer.

So, here's a guiltess excuse to eat dessert for breakfast. After all, isn't dessert truly the best part of a meal?

xo!


Ingredients

1/3 c old fashioned oats
1 c + 1/2 T unsweetened almond-coconut milk (or just plain unsweetened almond milk)
1 T brown sugar
1 T Smart Balance light with flax seed
1/4 cup peaches, diced (canned in light syrup or fresh)
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Method:

In a small sauce pot, add oats and 1 cup almond milk.  Cook on low for about 15 minutes (or until desired consistancy is reached).  Stir often to prevent burning/sticking.

Turn off heat and add in sugar, cinnamon, and smart balance.  Stir and allow butter to melt, fully incorporating the spices into the oatmeal.

Dice peaches.  Add into oatmeal. 

Transfer to serving bowl.  Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if desired.  Pour 1/2 T of almond milk over oatmeal.

Serves 1

Enjoy!

Other information

WW 6 pt+ (if using canned peaches)
WW 5 pt+ (if using fresh peaches)

**if you use skim milk, add another point.


All photos are mine, so don't be a thief. 

Facts on Oatmeal

I am in no way associated with Weight Watchers.  All points are unofficial.  Points will vary due to products used.

Spinach and Gorgonzola Omelet

Spinach and Gorgonzola Omelet

Omelets are a great way to star the morning! Make yours with egg whites to cut down on fat.  The gorgozonla adds depth of flavor while the lemon zest adds something to "keep it interesting."  Enjoy!

Ingredients
4 egg whites
1 T almond/skim milk
canola cooking spray
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup reduced fat blue/gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup fresh chopped baby spinach
1 tsp fresh lemon zest
black pepper

Method
Spray skillet with canola cooking spray.  Place on medium heat and add olive oil. 

Meanwhile, beat egg whites and milk with a whisk.  Pour mixture into hot skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low.  Cook until almost set.

Sprinkle entire omelet with pepper.  Spread 1/2 of the cheese over one side of the omelet. Top with the baby spinach.  Sprinkle remaining gorgonzola, finishing with the lemon zest.

Fold omelet and serve immediately.

Other information
WW 4pt+

Legal Information
all photos are mine, so don't be a thief
recipe adapted from Spinach and Gorgonzola Eggwhites
**not sponsored by WW**

Peanut Butter Crunch Stuffed French Toast

PB Crunch Stuffed French Toast

This is my love letter to Elvis.  Yes, I talk a big game about my love for The Boss (Bruce Springsteen), but I will forever be devoted to Elvis.  I have so many things with this dude's face on it...life size cut-outs, posters, beach towels, watches, clocks...and of course, the music! I'm pretty sure it was my love for Elvis that made me want a guitar.

Anyway, this is my healthier take on the King's favorite sandwich--peanut butter, banana, and bacon.  I've left out the bacon, but you can certaintly have it on the side :)

Peanut butter...people eat it up! According to Livestrong.com, Americans consume enough PB each year to coat the floor of the Grand Canyon! Peanut butter is a good source of protein (7 grams per 2 tablespoons), healthy fats, potassium, and fiber.


Now, a little less conversation--a little more cookin'!

Ingredients
1 tablespoon reduced-fat peanut butter (I used Peter Pan whipped creamy)
1 sandwich thin, or 2 slices light bread ( I used KROGER whole wheat sandwich slims)
1/4 cup corn flakes, crushed
2 tsp honey
1 egg white
1 tablespoon milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
banana

Method
Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with canola cooking spray (i.e., PAM)

Spread sandwich thin/bread with peanut butter.  Slice 1/2 of the banana and layer on top.  Place other side of bread/sandwich thin on top.

In a mixing bowl, beat egg, milk, and vanila together. Soak each side in egg mixture for a few minutes.

In another bowl, crush the corn flakes.  Dredge each side of the "stuffed french toaste" in corn flakes, making sure each side is equally covered.

Place on baking sheet. Bake in oven for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and warm.

Slice remaining 1/2 banana. Arrange over french toast.  Drizzle honey over the top. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Other Information
WW 6pt+

note: if you use Arnold's or another brand of sandwich thin, you will have to add 1 pt+! Kroger is lower in points compared to the main name brands.

Legal
Elvis
Peanut Butter Facts
Recipe adapted from Delish Peanut Butter Crunch French Toast

BLT Breakfast Bowl

BLT Breakfast Bowl 

This isn't your average BLT, folks. B for the bacon, L for LAUGHING COW CHEESE, and T for tomato! Lettuce wasn't invited to this party. So sad....not.  Lately I've been on a grits kick. So naturally, I've been scheming of delicious ways to have this southern delight for breakfast. Here's what I came up with:

Ingredients
1 packet instant grits (I used Quaker butter flavor)
water (according to instructions on grits)
1/4 cup diced tomatoes (I used grape tomatoes)
2 slices turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 wedge Laughing Cow cheese (I used french onion)
1 1/2 T low fat cheddar cheese, shredded
black pepper

Method
1. Prepare bacon (via pan, microwave, oven, etc). Cool, crumble, set aside.

2. Prepare grits according to packet instructions.  Pour into serving bowl.

3. Slice laughing cow wedge and stir into grits. Top with cheddar cheese.  Zap in microwave for 10-20 seconds.

4. Meanwhile, slice tomatoes.  Retrieve grits from microwave and top with bacon, tomatoes, and pepper.

Serves 1

Other Info
WW 5 pt+

Legal
Inspired by Savoring the Thyme's BLT Polenta Bowl

Waffles w/ Ricotta & Fruit

A lot of people are creatures of habit when it comes to breakfast. Why not switch it up?  This recipe is tasty, healthy and FAST.  It comes together in minutes--literally in the time it takes to toast a waffle. 

This recipe uses ricotta cheese. Basically, ricotta cheese & italian food are BFF's.  It can be found in ravioli, cannolis, lasagna, manicotti, even pizza.  The word means "recooked" in Italian.

Why use it? Here are 3 good reasons why to incorporate part skim ricotta into your diet:

1) Calcium: Per 1/2 cup of ricotta, you will get 258 mg of calcium--that's 26% of your daily recommended value! (Livestrong.com)

2) Protein: Per 1/2 cup, ricotta cheese delivers 14g of protein. Protein is essential to repair our tissues, as well as help to build and maintain muscle. (livestrong.com)  After all, no one wants to look like a noodle!

3) Fat: No, not the kind that sticks to your tush. We're talking Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids! This is important because our bodies cannot naturally produce these fats, so we must get them from food! These fats boost brain development & function, and regulates blood pressure. (livestrong.com)

Waffles w/ Ricotta & Fruit

Ingredients
2 whole grain blueberry waffles (I used light Kashi blueberry)
2 T part skim ricotta cheese
splenda
1/2 cup fresh or unsweetened frozen fruit mixture (I used a mixture peaches, strawberries, grapes, mango & pineapple from Kroger)
cinnamon

Method:
1. Toast waffles as directed on package. If you feel adventurous, you can make your own waffles.

2. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta and splenda. 

3. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over waffles

4. Top with fruit. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

WW: 5 p+ for both waffles

Base recipe: Evolving Wellness: Sweet Cheese Fruit Waffles 

Green Gangster Protein Shake

I've been making this recipe for a while, but have yet to post it due to life happenings.  Anyways, here we go. It is great as a quick breakfast or post workout snack.

Why do I call it a "Green Gangster" shake? Probably to make it more fun, and because this smoothie packs in a lot of healthy vitamins. Baby spinach is a "power food," in that it is extremely rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, folate, vitamin B2, calcium, omega 3-fatty acids, and iron.  So, eat it up, and eat it often!

A note about whey protein powder. Sure, it helps your muscles recover after a workout. But here are some other awesome benefits:

1) Whey protein helps to boost your immune system in that it fights harmful bacteria, and fights off cancer cells
2)Promotes lean muscle growth and loss of body fat
3)Good for any age group
4) It is a naturally occurring anti-oxidant

Enough with the all of the vitamin talk...lets get cookin' (and more impartantly, eating)!

Green Gangster Protein Shake

1 scoop chocolate (or vanilla if you wish) whey protein powder

1 T reduced fat peanut butter
1 cup milk
1 banana
2 cups of spinach


Blend up until smooth & enjoy!

p.s.--there's not a finished product picture because I inhaled it. Will add one soon :)
Serves 1

WW: 6p+

Ricotta Stuffed "French Toast" w/ sliced Honey Glazed Nanners'

Alright, people. Who doesn't like french toast? The proper answer is NO ONE! Kidding. I guess there are some people who really dislike breakfasty foods.  This is easy-peasy and super delicious. Here's my take on it : )

Ricotta Stuffed "French Toast" w/ Sliced Honey Glazed Nanners'
Ingredients:
1 100% whole wheat sandwich thin (I used Kroger brand)
2 T of part skim/low fat ricotta cheese
1-1 1/2 t of cinnamon
1 packet of splenda, or other zero calorie sweetener
1 egg 
splash of milk
1 T of water
1 t canola oil
2 t honey
1 banana

Method:

1) In a small bowl mix the ricotta, 1/2 of the cinnamon, and splenda. Spread between the sandwich thin.

2) In another bowl mix the egg, splash of mix, and water. Lightly wisk.

3) Soak stuffed sandwich thin in egg mixture (1 or so minute per side). You will use 1/2 the egg mixture. You can discard it or make another serving.

4) Heat canola oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Place "french toast" in pan, and lightly brown on both sides.

5) Meanwhile, heat up honey in microwave and slice the banana

6) Transfer to a place, arrange bananas on top of the ricotta stuffed french toast.

7) Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon, if desired.

YUM


Information:

6 points plus

Note: this recipe might be more depending on the brand of ingredients you use.  I know the brand of sandwich thins I used is lower in point value than some of the leading name brands.