I cannot believe it took me this long to finally see Black Swan. I saw it a couple nights ago and absolutely loved it. Some people I talked to thought some parts were completely gross but I really didnt mind it too much. Maybe I am just a sick freak or something, though. I honestly could not keep my eyes off of the screen… I was encapsulated by it! I got so into it that I jumped off my bed and screamed at one part…was taken by surprise I guess haha. I love how you can get so engrossed in a movie sometimes; it almost feels real. Natalie Portman is a such a great actress and is so pretty, isnt she? I also saw No Strings Attached this weekend (she stars in it…but I am sure you are well aware of that)….very good/funny movie. Something guys would like, too. What did you think of Black Swan and/or No Strings Attached?
In other news…we finally have a finalized logo for the the race my sisters and I are organizing (in honor of our Grandmom) to take place on July 24th! If you are from the Philly/South Jersey/SJ Shore area and want to find out more information on the race here is the ACTIVE.COM link, FACEBOOK LINK, and the RACE WESBITE! The silhouette of the 3 runners is based on an actual photo of my two sisters and I running (in the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon I believe)…how cool is that?!
Okay…on to the real topic of today’s post…OATMEAL. A lot of people hate oatmeal. This boggles my mind because since as long as I can possibly remember I have always loved oatmeal. But I guess I could see people hating on oatmeal if they prepared it in a plain-jane type of way…boring! The first thing to know about oatmeal is that there is more than one type….there are 4, infact… (1) Regular Old Fashioned Oats (2) Quick Cooking Oats (3) Instant Oats and (4) Irish Steel Cut Oats
…..But what makes the difference between the types of oatmeal?
Old Fashioned Oatmeal: This is the type of oatmeal you’re probably most familiar with. To make this type of oat, oat groats are steam heated and then flattened to create an oat flake. The thickness of the flake can vary… the thinner flakes produce a softer, creamier bowl of oatmeal.
Quick Cooking Oatmeal: To make quick cooking oats, old fashioned oats are pressed into even thinner flakes and cut into small pieces to allow them to cook quicker. Some say old fashioned oats are healthier because they have a lower glycemic index (does not affect blood sugar levels as much as quick cooking oats).
Instant Oats: Of course those little packets of instant oatmeal are quick/ convenient…but what you may not realize is that they are loaded with sugar and salt. They are very tempting to buy…simple to prepare and come in appealing flavors. But, remember… you can add your fix-ins to your oatmeal and have a more satisfying, healthier…and QUICK breakfast!
Steel-Cut Oats: Steel-cut oats have a hard, rather course, texture which requires a longer cooking time and yields a slightly chewier product. The advantage to steel-cut oats is the glycemic index (which is lower than even old fashioned oats). This is ideal for diabetics or those trying to lose weight. Steel-Cut Oats are basically a less processed version of the old fashioned rolled oats. Since both versions are the same when it comes to nutrition (except that steel cut has more fiber), it is a matter of taste and preference as to which you would eat. Steel Cut Oats also take longer to cook (but in my opinion…its worth the time- they taste much better. You can even cook the oatmeal the night before to make it easier in the morning for you!).
So how can you spice up your boring bowl o’ oats, you ask??
Try adding maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, raisins (and other dried fruits), bananas, apples, strawberries, blueberries (any type of fresh fruit), nuts, canned pumpkin (my favorite in the fall), peanut butter, almond butter, milk (regular, soy, almond, coconut, etc.), egg (yes, egg…but add this in at the very end and stir frequently…it will make your oatmeal creamier and ups the protein), ground flaxseeds, Chia Seeds, coconut flakes, protein powder, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese…whatever you can dream up!
Other things to try with oatmeal: baked banana oatmeal, overnight oatmeal, baked and bruleed oatmeal , whipped ricotta banana oatmeal, Swiss Oatmeal, breakfast cookie, fruit oat cakes, homemade granola
QUESTION: What is your favorite way to prepare oatmeal?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
i like my oatmeal with lots of salt and pb. yum. and i’m going to check my schedule for that race. i have some friends in the philly area that are dying to have me visit. one of them is a runner too so i’m going to pass along the word!
You’re a sick freak
… lin and I will obvi sign up for your race 
Cool about the logo beng you guys. I’m guessing the taller one is Danielle in the middle, who’s in the front and back?
Loveee the logo! That’s awesome that its the three of you in it! So perfect : )
I love oatmeal. I put apple slices in it, nothing crazy. I’ve actually lately started to get sick of it (I’ve had it almost every morning for the past 2 years), so maybe I’ll have to start mixing it up!