In June of last year, I decided to start training for my first half marathon.  Honestly, I only really did it because my dear friend Molly asked me to train with her and I thought it would be a lovely bonding experience.  It was…we suffered through the 17 week training together…but by about week 10, something happened.  Even though my knees hurt and my IT band was killing me, I fell in love with running.  My 40 minute runs quickly became my favorite time to spend with God and my weekly long runs pushed me to depend on Him even more because it was something that I knew I could never do on my own.  One Sunday, we had to run 17 miles.  I WAS NOT A RUNNER and the thought of running 17 miles literally blew my mind…I thought it was impossible.  But, I did it, and it was such an amazing worship experience!  After mile 12, I felt like every step was being directly propelled by God.

Molly and I finished our first half on October 3rd, and after that, I was hooked on running.  I am probably the least competative person on the plant, so for me, it is not about record breaking speed…it is just “my time” and I have come to love it.  I have also come to realize the importance of fueling your body with the right kinds of foods…starting with breakfast!

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  Gavin and I work from home so it is always our uninterrupted time together…I go for a run, he goes to the gym, and then we meet back at home, make coffee, plan out the day, and sit and enjoy our meal.  Monday through Friday, we eat the same thing every morning, egg whites and oatmeal.  Yes, I admit that sounds a little boring…but it has become like comfort food and the perfect fuel for any length run.  I eat 4 egg whites and 1/2 cup of oatmeal…which starts my day with 214 calories (about 300 when I add oatmeal toppings) 21 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, 27 carbs and 4 grams of dietary fiber.  To me, it is the perfect meal to fuel any day and keep me full through lunch time!

Oats not only taste delicious…they are super good for you..here’s why: (List taken from Mr.Breakfast.com)

Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cupof oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol.The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or “bad” cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. In January 1997, the Food and Drug Administration announced that oatmeal could carry a label claiming it may reduce the risk of heart disease when combined with a low-fat diet.

The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you’ll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight.

You probably already have oats in your kitchen. It’s estimated that eighty percent of U.S. households currently have oats in their cupboards.

New research suggests that eating oatmeal may reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods help to control blood glucose levels.

With the exception of certain flavored varieties, the oats found in your grocery store are 100% natural. If you look at the ingredients on a canister of rolled oats, you will usually see only one ingredient… rolled oats.

According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn.

Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidantsand is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron

The fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers.

Oatmeal is quick and convenient. Every type of oatmeal can be prepared in a microwave oven. Even when cooked on the stovetop, both old-fashioned and quick oats can usually be made in less than 10 minutes. And what about instant oatmeal… a hot breakfast in under a minute… incredible!

Oatmeal can be absolutely delicious! Whether instant, cooked on the stove or baked in the oven, the combination of flavors you can fit into a serving of oatmeal is limited only by the imagination. Visit Mr Breakfast’s Oatmeal Collection to see just 60 of the ways you can start to enjoy oatmeal today!

Oatmeal is super versatile and can taste like dessert…it is satisfying and yummy…so in honor of one of my favorite foods…I am going to start posting all of the different ways that I enjoy oatmeal!  I start with unflavored quick cook oats and jazz it up from there.  Today, I made what I like to call the Oatmeal Cookie!

Oatmeal Cookie Oats

1/2 Cup quick cook oats

1 1/2 Cups water

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 teaspoon Stevia (I use Truvia)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 Tablespoon raisins

1 Tablespoon chopped nuts of your choice (I like almonds)

**1/4 Cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk after cooking

Now, here is the best part:  You can simply throw all of the ingredients in a bowl and microwave it for 4 minutes…or throw them all in a pot and cook over medium heat until it is thick and creamy!  I love vanilla almond milk, so I top it with 1/4 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk.