Steel Cut Oats with Peanut Butter and Strawberries

Studies have shown that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for many reasons. Starting your day off with a balanced meal that supplies your body with adequate protein, carbohydrates and fiber keeps hunger under control and allows you to think clearly when making food decisions later in the day. Some benefits of a healthy breakfast are helping with weight control, boosting brain activity, it revs up your metabolism, keeps you from binging and can even better your mood. I haven't always been a huge breakfast person because nothing would keep me fuller for more than about 20 minutes. After experimenting with different combinations of foods, I finally found something that keeps me fuller longer and is easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups water

• 1 cup steel cut oats (I used Trader Joe's Steel Cut Organic Oats)

• 5 cut up strawberries

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Step 1: Bring your water to a boil and slowly stir in 1 cup of your oats. 

Step 2: When oats begin to thicken (about 5 minutes) reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes (or to your desired consistency), stirring occasionally. Make sure you watch your oats because it may foam up and spill out of the pan. 

Step 3: Oats should be cooked until tender--the longer you cook them, the thicker they will get. 

Step 4: You can serve your oats immediately or refrigerate for about 1 week. If you choose to store them, the oats will thicken so you should stir in a little milk or water to loosen them up. 

(If you choose to store them, you only need about 2-3 minutes in the microwave to heat them up).

I made my oats the night before and stored in tupperware containers so that I can just pop it in the microwave and add my fixings. I chose to opt for fresh cut strawberries and some peanut butter for some extra protein. This is such an easy and nutritious breakfast, I love that it can be prepared in advance as well. 

ENJOY!!