Have a smile for breakfast, you’ll be shitting joy by lunch. ~ Joe Abercrombie
Over the last few blogs we’ve been talking about added sugar in the food we eat (see here and here if you want to get caught up). I had planned on closing this thread out today by answering a few questions I received via email, however, one of them, “Do I favor a soda tax?,” deserves more time to mull things over before committing to something in writing.
As to an easier question, a reader asked if I had a favorite nutritious, low-sugar, packable breakfast food. (I had mentioned I am continually on the lookout for something my son can take to school.)
Turns out I do.
Three simple ingredients in a sealable plastic container:
- Steel cut oatmeal
- Plain whole milk yogurt (with no added sugar)
- Berries
The oatmeal offers carbs and some protein; the yogurt provides texture, fat, and protein; and the berries not only makes the mélange taste good but also provide a healthy serving of antioxidants. Further, provided you make the oatmeal beforehand, the meal is assembled quickly and keeps well in a lunch container. In fact, since these days I rarely have time for breakfast before leaving for work, I make a batch for myself at the same time.
As to making the steel cut oats in advance, the night before:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 1 cup of oats and stir until the mixture comes to a light boil again.
- Turn off stove, cover pot, and let sit overnight.
Not only will the oatmeal be ready in the morning but, because it keeps in the refrigerator, you’ll have enough for the entire week.
Give it a try and if that doesn’t work for you, consider a smile. It’s sugar-free and sure to pay dividends throughout the day. Next to oatmeal, I cannot think of a better breakfast on the go!
Stay tuned for my thoughts on the sugar tax next week. Before checking out, how about some music for our Spotify playlist? I was sad to hear that the lead singer of the Cranberries, Dolores O’Riordan, died earlier this year at the age of 46. As noted by Bono, “She had such strength of conviction, yet she could speak to the fragility in all of us.” Indeed.
Here then are the Cranberries with their first hit song “Linger.” I’ll add add it and the Bad Wolves version of “Zombie” to our Manufacturing Peace of Mind Spotify playlist.
Until next week…xian
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