Pages

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Opening my mind.....


I don't always like to try new things, but as I get older, I try to be more open-minded. When I reflect back on how my preferences have evolved, I am always a little amazed. I never thought I would like running, spinach, breakfast burritos, caesar salad, grapefruit dish soap, cottage cheese, udon noodles, salmon, or a host of other random things.
I am trying to make small changes to move towards better health & wellness. My family isn't always on board, but they tend to go along with my ideas because I do 99.9% of the food shopping and cooking.
My latest experiments involve soy milk and oatmeal.

I like the idea of soy milk, but find myself overwhelmed by the choices. Vanilla, chocolate, organic, plain, Soy Dream, WestSoy, store brand, new improved flavor, etc., etc. I really like going to Starbucks and getting a hot chocolate made with soy milk. It seems to bring out the chocolate flavor, plus I can pretend it's a little healthier than the 500 calorie version I usually get. I bought a carton of soy & have started topping my morning Swiss Miss with soy milk. Tastes yummy.

I also have an ambivalent relationship with oatmeal. Again, it seems like a great idea - high fiber, low in fat, filling. But it's bland. And gluey. And a little time consuming to make. I am trying to change my mind, and am looking for new recipes to try. I made one today that combines 1/3 c. water, 1/3 c. milk, 1/3 c. oats, and 1/2-3/4 of a banana. Cook and stir until desired texture is achieved. Serve with toppings of your choice (today's choice was cinnamon, a sprinkling of coconut, and a spoonful of peanut butter). The banana gives it a hint of flavor and sweetness, but the peanut butter is what makes it delicious. Then again, what isn't improved with a little peanut butter?? When I can find it, I only want Laura Scudders all natural chunky peanut butter. And that is a preference straight from my Dad.
PS - this is my 200th blog post!!


2 comments:

sarita said...

I love soy milk! Silk vanilla is totally the way to go.

And as far as oatmeal--I think it's delicious with soy milk, blueberries (frozen or fresh), almonds, and sweetened with coconut coffee creamer. I am telling you it is heavenly!

Ben, Rebecca, Natali, Isaac, Spencer said...

Never tired Soy, should I? Is there a big difference between soy & milk? Enlighten me! I go on and off oatmeal kicks. But even when I am on one I am pretty lame and buy the instant pre-flavored packets. Lame...I know!