Save money-Buy in bulk!
Save money by buying extra when non-perishable foods are on sale. Foods that last include rice, beans, cooking oil and frozen vegetables. Remember to check unit prices. Bigger packages are often cheaper per unit. And don’t forget your coupons.
If you don’t have room in your pantry (or in your budget!) for a bulk item, consider “going in” with a family member or friend and splitting the cost and product. Make sure to store all foods in air tight containers such as gallon zip bags or plastic containers.
Easy Oatmeal
Basic Oatmeal Recipe:
*For an on-the-go version, cook oats directly in a microwave-safe tupperware container, or glass mason jar. Keep small plastic zip bags mixed with chopped dried fruit, brown sugar, nuts and spices to grab on the way out the door.
Ingredients:
1 cup old fashioned oats
2 cups water (or milk)
Directions:
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add oats and water (or milk). Stir together.
2. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the oatmeal begins to thicken. If the oatmeal is about to boil over, it’s done!
3. Carefully remove bowl from microwave (the bowl may be hot).
4. Add any additional toppings (see below)
Sweeteners: (pick one and add 1 or 2 tablespoons to your oatmeal)
brown sugar
maple syrup
molasses
fruit jams or jellies
honey
chocolate syrup
chocolate chips
Fruits:
fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc)
chopped fresh apples
applesauce
sliced bananas
dried fruits (raisins, apricots, apples, figs, etc)
canned peaches, chopped
Protein and Crunch:
1 tablespoon peanut butter
small handful chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts)
granola cereal
vanilla yogurt
Create different toppings combinations for fun and delicious breakfasts! Make up fun names for your different recipes to get kids excited. Share your fun names and topping combinations below!
Oatmeal
Fast food oatmeal may be a better alternative than other fast food breakfasts available, but it still has a lot of unnecessary fat and sugar. And it’s expensive! Avoid needing fast food for breakfast by having an on the go breakfast like a piece of whole fruit and toast with peanut butter, or eat at home.
For more information on fast food oatmeal, check out this article: http://www.rd.com/health/healthy-eating/the-truth-about-mcdonalds-oatmeal/