Save Calories With Oatmeal

Many a morning when I have oatmeal, I opt for 1/2 cup of skim milk in the oatmeal, a bit of no calorie butter spray (Parkay), and sugar substitute. And if I'm feeling wild, I'll add a spoon of dark brown sugar which has a richer taste than light brown sugar.

Opting for skim milk, no calorie butter and zero calorie sugar substitute saves the dieter about 150 calories when compared to using real butter or margarine, whole milk and white table sugar.

For a different flavor, try adding dried fruit to your morning bowl of oatmeal or ground cinnamon. Talk about heart healthy!

But don't stop there. While we've shown how we can save calories in oatmeal - this good grain can save us calories in other areas of our diet while adding a good dose of health.

For example, how long has it been since you baked bread? Well, that's too long. Remember the pioneer women? They baked bread at least once per day and biscuits several times per day. And if their pantry was lucky enough to contain whole oats, they brushed their unbaked bread with an egg wash and sprinkled on the oats.

For a healthier coating on cobblers and pies, omit the top crust and sprinkle on a mix of oats, bread flour, melted light margarine and brown sugar. So tasty! Simply bake in the oven until the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Need a quick peanut butter & oatmeal cookie recipe? Simply mix one cup of white flour with 1 cup of reduced-fat peanut butter, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar substitute and 1 egg. Stir in 1/2 cup of oats. Add a shot of vanilla extract.

Form into cookies and arrange on a baking sheet. Slip into a preheated 350 degree oven until cookies are done.