I have a confession — I make a few New Years resolutions every year without fail and it always consists of losing weight (particularly losing 20 pounds).
Always.
This year is different. I did not make not one New Years resolutions.
Why?
I never follow through. Typically after a few weeks of dieting and exercising, I usually fall off the wagon and I’m back to my usual habits of eating “whatever” and not working out as planned. This year I decided to take charge of my well-being and make healthier choices instead for both myself and my family. I plan on buying healthy foods and implementing them in the meals I cook for my family as well.
So far it has worked wonders. Since the change, my family and I have noticed we all have more energy and are not craving greasy chips, soda and/or cookies as much as we did before. I’m not frying any foods in oils. Instead, I am baking and using cooking spray as a way of limiting our calories. I’m glad to know I’m creating a better life for my husband and children.
The one food I do try to make at least 4 times a week is Oatmeal. Oatmeal is like a wonder meal. It’s jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber to help us stay full for a longer period of time. I remember growing up, my mom used to make oatmeal for me almost every morning before she whisked me away to school. The best part was the cinnamon she added on top. Today I make it exactly how she made it when I was a kid — with fast cooking oats, milk, little sugar, lots of cinnamon & a cinnamon stick. My kids love it.
Thankfully on those days I don’t feel like making breakfast, I can just take a short ride to my nearest McDonald’s and order a bowl of their newest items on the menu – The new Fruit & Maple Oatmeal.
McDonald’s Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is prepared with 100 percent natural whole grain oats, light cream and brown sugar, and topped with diced, fresh red and green apples, tangy dried cranberries and two types of raisins. It combines the perfect harmony of flavor and it’s an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber.
With only 290 calories (without maple sugar is 260 calories) per serving, it’s a perfect meal for any time of the day. And you can actually buy it whenever you like too. McDonald’s serves their Fruit and Maple Oatmeal any time of the day freshly made to the individual’s liking.
(translation: I’m loving it)
Last week I finally ordered the Fruit and Maple Oatmeal with brown sugar since I like my oatmeal on the sweet side and I have to say that it’s absolutely delicious. I wasn’t sure I would like it because I’m not much of a fruity-oatmeal-type of person but the fruits that are used really compliments the flavor of the oatmeal really well. It’s creamy, rich and it left me full for hours. It’s perfect when you’re on the run and don’t have time to whip something up before you run your errands, like me. 😉
***************
Join me and 6 other fabulous co-hosts next Monday (January 24th) for the McDonald’s Fruit & Maple Oatmeal Twitter Party, moderated by Latina Bloggers Connect.
Date: Monday, January 24, 2011
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET
Required Hashtag: #McDOatmeal
Language: ENGLISH and SPANISH
Prizes: Two winners will win a $25 McDonald’s Arch Card and a Fit Home Team Book.
*For a list of rules, click on this link.
Below are your 6 co-hosts on Twitter:
@newyorkchica
@CuponeandoLive
@mamalatina
@jessienuez
@OhMariana
@thoughtsofamomy
Disclosure: This is a sponsored campaign on behalf of Latina Bloggers Connect and McDonald´s.
As a child of puerto rican culture, I am very picky about eating oatmeal at restaurants, to me pouring oatmeal and hot water was not my idea of a tasty breakfast (us Puerto Ricans have to soak it, add sugar, butter, vanilla extract and of course, cook with milk till its nice and creamy). But the new McDonald’s oatmeal looked so good in the commercials I decided to try it and to my pleasant surprise it is quite delicious. Smart move about trying to eat healthier, I’ve cut down on my red meat intake as well as cut out the white breads and rice, now if I could just get the exercise part down!
Yes, us Puerto Ricans do not like watery oatmeal. lol I’m glad they started healthy breakfasts too. Thx for commenting 😉