Saturday, February 11, 2006

Oatmeal-Yogurt Variations: Test Kitchen Series


I'm really starting to love this recipe because it lays a good foundation for protein and fiber and leaves lots of room for personal choices and customizing and altering it for one's particular needs.
(Why the emphasis on fiber?)

I've stepped out of the box to offer my first variation of my classic Oatmeal Yogurt Crunch. I've substituted the slivered almonds in the recipe for a 1/2 cup of Kashi Go-Lean on top of each serving.

Here's what you are left with:
  • About 33-40 grams of protein -- I used Juice Plus Complete powder for 13 grams, oatmeal(4), yogurt (11 grams) and 1/2 serving of Kasha (5) ... Your protein serving might have 20 grams or more of protein.
  • Up to 10 grams of fiber -- I used juice plus powder for 4 grams, oatmeal (2), Kashi (4) and a little from the fruit ... Your fresh fruit, raisins might have more fiber.
  • Vitamins from real food!
  • PAIN IN YOUR JAW -- OK, this is a lot of chewing and I can only chew on one side right now since my last surgery. I'm going back to almonds folks. This means only about 28-30 grams of protein, but I do get to eat lunch and dinner. I do plan to use Kasha Go-Lean as a hunger eliminator between meals (I don't get that much), or I guess I could try it with milk (a breakfast cereal, I'm a genius!). Here's a Kashi commerical and info site.

Can you please join me with your variations to Oatmeal-Yogurt Crunch? A good Web buddy Mary has already shared some great ideas involving raisins and dried fruit.

I share my recipes, creations because I get a lot of good ideas in return. And hopefully, we can spare each other experiences that might not be "ideal" like avoid the Kasha Go-Lean if you have dental issues.

Please leave comments below with your variations. Your turn ...

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes - I love it! Your new idea with the Kashi sounds great.

One of the things I really like about this dish is that if you are short on fruit, as I am sometimes, you can make substitutions which do not hurt a bit. A handful of raisins and/or those dried cranberries are great as they swell overnight with the moisture from other elements in the mix. I like to toast the slivered almonds too. Yummy. I have even put in flavored, non-fat yogurt when I have run out of the plain, and I promise you, the peach one is to die for!

Your meal ideas have been very helpful to me since my band was put in place. There are many things that I just cannot tolerate any longer, so my choices are far more restricted than they were and suggestions from somebody who is that much further down the yellow brick Bandy road are invaluable.

There is no such thing as fiber overload! Since the quantity of food one can take in with the band is reduced, it is more of a challenge to take in enough fiber and this is the best invention since sliced bread.

--From 'Mary'

Anonymous said...

Frances, just to add a little taste spike, I would sprinkle a little cinnamin on top before serving. I never eat oatmeal without a little cinnamin sprinkled on.

Phyllis C.