Elvis Oatmeal

Okay, I'm preparing you now... this bowl is CARBO-LOADED (so should probably be paired with something like cheesy eggs/Greek yogurt/etc), but was made because I wanted something a little different. Variety is the spice of life, right? Since Elvis was known for his peanut butter and banana sandwiches, I decided to call this particular combo "Elvis Oatmeal." While I wouldn't have this every morning, it is a good breakfast for every once and a while... especially when you have a sweet tooth or craving for some peanut butter going on.

ELVIS OATMEAL

Servings: 1

Nutritional Information:

WW Points Plus: 7+

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Oatmeal
• 1/4 cup Almond Milk (can also use regular or omit)
• 1 TBSP Peanut Butter (I used omega 3... hence the high monounsaturated fat content)
• 1 small banana, chopped
• Optional: dash of cinnamon

Directions:

1. Cook oatmeal according to package instructions (using water).
2. Add milk if desired to create a creamier consistency.
3. Stir in 1 TBSP of peanut butter.
4. Top with banana slices and if you would like, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top.
5. That's it... you're ready to ROCK 'N ROLL!

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

I know pumpkin is most commonly used in the fall, but who's to say you can't enjoy it during the other three seasons? It offers a ton of vitamin A (beta-carotene) and tastes fantastic when paired with the right spices. Again, in my attempt to diversify my breakfast ideas, I present another option for eating oatmeal (which has a bit more protein than cereal). Hello, yummy!

PUMPKIN SPICE OATMEAL

Servings: 1

Nutritional Information:

WW Points Plus: 4+ for pumpkin oatmeal only, 7+ with 2 TBSP of walnuts added (included in values below)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Instant Oatmeal
• 1/2 cup Pumpkin
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
• To taste: Pumpkin Pie Spice (or cinnamon), Stevia sweetener (I used 2 packets)
• Optional: whipped cream topping, 2 TBSP walnuts

Directions:

1. Cook oatmeal according to instructions (using water).
2. Add 1/4 cup almond milk (or regular milk) to moisten the oatmeal.
3. Stir in 1/2 cup of pumpkin and add spices to taste.
4. Top with whipped cream and walnuts, stirring them into the oatmeal if you'd like.
5. Enjoy!

Cheese Omelet & PB Toast

Simple recipe and meal, I know. But I just couldn't resist... you see, yesterday morning I set out to try and make Eggs Benedict... you know, in honor of the Pope's resignation. But then I realized I didn't actually know how to make them, so I made a cheese omelette instead (much easier). Of course, seeing as breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, I also paired it with some PB toast and Greek yogurt. Just another idea if you find yourself in a rut I suppose... Enjoy!

CHEESE OMELETTE & PB TOAST

Servings: 1

Nutritional Information:

WW Points Plus: 6+

Ingredients: (in case you were overly curious as to what I used)

• 1 large EB egg
• 3 TBSP Egg substitute
• 1/3 c WW Mexican blend cheese
• 1 slice Healthy Life white bread
• 1/2 tbsp JIF Peanut Butter 

Directions: I highly doubt these are necessary...

Avocado Pasta

This dish makes me think of the FRIENDS episode where Rachel attempts to make a trifle, but accidentally looks at the recipe above the right one and ends up creating a jelly/meat/dessert dish. While everyone else in the room realizes how disgusting it is, Joey continues to eat it, listing all the ingredients in the dish as separate foods saying that they are all good (the clip may be found here: Rachel's Dessert). May I present my evaluation of this dish...

"Guacamole? Goooood. Pasta? Goooood. Slivered almonds on top? Goooood. Whole dish together? Surprisingly goooood."

AVOCADO PASTA

Servings: 3-4

Nutritional Information:

WW Points Plus: 13+ for pasta, add 2+ for 2 TBSP of slivered almonds on top (they're worth it for the extra crunchiness)

Side note: To make this dish worth fewer WW Points+, see below. Also, you may choose to use only one avocado and not top with nuts.

REVISED NUTRITION (for 4 total servings): using 1 TBSP olive oil, 2 small avocados, 2 TBSP lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp garlic salt / Calories: 157, Fat: 15, Sat Fat: 2, Polyunsat Fat: 1, Monounsat Fat: 7.5, Trans: 0, Chol: 0, Sodium: 63mg, Potassium: 385mg, Sugar: 0g, VitA: 0%, VitC: 15%, Calcium: 0%, Iron: 5% / 4+ for sauce (with 1 cup pasta, total dish is only 9+)

Ingredients:

• 3 servings of pasta (Barilla Plus penne)
•  2 ripe avocados, seed and skin removed
• 1½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
•  ¼ tsp salt
•  2 tbsp lemon juice
• Grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp nuts (slivered almonds)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, add 1 tbsp olive oil, avocado, garlic, salt, and lemon juice to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are smooth and creamy.
3. Next wash and cut the tomatoes into small cubes, combine them with ½ tbsp olive oil and warm on low-medium heat.
4. Strain the pasta and combine with the sauce in a large bowl, until all the pasta has been covered.
5. Cover pasta with the tomatoes and sprinkle with parmesan cheese/slivered almonds.
6. Enjoy!