A fresh start means fresh ideas and fresh foods.  I’ve been eating healthier with all my meals and breakfast is no exception.  I know most of us buy the instant oatmeal but try making it from scratch next time!  I promise it will taste great and it’s much better for you because it will not have all that sugar.

This is a very good and healthy breakfast which I am trying implement more and more with my all the family but specifically my toddler. Oatmeal is a good source of fiber and is excellent for the heart! There are gazillions of oatmeal variations out there but today I bring you some simple old fashion Banana Nut Oatmeal!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 c fat-free milk
• 3 TBLS firmly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 c Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
• 2 medium-size ripe bananas, mashed (about 1c)
• Pecan pieces (optional)
• Dash of Honey:) (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

In saucepan, bring milk, brown sugar, and spices to a gentle boil; stir in your oats. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook 1 minute for quick oats, 5 minutes for old fashioned oats, or until most of liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Remove oatmeal from heat. Stir in mashed bananas and pecans and a dash of honey.

NOTE: The bananas, honey and pecans can be completely optional!! If you just want plain but tasty oatmeal, the cinnamon and nutmeg are quite wonderful.

ENJOY:)

How would you make your oatmeal? Nutrition is so important but don’t forget to get moving!!

Disclosure: I am an official Walmart Mom. Follow me and my fellow Walmart Moms as we share our ideas and tips for a healthier you! Walmart has provided me with compensation and gift card in return for my time & efforts to create this post. My participation in this program is voluntary and my opinions are my own, always have been, always will be.

Yes, I realize these Banana Popsicles are more of a summer treat but sometimes you just crave something that is cold!  These are super easy to make and just plain good.  It’s one of the few ways my oldest will eat a banana.  Hey, it’s better than eating no banana right?  I just grabbed my bananas from the big ol’ section that Walmart has and uses them in this and some banana pudding!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 or 4 bananas, peeled and halved.
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 (6-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate  chips
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

Insert wood sticks into each banana.  This is optional and I chose not to do it but you may find it easier.  Brush bananas with orange juice.  Place on wax paper-lined cookie sheet, and freeze until firm.

Melt chocolate chips and butter in microwave or stove; stir to blend.  Cool slightly, then spoon over frozen bananas.  Immediately roll in chopped nuts.  Keep in freezer until serving time.