Oatmeal provides dietary fiber that helps to reduce cholesterol. Making your own oatmeal with rolled oats takes just a few minutes and lets you avoid the instant versions, which can be full of artificial flavorings, preservatives, and refined sugar.

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ medium banana, mashed
• 2 tsp honey
• ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp raw chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the oats and reduce the heat so the oatmeal comes to a simmer. Stir occasionally while it cooks for three minutes.
2. Stir in the banana and honey. Cook for two more minutes or until the oats are tender and thickened. Remove from the heat, and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon.
3. Mix in the walnuts before serving, or serve them sprinkled over the top.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.