Diane Ladd's ADD to Life CoachingFinding Focus and Fun

Ingredients:

• 1 c. water
• ½ c. rolled oats
• 1 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
• ¼ c. liquid egg whites
• dash of salt (optional)
• ½ c. applesauce
• cinnamon to taste
• 2 tsp. brown sugar or sugar substitute
• Fresh sliced fruit, chopped nuts, low-fat milk (optional toppings)

Stove top directions:

1. Pour the water, oats, and salt into a medium-size pot on the stovetop.
2. Heat the mixture until it boils, then turn the heat to low.
3. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the applesauce and cinnamon.
4. Cook on low heat and continue to stir the mixture for 3 minutes.
5. Stir in liquid egg whites and continue to stir for 2 minutes.
6. Pour the oatmeal into a bowl and sprinkle the brown sugar or sugar substitute on top.
7. Top with fresh fruit, nuts and milk if desired

Serves: 1

Nutritional analysis (per serving):

460 calories, 22 g protein, 8 g fat, 76 g carbohydrate, 11 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 302 mg sodium, 64 mg calcium, 4.3 mg iron

Note: Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.

This post was inspired by a reader, Mom of 5. She cooks for her family on a Sunday afternoon to plan ahead for busy, baseball weeknights. I love it!

My ADD brain took this idea and ran with it. What about holding weekly, Sunday afternoon, cooking lessons for our kids? They can help choose the menu, make a shopping list and help with the shopping. The actual cooking will be supervised by Mom and Dad,  but the prep work, cooking and clean up can all be done by the kids.

These sessions can also be an opportunity to talk about the importance of nutrition and how individuals with ADD should focus on getting enough protien, complex carbs and lots of fruits and vegetables.