I've got to admit that I'm a little bit of an oatmeal fiend. Which is a little strange considering that my mom is anything but. However, I will say that she has almost always enjoyed any oatmeal that I've made for her. It's just that it isn't something that she would generally make for herself. So, when I was growing up, it was all about Malt-O-Meal and instant oatmeal packets on the weekends.

Yes, we all know those instant oatmeal packets that you can buy pre-made at the store. I think that most of us grew up on them. As with anything though, things have changed a lot over the years, including what's in those instant oatmeal packets.

Then again, I'm pretty sure that I can recall eating some of those packets that 'magically' changed colors or had mini dinosaur eggs in them that dinosaurs 'hatched' out of or something... I'm sure that those were super healthy. Hah!

Those instant packs are usually crammed full of sugars, salts, and other additives and preservatives that tend to take the healthy aspect out of a very good-for-you food such as oats. A typical flavored instant oatmeal packet will have about 3-4 teaspoons of sugar in it. Yikes!

I think that's more sugar than I usually consume in an entire day. A sugar crash is certainly not something that I'm eager or even willing to start my day off with.

Did you know that those instant oatmeal packets are actually super easy and way cheaper to make yourself? Yep. True story. They also taste a million times better than what you'll buy pre-packaged, if for no other reason than you have completely and utter control of what's going in there; which means there's nothing in there that you don't like!

Plus, as an added bonus, I've loaded these up with other healthy things such as flax seeds, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Oats are one of the most healthy grains that you can choose to eat, so let's try to keep them that way!

The oats, flax, and chia will all help keep you full and satisfied all through your morning.

Trust me. This is a bowl full that can power you on.

Healthy & Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
TheSkinnyFork.com

The Skinny:
Optional add-ins are not accounted for in the nutritional counts below.
Servings: 1 • Size: 1 'Packet' • Calories: 145.8 • Fat: 4.3 g • Carb: 25.2 g • Fiber: 5.1 g • Protein: 5.8 g • Sugar: 2.2 g • Sodium: 15.8 mg

Ingredients:
1/3 C. Plain Quick Oatmeal
2 Tsp. Ground Flax Seeds
2 Tsp. Powdered Reduced Fat Milk
1 Tsp. Chia Seeds
1 Tsp. Sweetener (Such as Truvia or Stevia.)
1/8 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
Pinch of Salt

2 Tbsp. Add-Ins (Optional):
Freeze Dried Fruit, Dehydrated Fruit, Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Sprinkles, Etc.

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together in a sealable container or small 'snack' baggy.

Feel free to label them if you add any add-ins so that you know what's inside.

When ready to use, simply place the oatmeal in a bowl and add in 2/3 c. boiling hot water.

I actually use hot water straight from my Keurig.

Allow to sit for a couple of minutes until the oats have soaked up most of the water.

Add any little additional toppings or milk and enjoy!