Once the weather starts to cool off, I can’t help but gravitate to more warming foods. And being that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, I’m a big fan of a hearty yet healthy breakfast that keeps you going all morning long and is super healthy.

Whole grains, bursting with fiber and complex carbohydrates, are the perfect way to get off to a good start.  They provide lasting energy and they help you feel full longer vs. say a bagel or muffin. Thinking about losing weight? Whole grains are immensely helpful not to mention that fact that they can help you lower your cholesterol naturally.

Lately, I’ve been creating my own interesting recipes for hot breakfast cereals using a cooked whole grain as the base.

This past weekend I made up a batch of kasha (aka buckwheat) so that I could add some to a soup I was making. Kasha is a very earthy tasting grain, a bit of a strong flavor so I like to mellow it out a bit. As it ends up, I had a lot leftover and in the spirit of using everything up, I got creative. The great news is that I came up with a delicious new morning treat. Check out the recipe:

Kasha Hot Cereal

1 cup cooked kasha or other grain
1/4 cup almond milk (or soy, rice or low-fat milk)
2 tbsp. chopped walnuts
2 tbsp. raisins
1 tbsp. shredded coconut
Agave nectar to sweeten (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together on the stove to heat. Serve and enjoy!

What’s your favorite whole grain and do you ever make it into hot cereal? Share your ideas here.

Filed under: Breakfast, Grains, Healthy Meals, High Quality Food, Recipes, Weight loss