Zucchini Bread Oatmeal

What you eat plays a very important role in your fit life. I can't stress how important it is to choose foods that complement, rather than destroy, your efforts at the gym. I myself am continuously riding that learning curve, and I check a number of food blogs daily in search of new and exciting recipes that won't break my calorie bank. While I won't ever claim to be a food blogger—and never a nutritionist or dietitian—I will share a recipe or two on occasion that I think is exceptionally delish. Starting with Zucchini Bread Oatmeal.

 
For the life of me, I can't remember which food blog I pulled this recipe from. I wish more than anything I could give credit because credit is due. This recipe is really great! Especially if you love zucchini bread, and extra-especially if you love eating oatmeal for breakfast. Though I haven't been eating much of it lately because the weather is warm, I've found oatmeal to be a great source of good carbs on gym days. One bowl of it usually fills me up for a while, and also provides a serious amount of energy that keeps me going all morning. Mouth watering yet? Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
2/3 c. water or milk ( I used almond milk.)
1/2 c. uncooked old-fashioned oatmeal
1/4 medium zucchini, grated
1 tbsp. chopped pecans
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
1 tbsp. nut butter (I used almond butter.)
1 tsp. light brown sugar (This is optional.)

Instructions:
Bring the water or milk to a boil in a saucepan, then add the oats. Stir until liquid reduces and oats thicken, then add zucchini, nuts, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir again, then let the concoction simmer for a minute or two. If it gets too dry, add a dash more water or milk. (I tend to like my oatmeal on the wet side of the spectrum.) Remove from heat and scoop into a bowl. Stir in the nut butter and brown sugar. (I forgot the brown sugar the first time I made this, but the end result was still quite tasty.)