3 extremely healthy power meals for Sehri

As you prep for a long day of fasting at Sehri, do not forget to incorporate these extremely healthy and nutritious power meals in your diet to unlock maximum health benefits and retain your optimum energy level without feeling drowsy or lethargic all day. 

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats

• 2/3 cup apple juice concentrate

• 1 1/3 cups water

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)

Method:

1. Combine oats, apple juice concentrate, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook 3 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in raisins or currants, if using.

4. Let stand 3 minutes before serving.

Quinoa Pilaf 

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow or red onion, chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 1/2 cup chopped carrot

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 cups dry quinoa, washed and dried

• 3 cups boiling water or vegetable broth (add 1 teaspoon salt if using water or unsalted broth)

Method:

1. Sauté onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until they start to caramelize or turn brown.

2. Add cumin, oregano, and quinoa.

3. Stir constantly and cook for about 3 more minutes to allow spices and quinoa to toast.

4. Add boiling salted water or vegetable broth.

5. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until all the liquid has completely absorbed and the quinoa has ‘bloomed.’

6. Do not stir during cooking and make sure the lid is tight to prevent moisture from escaping.

7. Remove from heat and allow quinoa to sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

8. Add cilantro or parsley, if using.

9. Fluff with a fork and serve.

10. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator, leftover Quinoa Pilaf will last for up to 3 days. 

Oatmeal Waffles/Pancake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 2 cups water

• 1 banana

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• vegetable oil spray

• 1 fresh fruit or spreadable fruit like banana

Method:

1. Preheat waffle iron to medium-high.

2. Combine oats, water, banana, salt and vanilla in a blender.

3. Blend on high speed until completely smooth.

4. The batter should be pourable. If it becomes too thick as it stands, add a bit more water to achieve desired consistency.

5. Lightly spray the waffle iron with vegetable oil.

6. Pour in enough batter to reach edges and cook until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes without lifting the lid.

7. Serve with fresh fruit or spreadable fruit.