The Clever Girls Collective teamed up with Quaker Oats offering members to sample their Brown Sugar Oatmeal Squares.  Free breakfast , yay! The newsletter read, “Everyone who signs up will be sent a free sample, but the deadline is TONIGHT, April 29, at 8 p.m. PDT or 750 Clevers, whichever comes first.” As you would expect, my reply was a jubilant yes! Several weeks later, the plain white box arrived with two samples of Quaker Oatmeal Squares, oh yummy!

Oatmeal Nutritional Facts

Experts recommend eating at least three one-ounce equivalents of whole grains, or 48 grams daily, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Quaker Oatmeal Squares has 46 grams per serving. Did you know that one serving of Oatmeal Squares contains 1 gram of soluble fiber from oats? Dieticians and medical professionals believe three grams of soluble fiber from oatmeal in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Quaker Oats Fun Facts

In 1877, Quaker Oats registered as the first trademark for a breakfast cereal. Four years later, Henry Parsons Crowell buys the bankrupt Quaker Mill in Ravenna, OH, and the brand name Quaker. Quaker Instant oatmeal was introduced in 1966. Oatmeal Squares launched in 1988. The Quaker Oats Company submits a heart health petition to the FDA 1995 for consideration. Approval was received the following year. In 2007, Quaker celebrated its 130-year anniversary, wow!

Oatmeal Squares Cereal Review

These lovely, delicious little squares of oatmeal goodness are available in three delicious flavors: Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Golden Maple. The brown sugar variety is wholesome and tasty, with the ideal level of sweetness, and a powerful oatmeal flavor. The aroma of oatmeal traveled the moment I opened the box. “I can smell that oatmeal out here,” hubby called from the family room.

These crunchy little pillows are truly bite size. The oatmeal squares are not big and bulky like so many of the fiber rich cereals I have consumed. Moreover, they are the perfect size for younger children. These are a great snack alternative to potato chips or other high fat crunchy snacks.

For me crunchy food presents a big problem these days. Midlife has proved to be a challenge for my teeth. I know you are probably thinking, just add the milk and wait silly woman. Of course, I added milk and intended to allow the cereal soften. Waiting, I began wondering if I would end up with a bowl of cold oatmeal rather than soft oatmeal squares. Much to my surprise and delight, the bite size cereal was soft yet the edges retained an enjoyable mild crunch; not mushy in the least and the perfect crunch level for my old choppers!

I’m sold on the brown sugar Quaker Oatmeal Squares and plan on using the $1.00 coupon provided on the sample boxes to try out the other varieties. Subsequent to experiencing the bold oatmeal aroma in the next room, even hubby is looking forward to a big bowl of Quaker Oatmeal Squares for breakfast.

Quaker on the Web

Thank You to Clever Girls and Quaker for the free breakfast! BTW – All opinions are 100% mine and I was not required to write a review in order to receive the yummy Quaker Cereal samples!

**Hugs**

Kathy

Kathleen

Hey, there I'm Kathleen. My friends call me Kathy; to my kids I'm Momia. Life has afforded me many hats: Mom, wife, sister, friend, business owner... and most recently a midlife blogger. From college to marriage and babies, in the midst of business and wealthy boomers, midlife retrospection validates this extraordinary journey called life.

Website - Twitter - More Posts

You might also enjoy:

1. General Mills Reduces Sugar – $1 Cereal Coupon
2. Breakfast, Baking, & Saving
3. Bisquick Easy Sweet Baking Recipes

What is natural colon cleansing anyway? WebMD states two main colon-cleansing methods. One involves buying products like enemas, laxatives, strong herbal teas,
powders, and antiparasite capsules such as colonetix. The other involves seeing a practitioner to have colon irrigation.

Natural Colon Cleansing
One of the core theories behind colon cleansing stems from an ancient belief, the theory of autointoxication. It was believed that undigested meat and other foods cause mucus buildup in the colon thus producing toxins. These then enter the blood’s circulation, poisoning the body and some claim will result in fatigue, headache, weight gain, and low energy, as the theory asserts.

An example that comes to my mind, which may support the theory, is infant constipation. Constipated babies experience all sorts of side effects from this condition. My oldest would at times have a low-grade fever when constipation occurred. A simple enema provides instant relief. Yet no definite medical proof exists.

Colon Irrigation
The first modern colonic machine was invented about 100 years ago. Today, colonic hygienists or colon therapists perform colon irrigations.

My Aunt had several professional colon cleansings over the years believing it would reduce her risk of colon cancer and help shed a few pounds as well. Some time later, she developed a persistent low-grade fever. Finally, after extensive testing and visiting numerous doctors, an infection in the blood stream was discovered due to a perforated bowel. A simple surgery would supposedly correct the problem. Make a long story short, two surgeries occurred and the removal of a large amount of the colon. She knows the problem began with the colon cleansing but with the surgery complete, had no way of proving it.

Colon Health
The health claims made by both colon cleansing product manufacturers and colon irrigation practitioners are open and largely reaching. Clearing the colon of large quantities of stagnant, supposedly toxic waste encrusted on colon walls is the priority. In doing so they believe, the vitality of the body will be enhanced. My thought is if problems occur, such as constipation or irregular bowel movements, a colon cleansing solution does restore the body’s vitality as with my infant example.

More importantly, I believe what you eat and drink has the greatest impact on colon health, lowering the risk of colon and other cancers as well as enhancing overall health.

Fiber helps with a huge range of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diverticular diseases, and colorectal cancer. Adding sources of both soluble fiber and insoluble fibers will definitely be healthier. Cereals and whole grains are insoluble fibers and bran, fruit, vegetables, and oatmeal are soluble.

My mother prepared home made fresh meals, lean meats, and pushed lots of fruit and veggies. In fact, as kids she would tell us to eat a salad or some fruit and even leftover  dinner for a snack. Are you hungry, eat real food Mom would say. Rarely did she buy junk food except the occasional bag of chips or pretzels. As for ready made meals, I don’t think I ever witnessed one in her kitchen. Ever. Never did I see a jar of sauce or a frozen dinner in my grandmas kitchen, that is for sure!  I continued eating as I was taught as a  child and did the same as a mother. Of course I did throw in a prepared meal or two but for the most part followed my mothers example.  Neither my mother, grandma, or myself had weight or colon problems.

Drink plenty of water. A senior Christian woman once told me water is the gift of life and I believe that to be true. My Grandma always served water and red wine with dinner. She believed “the pipes” as she called them, needed frequent cleansing. How many times has the medical community dispelled grandma only to later reverse their decisions? Does chicken soup ring a bell?

The medical professionals recommend being screened for colon cancer beginning at age 50, or earlier if a doctor advises. What can possibly be better for us than healthy food and documented medical advice?

Related articles

• Dietary-Caused Illnesses with High Prevalence
• Lemon, Health Benefit and The Best Homemade Lemonade

Kathleen

Hey, there I'm Kathleen. My friends call me Kathy; to my kids I'm Momia. Life has afforded me many hats: Mom, wife, sister, friend, business owner... and most recently a midlife blogger. From college to marriage and babies, in the midst of business and wealthy boomers, midlife retrospection validates this extraordinary journey called life.

Website - Twitter - More Posts

You might also enjoy:

1. Funny Friday – Unreleased Crap Oh No
2. Cleansing and Weight Loss, oh sure
3. Suddenly Allergic: What Causes Allergies Later in Life?

Calcium is a mineral responsible, in part, for keeping bones and teeth healthy and strong. Did you know that some calcium is also needed to keep your muscles and nerves working well, and to have normal blood clotting? It is vital to eat good food sources of calcium daily.

According to Discovery Health, the top ten food varieties women should include in their diet include:

1. Calcium rich foods – low-fat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables (kale, broccoli, collard greens), calcium-fortified soy products and tofu, calcium-fortified juices and calcium-fortified grains
2. Iron – garbanzo beans, lean beef, Swiss chard, tofu and dried apricots
3. Fruit high in Vitamin C – citrus fruits, strawberries, green and red peppers, collard and mustard greens, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, kiwi, guava and parsley
4. Green Leafy veggies – everything from kale to bok choy to darker lettuces
5. Nuts – full of mono-unsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels, and poly-unsaturated fats, which can help prevent heart disease
6. Water - water is important for all metabolic processes in the body. I heard water labeled as “the gift of life”
7. Cranberries and Cranberry Juice -
8. Folate Rich Foods – asparagus, oranges, fortified cereals and beans
9. Whole Grains – brown rice, bran flakes, whole-grain breads, barley and quinoa
10. Soy Protein – tofu and soy milk to soy nut butter and cereal

The Miracle Mineral

As you can see, calcium is the number one food variety women should consume. In fact, it has been said that calcium is the “Miracle Mineral” due to new evidence pointing to the elevated role of calcium in preventing disease. These evidence more than suggests calcium has an enormous potential to promote weight loss, relieve depression and anxiety associated with premenstrual syndrome, control high blood pressure, as well as warding off strokes.

Calcium as presented by the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, by General Mills, is a key component of bones, helping to form and maintain their strong structure. Receiving adequate calcium and vitamin D helps to build and maintain bone mass through bone-building nutrients and by influencing absorption and retention of these nutrients. Bell Institute is comprised of doctorate-and master-level scientists and registered dietitians.

The calcium facts were derived from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The 2004 Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and Osteoporosis, and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Speaking of General Mills, did you know…

One container of Yoplait Yogurt can provide 50% of the suggested “Miracle Mineral” daily requirement.

One bowl of Fiber One cereal with skin milk provides 57% of daily fiber recommendation plus 25% of the calcium.

Did you know General Mills offers a variety of frozen, organic fruit via Cascadian Farm brand? In addition, tomato sauces, soups, condiments and all types of tomato products through their Muir Glen brand.

Yogurt , greens, whole grains, tomatoes, and fruits with various General Mills brand labels are staples in my kitchen, figures. Milk is something I never really enjoyed other than with cereal. To counter that, mom always had yogurt in the fridge. The yogurt habit continues today. I eat lots of Yoplait and definitely get enough calcium alleviating the need for calcium supplements. I must admit it was not a surprise to learn the benefits of calcium nor that it was labeled the “Miracle Mineral.” It seems that mom and grandma had the facts right even though science was still lacking at the time.

As for General Mills, providing food high in the top ten food types for women, it is no wonder they are my favorite brand! So, what foods or brands bump up your calcium level?

Kathleen

Hey, there I'm Kathleen. My friends call me Kathy; to my kids I'm Momia. Life has afforded me many hats: Mom, wife, sister, friend, business owner... and most recently a midlife blogger. From college to marriage and babies, in the midst of business and wealthy boomers, midlife retrospection validates this extraordinary journey called life.

Website - Twitter - More Posts

You might also enjoy:

1. Pink Together | National Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Giveaway
2. Whole Grain Awareness Challenge – GM Cereal Giveaway
3. General Mills Reduces Sugar – $1 Cereal Coupon