oatmeal

Posts: 543
1/6/13 11:55 A

Obviously to some extent steel cut oats and rolled oats (and to a lesser extent quick & instant) oats are interchangeable -- as are oat groats. And so if you're just interest in the 'numbers' -- calories, carbs, protein, vitamins & minerals -- then it doesn't matter what you pick.

And, yeah, Quaker's 'steel cut oats' are a rip-off (in terms of price), but you can them in stores with bulk sections and the like for much less. And no, they're not just a marketing thing.

But if you like cooking or varying what you eat, they're a handy option. They aren't mushy like rolled oats *can be* and they make a very creamy porridge, if that's what you're after. They can have a slightl nutty flavor; I like this especially in making a pudding -- steel cut oats substitute one-to-one with rice in 'rice pudding.' You can put them in the slow cooker overnight, so you have a set-it-and-forget-it breakfast. Or if you want them uncooked, put them in a bowl with a little water, milk, or juice, cover, and put in the fridge over night, and in the morning you have something chewy, tasty, and filling for breakfast.

If I'm just looking for a snack, though, I just put an ounce of rolled oats in a bowl with cinnamon and berries, and add about a quarter cup of soy milk, and let it all sit a few minutes. Maybe a sprinkle of sweetener, or a splash of maple syrup.

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Posts: 14
1/6/13 9:26 A

I enjoy the taste and texture of the steel cut, but I have never found them to keep me full for one minute longer than my regular rolled oats. They are not worth the extra cost, in both money and time, to me.

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1/5/13 9:43 P

I ate the rolled oats for a while. My trainer changed my meal plan to steel cut oats. Now I actually prefer them over the quick rolled oats;. I feel fuller longer. I cook enough steel oats to last the week. They reheat just fine in the microwave.

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1/4/13 8:56 A

I will need to try steel cut oats just to compare, but am pretty happy to see that quick oats look to be as healthy as I thought.

By the way, i saw online that this is "National Oatmeal Month", so enjoy a bowl with me!

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1/4/13 8:02 A

I use the quick cook kind and love them. I add some raisins to add flavor.

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1/4/13 12:57 A

I like the texture of steel cut oats better. I think the finished product tastes chewier and nuttier so is psychologically (for me) more satisfying. I will dice an apple and add a tablespoon of peanut butter to my serving for a hearty breakfast on a cold morning before walking the dog!

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1/4/13 12:17 A

I saw all the responses, and the only thing that I think that is different is texture. I prefer the texture of steel cut oats to rolled oats.

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1/3/13 8:52 P

Oatmeal (not instant) is a great for any meal. A 1/2 cup serving is super filling and low on calories, helps get in the fiber too. Throw in some skim milk and peanut butter to up the protein or throw in a banana and a handful of berries. It's so good!
When I eat oatmeal for breakfast the hunger stays away much longer.

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1/3/13 8:30 P

I like to put a serving of peanut butter in my oatmeal to get some protien.

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1/3/13 2:33 P

I have never seen oatmeal referred to as a "last resort"!

Thanks all for your insight, and thanks Dietician Becky for your advice. I'm thinking my "quick oats" oatmeal with fresh blueberries breakfast bowl is an OK choice!

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1/3/13 2:28 P

I disagree that oats are a "last resort" breakfast.

Whatever form: steel cut, regular, quick cooking or instant...they are a great foundation for breakfast. Whole grain, vitamins, minerals and fiber! Add-ins can be yogurt, nuts, fruit, lowfat milk, (a little sweetner of choice). A Great Choice for breakfast.

Dietitian Becky

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1/3/13 1:46 P

There's not a ton of nutritional value in oatmeal, but the steel cut oats at least digest quicker and are lower on the glycemic index (as someone else pointed out). It's a quick and easy breakfast, but every fitness/diet person I've ever consulted has told me that it should be a "last resort" breakfast and not the chosen one on a daily basis.

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1/3/13 12:00 P

That's kind of what I'm wondering- is the term "steel cut oats" more marketing than substance in terms of health benefits? Seems that way- if nutritionally they are the same thing, and there is only a marginal glycemic index difference, then it seems like I'm not missing that much by having quick cook oats.......

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1/2/13 9:12 P

Sounds like someone wanted to make oatmeal "cooler" so they came up with the steel-cut oats story.

Me, I love it with frozen fruit (like peaches) and a 1/2 tbsp of brown sugar. Microwave for 2 minutes (1/3 cup oats, 2/3 cup water) and enjoy. stick to the ribs goodness!

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1/2/13 3:01 P

Once again, nutritionally---they are the same. All that is done is cutting and rolling the oat. Nothing is removed.
Dietitian Becky

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1/2/13 2:02 P

I looked at the comparison of quick cook oats (not instant!) and steel-cut oats, and as far as nutritional quality goes, I didn't see much of a difference. I've heard the "glycemic index" point before, but didn't easily locate the scores to compare the 2.

Interesting- I should try them, i guess, and see how long they actually take to make......

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1/2/13 1:52 P

More nutrition in a steel cut oat and they will "stick with you" much longer. I cook my oats on Sunday for the entire work week, keep them in individual containers, and reheat them each morning. They taste just fine and are so much easier than cooking and cleaning every morning.

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1/2/13 1:48 P

Steel cut are lower on the glycemic index and digest slower.

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1/2/13 1:40 P

I cook up a batch of steel cut ( 4 or 5 servings) at a time, then refrigerate or freeze it in serving portions so it can just be heated in the microwave.

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1/2/13 12:45 P

Thanks- so i am not missing out on too much by skipping the "steel-cut" oats for the more convenient (for me) quick cook ones?

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1/2/13 12:40 P

It is basic chemistry. Flatten an oat and cut it into small pieces (instant oats) This increases the surface area...thus they cook faster. Nutritionally...they are still oats, smae nutrients, same fiber, same calories/gram.

If you just flatten the oat you get rolled.

Dietitian Becky

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1/2/13 12:29 P

My new favorite breakfast food is oatmeal. It looks like "quick cook" plain rolled oats are relatively nutritious, and are easy to make. I avoid instant oatmeal.

I have repeatedly seen references to steel-cut oats as being better. The preparation instructions I have seen make it sound like it takes a while to make (20+ minutes), as opposed to quick oats (5-8 minutes stove-top, 2 minutes microwaved). The nutritional values look comparable.

What is it about steel-cut oats as to why they are getting so much attention? Am i sacrificing much by making quick cook rolled oats for my oatmeal of choice, and not adding anything but a few blueberies and a bit of milk?