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No More Boring Oatmeal!

20 Ways to Turn Ordinary Oats into Something Special

-- By Bryn Mooth, SparkPeople Contributor
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It’s 10 a.m., and your stomach starts that familiar growl, so you’re tempted to grab a snack. Trouble is, those hunger pangs tend to come at a time when you’re busy, so you’re likely to absentmindedly reach for something quick, which often translates to something high in sugar and calories.

The key to keeping those mid-morning growls at bay is to start the day with a smart breakfast, one that will sustain you until lunchtime. Many breakfast cereals, especially those that are sweetened or made with puffed grains like rice or corn, simply aren’t filling enough to get you through the first half of your day.

And if you skip breakfast? Forget it. You’ll be running on fumes way before lunchtime. Not only that, but you’ll miss out on a key source of fiber and vitamins that are commonly found in breakfast foods. According to the International Food Information Council, eating breakfast may boost alertness and concentration, and help reduce cholesterol. The IFIC also notes that eating whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk to start the day can help regulate insulin and digestion.

Want to maximize the benefits of that morning meal? Then think oatmeal. Here’s the deal: Oats have plenty of fiber (about 4 grams in each 1/2 cup uncooked serving) plus about 6 grams of protein. Not only will oatmeal help you feel fuller longer, but it has heart-health benefits as well. According to the Mayo Clinic, 3 grams of soluble fiber per day, the amount found in one bowl of oatmeal, can reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream. (Click here to learn about the differences between soluble and insoluble fiber and how much total fiber you need.) Continued ›
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About The Author

Bryn Mooth Bryn Mooth
Bryn Mooth is an independent copywriter and journalist focused on food, wellness and design; she's also a Master Gardener and enthusiastic green thumb. She shares seasonal recipes, kitchen techniques, healthy eating tips and food wisdom on her blog writes4food.com.

Member Comments

  • I tried oatmeal but I just can't handle it. - 5/12/2013 7:35:20 PM
  • DASYSMITH1

    people must include oatmeal in their diet as its very nutritious food having calcium, oatmeal has a lots of benifits having it in morning breakfast maintains your whole day energy, it also good for childrens as it keeps stomach warm, preventing them from cold. One more benifit is it has lower cholesterol, a lot of protien. Eating oatmeal on daily basis improves your skin tone and strength to fight many diseases. Got an excellent source of information you can get more here:

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  • PLUMBACH
    I eat oatmeal every day. We call it porridge here in the UK. The easiest way to make it is in the microwave. It means you can still use the unprocessed variety but it doesn't take as long and you don't have the saucepan to deal with! I use half a cup of oats per person to 3 cups of milk and water (in any ratio you like). Make sure you put everything in a big enough container. Microwave on full power until it comes to the boil. That's about 2 minutes for one portion. Then leave it to stand while you go and have a shower, walk the dog, etc. Microwave again to heat and its ready. It takes some experimenting until you get the timings right because it can easily spill over the dish. People also prefer different consistencies. But once you have worked it out its so easy and quick. - 2/3/2013 2:53:18 AM
  • Good article. I always forget about oatmeal. Thanks for the slow cooker recipe - I'm going to try it tonight. Much better than the sugary, expensive packets. - 1/16/2013 10:10:33 PM
  • I love savoury oatmeals! I used to add an egg, a pinch of salt, pepper and some herbs(if I have them) to my rolled oats for breakfast or lunch. But if you're a vegetarian or you prefer soy protein, add slightly mashed tofu (the silky soft type) instead of an egg. You can sneak in some leafy greens (eg. spinach) as well. I know this sounds a little weird, but if sweet oatmeal isn't your thing, this is worth trying. - 12/18/2012 10:17:02 PM
  • I like my oatmeal soaked overnight in yogurt and I add fruit the next morning. I do not like the smell of cooked oats. - 11/10/2012 12:53:35 PM
  • ASHPATCH11
    Wow made this last night and i hate oatmeal (only ever had box packets fully of crap) This was amazing I love it! Going to be making it a LOT apples smelled soooo good! I made it on high for 4 hours turned out amazing! - 9/11/2012 8:58:42 AM
  • Raisins and maple syrup is the bomb. - 8/24/2012 3:49:40 PM
  • That's amazing. I'll be sure to copy these down so I can try them by tomorrow. Excited already. - 6/14/2012 3:41:23 AM
  • CHRISSPALDING
    I live in Australia and have never heard of steel cut oats. Do they have another name or can i assume they are the same as unprocessed oats. I really enjoy reading everyone's comments. - 6/6/2012 5:18:29 AM
  • Didn't realize there were so many ways to cook the humble steel cut oat! - 5/28/2012 11:36:10 PM
  • 3SISPJD
    I discovered steel cut oats many years ago when I joined our local food co-op & I much prefer their chewier texture. To get around the longer cooking time requirements, I recently figured out on my own that I could cook up 2-3 servings in the evening, refrigerate in separate containers, ready to pop in the microwave or to reheat stovetop in the AM. This really works out for me because I work nights; 7PM - 7AM & am usually really tired by the time I get home. I love a small amt chopped Medjool dates + some walnuts or almonds, but I also use many of the various add-ins mentioned. - 5/21/2012 12:42:22 AM
  • I sweeten my old fashioned oats with 1/2 packet of Stevia, and I also add 1/4 tsp of "No Salt" (potassium) along with Cary's Maple Syrup (no sugar, but artificially sweetened with aspartame unfortunately). It's nice and sweet along with a great maple taste. Yum. - 5/17/2012 1:16:52 PM
  • SHARONSOWN
    I like my oatmeal with apple juice rather than milk, and a thawed mixed fruit serving of formerly frozen pineapple, mango, and strawberry. - 5/4/2012 7:19:43 PM
  • LLAMBERT7
    I do the same - cook old fashioned oatmeal in the microwave for 2:30 and it's done. I add 1 teaspoon real maple syrup, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, cinnamon, 4 strawberries or 1/2 cup mango, and a 1/2 cup milk. The add-ins are 189 calories plus the 150 from the oatmeal. That way, I have a little natural sweetness, ground flaxseed for the cholesterol, fruit and dairy. - 5/1/2012 12:20:39 PM