Finding the perfect breakfast food that will help wake you up and keep you full until lunch can be incredibly challenging. Plus, it can be hard to find something that you won’t get bored of after a few weeks. Though smoothies can often fill this purpose, chilly mornings call for something a little more warming to tempt you out of bed and help motivate you to take on the day. A famous, popular, totally customizable, but often forgotten breakfast may be the answer for all of your winter morning needs. Read on to find out why oatmeal is the ultimate breakfast food.
Oatmeal is quick
If you’re anything like me, you like to streamline your morning as much as possible and have each step of your morning routine mapped out. Unfortunately for many people, this tight schedule doesn’t leave time to prepare a heart-healthy breakfast. Thankfully, oatmeal can be cooked ahead of time in the crockpot or with an overnight oats recipe and stored in the fridge until you need it. Divide it into individual portions, heat it up, add your favorite toppings, and you’re good to go!
High in fiber
The modern America diet cuts out a lot of important nutrients, including fiber. Oatmeal is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help regulate healthy bowel movements, ward off constipation, and improve intestinal health. Plus, soluble fiber is especially important in helping lower cholesterol and stabilize blood glucose levels. Even 1 cup of cooked oatmeal contains a whopping 4 grams of fiber; however, you can up your intake even more by sprinkling some nuts and seeds and healthy fruits on top of your oats.
Gluten-free
Oats are naturally gluten-free, which makes them an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivity or people looking to cut gluten out of their diet. If you do have an allergy, be sure to purchase certified gluten-free oats as some of them are processed in factories that also process wheat.
High in antioxidants
A specific type of antioxidant known as avenanthramides are found in oatmeal. These antioxidants have potent anti-inflammatory benefits and could help eliminate free radicals from the body. Antioxidants are excellent for protecting against heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
Make it personal
One of the great things about oatmeal is that it is a blank canvas that can be turned into a masterpiece. Don’t love sweet breakfast foods? No problem. Make your oatmeal savory with some poached eggs, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. Turn it into a healthy granola bar for road trips or make your own trail mix. The possibilities are endless.
Adding more filling foods to your diet is a great way to curtail your appetite and help you eat fewer calories. The beta-glucan in oatmeal could help increase your feelings of fullness and delay the time it takes your stomach to empty of food.
How to enjoy oatmeal
Be sure to only eat regular oats and avoid packaged, flavored mixes. Hold the brown sugar and unhealthy toppings and stick to these yummy additions to enhance the flavor and increase the benefits of your oatmeal.
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Fresh Fruit:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Bananas
- Chia seeds
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Apricots
- Cranberries
- Raisins
- Cherries
- Stevia
- Almond butter
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dried cherries
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Almond milk
- Half n half
- Nutmeg
Easy overnight oats recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled old fashioned oats
- ½ cup milk of choice (almond or coconut work well)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 Tbsp sweetener of choice honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a large container with a lid. Stir well to combine. Though you may see overnight oats displayed in a mason jar, this isn’t the easiest container to mix your ingredients in. Stick to a Tupperware or bowl that you can cover with plastic wrap.
- Cover container and place in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight.
- Uncover and stir in your favorite toppings. Eat it cold or heat up and stir in a little more milk to help achieve the desired consistency.
What do you love about oatmeal? Do you agree that it is the #1 breakfast food? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson