Start your day with a warm comforting bowl of oatmeal. Named one of the best foods for heart health, oats are low in calories and glycemic index, and high in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium. They are a good source of fiber, (great for satiety and digestion), and regular oatmeal consumption has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
To optimize the nutrition of your oatmeal meal, skip the instant oatmeal packets that are significantly processed and often loaded with sugar. Instead choose steel cut or old fashioned (rolled) oats. They take longer to cook but the difference in nutrition, texture and flavor is well worth it.
When preparing, omit the butter, whole milk or cream and sugar that adds fat, calories and masks instead of enhances the lovely nutty flavor of the oats. Instead use fat free milk, spices and fresh or dried fruit to flavor, sweeten and add creaminess.
My go to preparation is old fashioned oats cooked with a bit of Himalayan salt in water, then finished with skim milk, cinnamon, a light grating of nutmeg and chopped fresh apple or dried cranberries. (If time allows, a few toasted pecans or walnuts go on top for crunch and a bit of fat). What’s your favorite oatmeal preparation?
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