Oatmeal is perhaps one of the healthiest foods we can eat. It helps us feel satisfied longer, keeps glucose (blood-sugar) levels in check and lower bad cholesterol. It is high in fiber and low in fat. It's inexpensive and can be prepared in a variety of ways. No wonder oatmeal has been categorized into the "power foods" group.
But let's be honest. Oatmeal can get a bit boring if we don't know how to dazzle it up. Here are some recipes to allow us to get all of those wonderful benefits listed above, yet avoid BOS, Boring Oatmeal Syndrome, a devastating condition where one loses all desire for oatmeal. We are going to solve that problem now by adding some variety and excitement. (You can tell your friends you're sowing your wild oats.)
Make sure you eat a protein with your oatmeal everyday. You can choose from items such as eggs, nuts, meat, or protein powder.
Choose old fashioned or steel cut oats over the quick cooking kind for the most health benefit. Try not to use the little packets. And, by all means, avoid the high-sugar/ flavored packets. Those just defeat the purpose!
All recipes are based on 1/2 cup uncooked oats plus 1 cup water, except where indicated. The typical "oatmeal beginner" wants more sweetness than these recipes reflect. If this applies to you, try using honey, agave or pure maple syrup to start. As you wean your taste buds off of sugary foods, you will need less and less sweetener for your oatmeal (and for your other foods, as well).
Day 5- Oatmeal Blueberry Pancake 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal 1 egg water Mix ingredients to create a pancake batter and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Cook in a pan covered with non-fat spray or coconut oil. Top with fresh berries.
Day 6- Peaches and Cream 1/2 med. Peach, sliced (or no sugar added cup-o-fruit- replace some of the cooking water with the fruit juice so your oatmeal is too watery) 1 tsp. Vanilla
Day 7- Pumpkin Spice 1/4 - 1/2 cup unsweetened Canned Pumpkin 1/2 - 1 tsp. All Spice
Day 8- Apple Fritter 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal 1 egg water one apple, diced and cooked with cinnamon until tender
Mix first three ingredients to create a pancake batter and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Cook in a pan covered with non-fat spray or coconut oil. Top with cooked apples.
Day 8- Banana Nut Bread 1/2 med. Banana, sliced 1 tsp. Vanilla 1/2 - 1 tsp. Cinnamon 1/4 c. Walnuts
Day 9- Oatmeal Cookie 1/2 - 1 tsp. Cinnamon 1 tsp. Vanilla 1/4 c. Raisins 1/4 c. Walnuts
Day 10- Pecan Pie 1/2 - 1 tsp. Cinnamon 1 tsp. Vanilla 1/4 c. Pecans 1 teaspoons real maple syrup
Day 11- Orange- Blueberry 1 individual serving cup of no sugar added mandarins, drained (or replace some of the cooking water with the mandarin juice) 1/4 c. blueberries
Day 12-Zango-Mango 1/4 c. Mango, diced 2 tsp. unsweetened Coconut flakes
Day 13- Peanut Butter Cookie 1/2 c. Peanut Butter 1 tsp. Vanilla
Day 14- Berry Bonanza 1/4 c. Blackberries 1/4 c. Blueberries 1/4 c. Raspberries
Day 15- Tropical Treat 1/4 c. Pineapple, diced and drained 1/4 med. sliced banana 2 tsp. unsweetened Coconut flakes
Day 16- Berry Delicious 1/4 c. Dried Cranberries 1/4 c. Blueberries 2 tsp. unsweetened Coconut flakes
Day 17- Pina Colada 1/4 c. Pineapple, diced and drained 1/4 c. Coconut milk or unsweetened flakes
Day 18- Banana Berry 1/4 med. Banana, sliced 1/4 c. Raspberries
Day 19- Carmel Banana 1/4 tsp. Caramel flavoring 1/4 med. Banana, sliced 1/4 c. Pecans
Day 20- Orange- Berry Crunch 1/4 tsp. (or less) Orange extract or grated orange peel 1/4 c. Dried Cranberries 1/4 c. Almonds
Day 21- Try your own creation! Mix and match any of the ingredients above- or any other ingredients you love.
Yum!
Want more? Try out the FREE online New You LifeStyle Guide for healthy changes and perhaps even weight loss! This information should not serve as a replacement for professional nutritional advice or therapy. Please contact your doctor and/or visit the Can Therapy Help Me page for more information. 530-518-1406 California LMFT license number 102308. Oklahoma LMFT license number 1153. North Carolina LMFT license pending. FCCS is a California LMFT Corporation owned and directed by Melinda Haynes, MA, LMFT. The persons depicted on this site are models. Photos do not represent or guarantee results. Contact for service areas.
