Fave 5: Oatmeal Flavor Combinations

The healthier option for oatmeal is old fashioned oats.  Why?  Because old fashioned oats are minimally processed, which means they require more work for the carbohydrate to be absorbed by the body, which gives you a sustained energy level.  Instant oatmeal, which adds sugar, artificial colors and flavorings, is highly processed.  This processing causes the oats to break down very rapidly into sugar in your body causing an energy spike.  Another reason to love old fashioned oatmeal is because it's a blank canvas to be creative with flavors.  Just follow the package directions for microwave cooking. In about five minutes, you can create a great one-bowl breakfast full of fiber, protein, and complex carbs!  Here are my five favorite oatmeal flavor combinations.

 

1.  Pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and pecans.  Pumpkin pie for breakfast anyone?  Well not quite, but I like to have the flavors of my favorite desserts at breakfast as often as possible.  You can also add some stevia, agave nectar, or artificial sweetner to taste.

 

2.  Peanut butter and cocoa.  Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic combination, you may not have thought about putting in your oatmeal before, but its high time you did, because it's delish!

 

3.  Plain greek yogurt and strawberries.  If you like strawberries and cream instant oatmeal this is the combo for you.  You will probably need to add your sweetner of choice to this one as well.

 

4.  Sweet & Spicy tea, an apple, and almonds.  This is a recent favorite.  The tea should be steeped ahead of time and used instead of water while cooking the oats.  Then add thinly sliced apples to the oatmeal after cooking and top with sliced almonds.

 

5.  Banana and walnuts.  Kinda like banana bread for breakfast; you can also add cinnamon and nutmeg to increase the similarity.