Oatmeal is often praised for being one of the healthiest energy sources around, but what makes it so? Not only does oatmeal provide complex carbohydrates to keep your body and brain fueled throughout the day, but it's also full of other nutrients. When you eat a bowl of oatmeal, the complex carbs deliver energy to your body. And because these carbs are slowly digested, the energy will last much longer.
In addition to being a complex carbohydrate, oatmeal is also a whole grain and much more nutritious than refined carbs. Whole grains contain all parts of the grainthe bran, germ and endosperm. This being so, they also have more nutrients and benefit your body in more ways than one.
Overnight oatmeal is one of the most simple and nutritious breakfast recipes out there. To make overnight oats, you simply combine all of the ingredients you'd typically add to your oatmeal, cover it, and place it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, as you sleep, the oats will soak up all of the tasty flavors of the ingredients and create delicious and creamy oatmeal that you can grab and enjoy on the go. For a fantastic cup of overnight oats, use our Gluten Free and Organic Oatmeal Cups and Nutritional Booster Powders.
Spiced Oatmeal Cookie Booster Smoothie
Smoothies are another healthy breakfast option that you can make in minutes. Ensure that you get out the door on time and make this Spiced Oatmeal Cookie Booster for breakfast. It's a quick and vegan smoothie loaded with healthy foods to get your day started. Additionally, to cut down the prep time, prepare the ingredients of this smoothie the night before, so all you have to do is blend them up in the morning!
Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Bars
A sure-fire way to free up more time on weekday mornings is to plan your breakfasts out on the weekend. Make these Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Bars to ensure that you always have something healthy and tasty to reach for. The perfect alternative to breakfast cereals, they combine the chewy goodness of rolled oats with a flaky crust and cranberry filling and come together in the work bowl of your food processor. Simple to make and clean up, keep these oatmeal bars in the freezer, and allow them to thaw on the counter as you get ready for work. By the time you're heading out the door, they'll be ready to eat!
Oat's naturally nutty flavor tastes excellent when combined with various ingredients. While oats are usually paired with sweet foods like fruit and brown sugar, they can also be used to create a savory side dish. So switch up your next breakfast bowl of oats and make a flavorful recipe like this Savory Oatmeal with Baked Eggs. Chicken broth, Steel Cut Oats and eggs create a hearty, filling breakfast dish we can't get enough of.
Oats can also create light lunches and savory appetizers like this Peachy Salad with Savory Toasted Oats and Cheesy Oatmeal.
Incorporating more oats into your diet is one habit that's sure to help you reach your health goals. Oats are a slowly digested source of complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein that will help keep you energized and alert for the day ahead. Pull from one of the recipes above, or whip up one of your own to begin enjoying the benefits of oats today. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a healthy and happy day!
Do you enjoy cooking with oats? We'd love to hear about the recipes you create with this superfood ingredient. Share your favorite oat-based meals with us in the comments below.
