Got Oats?

In a recent post, I talked about the amazing health benefits of oats, but what if you are stuck in an oatmeal rut? Oats are not only meant for breakfast. They can be incorporated into almost any meal to help you get the whole grains and dietary fiber you need for a healthy diet. Here are some fun ideas to help give your meals an oat makeover!

Chocolate Oats

Chocolate oats! If you’re like me, you can’t get enough chocolate in your day.  Start your day with a chocolatey treat by adding cocoa powder to your morning oatmeal and topping with sliced frozen bananas for a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and potassium all in one bowl!

Pumpkin

Pumpkin pie for breakfast? Give your morning oatmeal the autumn feel by adding canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla protein powder to basic oatmeal. The protein plus fiber will help give you the satiety you need to keep you full until your next meal.

Super Quick Oats

Seneca Farms came out with oatmeal that doesn’t require adding milk or water, but simply goes straight in the microwave for 45 seconds and is ready! Great for kids or busy moms at breakfast or snack time!

Oats as a Substitute  

Replace breadcrumbs with ground oats in your favorite meatloaf recipe or as a coating for baked fish or poultry. The switch will go unnoticed at the dinner table, but will help give your meal a healthy twist.

Not Your Traditional Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 c. old fashioned oats
• 1/2 c. fat-free cottage cheese
• 8 egg whites
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• Makes 2-3 servings

*recipe from SHAPE magazine

Preparation:

Make pancakes on a prepared hot griddle as you would any other pancake recipe! The combination of dietary fiber and protein make this power meal great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

What’s your favorite way to eat oats?