What is oatmeal, is it healthy and how to prepare it, see bellow!
Are you tired of thinking every morning – ‘’What should I prepare now? How much time do I have? What ingredients do I need in order to prepare a healthy breakfast?’’ etc. I know you ask yourself these questions, I do too! Finally, there is some light out of the tunnel- oatmeal!
Let’s start with this: A lot of you will ask if oats are healthy. The answer is yes! Oatmeal has a variety of health benefits! To begin with, oats are a complete grain that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, naturally gluten-free, and high in fiber, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. Oatmeal’s soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Plus, there’s something about oatmeal that makes you feel good and fulfilled inside.
Plain oatmeal, I’ll confess, isn’t usually full enough for a meal unless it’s paired with a little protein and some good fats. I prefer to make one of my protein oatmeal dishes, savory oats (with an egg on top), or serve it with a couple of hardboiled eggs on the side for added protein. I like to add chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, and cashews) and seeds to my salads for healthy fats (like chia, flax and sunflower seeds). Alternatively, top with a large tablespoon of nut butter! You’ll stay full all morning if you add a little protein and fat to your oatmeal. The decision is yours and yours completely.
What do you need in order to prepare a perfect oatmeal? Starting with this you can prepare your breakfast bowl with milk or water- it is up to you! You can add cinnamon as well as vanilla extract, it is up to your flavour again. There are a variety of toppings which can be chosen. Here is the key! What’s the secret to creating good oatmeal? It’s all about the toppings and add-ins! To take my oatmeal to the next level, I like to add fruit, nut butter, and a variety of textures.
And now to the main part- how to actually prepare the oats? There are several ways of doing it. You can bake them, cook them on the stove, make them in a slow cooker, overnight oats, or even microwave oatmeal.
Starting with putting them on the stove, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup water or milk, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium/high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low heat and simmer, stirring periodically, for about 5-7 minutes. Then, the oatmeal is ready and you can add whatever you like in order to make it perfect!
If I have to be honest, I prefer preparing my oats in the microwave, because it is easier and takes no more than 5 minutes to prepare! Simply combine 12 cup rolled oats, 1 cup water or milk, and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl with enough room for the oats to expand. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and then microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between. Cook until the oatmeal reaches the desired consistency – I usually cook mine for 3 minutes, but it’s done when most of the liquid has been absorbed and the oats are hot.
Prepare your own oatmeal bowl, add your favourite fruit, toppings, flavours and start your day properly! Good breakfast leads to a good day! 🙂
