Everyone knows that oatmeal is the breakfast of champions (and if you don't, you should). This amazing grain contains fiber, is naturally sugar-free, has omega-3s, iron and is reported to boost immunity while lowering cholesterol. It is best in steel-cut form, but also comes in rolled form (which has been processed and takes less time to cook), and then there is instant, which is usually sweetened and the least nutritious of the bunch. If you don't have time to make steel-cut, (a 30 minute commitment), shoot for old-fashioned (which takes 5 minutes). Really don't have time? Find the instant that has no sugar or flavoring added. So, what else can you do with this super food?
First, don't kick it until you've tried it for breakfast. Cook according to the directions and then add a slew of fresh berries, a dollop of greek yogurt and some walnuts for a power-packed breakfast. The great think about steel-cut is that you can make it the night before, and it reheats well in the morning.
Tired of normal oatmeal? Try OATMEAL PANCAKES.
Here's one heart healthy recipe:
1 cup fat free milk (or water)
3/4 cup oatmeal (uncooked, quick or regular oats)
3/4 cup oatmeal flour
1 tsp baking powder (optional)
4 large egg whites
1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
Directions:
Heat milk (or water) until hot, stir in oats and set aside. Beat egg whites into a stiff foam with hand mixer or blender and reserve. Mix remaining dry ingredients together and stir in oatmeal/milk mixture. Fold in egg whites until mixture is well blended. Spray pan with nonstick spray and cook pancakes until browned on both sides.
*Depending on how long you've let the oats sit, you may need to add a little extra water to the batter to thin it out. It will still be thicker than regular pancake batter
Nutritional Information for 5 Pancakes:
Per Serving: Calories- 313 Carbs- 48.8g Protein- 19.5g Fat- 4.5g Fiber- 6.3g
Another way to make these is simply to combine egg whites and oatmeal and saute with cooking spray. A little boring, but a different spin on the popular egg white and oatmeal breakfast. Top with fresh berries and agave nectar for a truly guilt-free treat.
PROTEIN SHAKES
Adding oatmeal straight from the canister is a great post-workout way to give your muscles the proper recovery fuel. I use HYDROWHEY and combine one scoop with 6 ice cubes, 1/2 cup of water, 1/3 c. greek yogurt, 1 banana and then sprinkle in some oatmeal and a dash of cinnamon for a perfect recovery drink. It also makes a great snack.
BINDING FOR BURGERS
Oatmeal is a perfect binding agent for meats when grilling. Simply add it to the marinade and roll it in with the meat. It keeps the burgers together and absorbs grease.
CRUSTS
The next time you want to crust your meat, try oatmeal. It's a healthier way to add a little texture to your chicken, pork or beef.
FLOUR
The next time you try to make pancakes or bread, put oatmeal in a food processor to make OAT FLOUR and use this instead of regular flour for a healthier approach to pancakes or breads.
SKIN REMEDIES
If you cook oatmeal and let it cool, you can apply it directly to skin to treat acne. You can also pour some in the bath to help open pours and sooth dry, irritate skin.
CRAFTS
Oatmeal can be combined with flour and water for a healthy and inexpensive spin on craft time with the kids. Let them mold their creation and it will harden overnight.
CANISTER
The next time you go to throw away the canister, don't. You can decorate it with paper and store craft items, kitchen items, whatever you deem fit.
Enjoy!!
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