How-To: Oatmeal Your Way

Oatmeal is one of the easiest and most popular breakfast choices for kids and adults

 
A bowl of creamy, hot oatmeal:

•  Lowers blood sugar levels
•  Reduces the risk of heart disease
 

There are two types of oatmeal:

•  Traditional oats
•  Steel cut oats
 

The most budget-friendly option is traditional oats, which comes in three types:

•  Old fashioned
•  Instant
•  Quick 1-minute

HappyHealthy recommends traditional old fashioned for you and your family.

 
There are two ways to cook old fashioned oats:
•  On the stovetop
•  In the microwave

Cook on the stovetop:

Makes one serving
 
Ingredients:

• ½ cup of old fashioned oats
• 1 cup of water or milk
• Pinch of salt

 
Directions:

1. Boil water or milk in a saucepan
2. Stir in oats and pinch of salt
3. Cook about 5 minutes over medium high heat
4. Stir occasionally while cooking
    

Cook in the microwave:

Makes one serving
 
Ingredients:

• ½ cup of old fashioned oats
• 1 cup of water or milk
• Pinch of salt

 
Directions:

1. Combine water or milk and oats in medium microwave-safe bowl
2. Add pinch of salt
3. Microwave on high for 2 ½ to 3 minutes
4. Stir before serving

 
Healthy Additions:
•  Get creative with toppings
•  Flavor combinations are endless
•  Fresh Fruit (or frozen) such as bananas, strawberries, blueberries, melons, apples, peaches, pears
•  Dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, prunes
•  Spices such cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice
•  Nuts and seeds such as pecans, peanuts
•  And so much more such as peanut butter, apple sauce, granola

 
Here’s a quick and easy oatmeal recipe:
 
Overnight Oats with Blueberries
Makes 1 ¾ cup serving
 
Ingredients:

• ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup old fashioned oats (uncooked)
• ½ cup low-fat yogurt
• ¼ cup low-fat milk

 
Directions:

1. Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2. Wash blueberries and set aside to drain on a paper towel or in a colander
3. Combine blueberries, oats, yogurt and milk in a jar or container with a lid
4. Shake to combine ingredients
5. Chill overnight in the refrigerator or for at least 6 hours
6. Serve and enjoy!
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours