What are your favorite breakfast foods? Are you a fan of sweet or savory breakfast dishes? My favorite breakfast food is oats, which have become quite the staple for my first meal of the day. Not only can they be dressed up all kinds of different ways, they are also great for you! It is chock full of fiber, selenium, and magnesium and is one of the only foods that will actually keep me feeling full until lunch time. In addition, a diet rich in the soluble fiber, beta-glucan, contained in oats has been shown to help lower your LDL or “bad” cholesterol as well as your overall risk of heart disease by as much as 10%. (Source)
Often, when I suggest eating oatmeal to patients, they are hesitant to try it because they feel it is too bland or boring. Others may already be eating processed oatmeal in packets which is great in theory, but is often chock full of sugar and fake flavorings. They are also expensive! However, if you buy plain rolled oats, they are always cheap and still have all their good-for-you fiber without the added chemicals and sugar. Whenever I prepare my oats in the morning, I use milk for the liquid rather than water for some additional protein and calcium. Plus, milk gives the oats a lot creamier texture as well.
Here are some of my favorite healthy ways to dress up oatmeal:
- Chopped apple, cinnamon, and walnuts
- Diced banana, peanut butter, dash of maple syrup
- Halved figs, vanilla, and walnuts
- Chopped pear, almond butter, cinnamon
- Chopped peaches, chia seeds, diced almonds
- Peanut butter and dark chocolate chips
- Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, walnuts
- Berries, coconut cream, and chia seeds
Do you like oatmeal? What is your favorite way to dress up your oats?
Dried cranberries