30 Recipes using oats-a cheap pantry staple (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

The bottom line

Adding nutritious toppings to oatmeal can boost its flavor and contribute to its health benefits. Try adding fruit for sweetness, veggies or eggs for a savory twist, or sources of protein and fat to make it a balanced meal.

I'll be the first to admit that plain oatmeal usually isn't filling enough for a meal unless you pair it with a little protein and some healthy fats. For added protein, I like making one of my protein oatmeal recipes, savory oats (with an egg on top) or serving it with a couple hardboiled eggs on the side.

"Steel-cut oats can absorb more water than instant oats, and they're also superior to instant oatmeal because they are less processed and have a better nutrient profile,” she says. You can also spruce up your oatmeal with healthy toppings like fresh fruit.

This suggests oats can be consumed every day. However, since oats are high in fiber, you may notice changes in your stool's appearance and the frequency at which you poop. Consuming an excess amount of oats may also lead to decreased nutrient absorption.

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away. When applied to the skin: Lotion containing oat extract is possibly safe to use on the skin.

A small 2018 study on 50 people with chronic kidney disease found that eating oatmeal helps kidney function. A 2020 study found that oat beta-glucan, which is a type of soluble fiber found in oats and oatmeal, helped lower the level of toxins that the kidneys usually excrete.

Compare 100 calories of baked potato to 100 calories of oatmeal, and you find a bit less protein (3 grams vs. 4), a bit more starch (18 grams vs. 16) and a similar mineral profile (potatoes have more potassium, but oats have more selenium). But potatoes beat out oats in just about every vitamin, as well as fiber.

Oatmeal is good for your gut.

Oats are a prebiotic food and the beta-glucan fiber helps feed the good bacteria. The fiber helps to keep you full for hours by slowing down digestion AND contributes to keeping bowel movements regular. A healthy gut decreases the risk for disease and inflammation.

Directions. Crack and Beat 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk in a microwave safe bowl until blended. You could use egg whites to decrease cholesterol and calories. Stir in 1/3 cup oats, ½ chopped banana, 1 tsp.

Why am I still hungry after a bowl of oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal is lacking in two macronutrients that help you stave off hunger for hours. Fat and protein are key ingredients to add to your oatmeal to keep you fuller, longer.

5. A Bowl of Oatmeal May Help Reduce Belly Fat. Another win for oatmeal's soluble fiber: It may help reduce visceral fat, the type of fat in your midsection that hugs your organs and raises your risk of heart disease and stroke — even if your body mass index is deemed normal, notes the AHA.

Steel-cut oats are one of the best for weight loss as they are a minimally processed type of oatmeal packed with dietary fiber. This fiber makes you feel fuller for longer periods, thus preventing overeating and unnecessary snacking.

Peanut butter may actually aid weight loss. Adults and adolescents who consume peanut and peanut butter regularly gain less weight than others who don't consume these nuts. They're often less likely to be overweight or obese and have lower blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol.

When in doubt, add nut butters for creaminess, sweetness, and plenty of good protein. We like crunchy peanut butter for added texture, almond butter, cashew butter, and even tahini. Throw a chopped banana and a smudge of vanilla paste into stovetop oats for creamy, delicious, banana bread oatmeal.

Some popular choices include sliced bananas, berries, diced apples, or chopped peaches. 2. Nuts and seeds: Adding nuts and seeds to oatmeal provides healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Some options include almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, or flax seeds.

Raw oats can be eaten with milk or water, but it is generally not recommended as they can be difficult to digest and can cause digestive discomfort.

“Whole grains are beneficial and healthy foods, and I can say that oatmeal is definitely beneficial,” Qi Sun, assistant professor of nutrition, said in the same article. As long as it's sugar-free, “eating oatmeal for breakfast is a good choice.”