Clean Eating Gingerbread Oatmeal Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest thing to add to oatmeal? ›

Additions to make it healthier

Here are some foods to pair with oatmeal to bolster its protein or fat content: a couple of spoonfuls of nut butter, nuts, or seeds. a scoop of protein powder. beaten egg whites (mixed into oatmeal while cooking) or a fried egg on top.

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."

Blueberries are a nutrient-rich fruit packed with antioxidants that support heart health and cognitive function. 10 They're low in calories and high in fiber, which supports satiety while improving gut health. When combined with oatmeal, blueberries make a nutritionally balanced breakfast that satisfies the senses.

Drizzle date syrup, agave nectar, or buckwheat honey for a more nuanced sweetness than straight-up sugar. Cook oats with fresh fruit like blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for added texture, flavor, and plenty of beautiful color.

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

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.

Cinnamon, in turn, has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels. Since high cholesterol is linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease, the cholesterol-reducing effects of both honey and cinnamon together may reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

If you need to add a sweetener besides fresh fruit, opt for a natural one like maple syrup or honey. They're still high in sugar and calories, but at least they come with the benefit of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Banana has signficantly more Vitamin C than oat. Oat has more thiamin, pantothenic acid and folate, however, banana contains more Vitamin B6. Both oats and banana are high in dietary fiber and potassium. Banana has 9.8 times less saturated fat than oat.

What nuts are good in oatmeal? ›

Nuts and seeds – add almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and/or flaxseed to your oats for some crunch and a touch of protein. Nut or seed butter – top your oats with almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter.

Nuts and seeds can be a great grain-free substitute for oatmeal if you're following a paleo diet. In addition to being rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and protein, foods like almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and pecans are all high in plenty of essential vitamins and minerals ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ).

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

Water will also work. Cinnamon: This adds a little sweetness and flavor to the oats. Stevia/Monk Fruit: To sweeten up the oats and give them a nice flavor without added sugar.

Combining white sugar with molasses may be a better brown sugar substitute, but if you don't have molasses, other liquid sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar will work as well. You should mix a tablespoon or two of the liquid sweetener into a scant 1 cup of white sugar to replace a cup of brown sugar.

You can add them as a topping to your favorite yogurt or blend them into a smoothie. One easy and nutritious way to enjoy raw oats is to make overnight oats by letting them soak in the refrigerator in water or milk. This allows them to absorb the liquid, making them easily digestible in the morning.

Whether you prefer oatmeal with milk or water depends on your personal taste and dietary requirements. Whichever method you choose, oatmeal is a nutritious and satisfying breakfast choice that can be easily customized to suit your preferences.

Add-ins make any oatmeal better-tasting—and they can also make it more nutritious. Topping oatmeal with your favorite fruit boosts the fiber. Adding unsalted nuts offers healthy fats and makes your breakfast more filling.